I got this today from a former tenant. Just made my whole day! Somebody listened! Somebody got it!!

Hello gevans,

My name is XXXXXX. You may remember me as the former roommate of XXXX who lived in your property on XXXX. While I was living at that property, you came to do a few maintenance projects at the house and we had a series of conversations that had a life-changing impact on me. I was impressed at your broad skill set and asked you how you learned to do so many things, and you told me "If you really want to learn how to do something, first offer to do it for free." I never forgot that conversation, and I have followed that piece of advice many times now with outstanding results. I left the military and moved back to my hometown, and when I got there I stayed as busy as I could doing things that I found Interesting. I did a bit of computer programming, landscaping, trail maintenance, conservation work, and worked in a winery. I did a lot of work for no pay, but the relationships that I formed and the skills that I developed are way more valuable than any money could have been.

In September of 2019 I decided that I wanted to learn how to make wine. So what did I do? I followed your advice. I walked into a local winery, got to know the owner, then offered to work for free if he would teach me how to make wine. For a long time I worked a couple of days per week in the winery. The owner was impressed with my work, and he eventually offered me a full time position. I am now the vintner at a successful winery, and I have you to thank for that.

I also do volunteer work at a conservation organization that rescues and rehabilitates wild birds. I decided to start volunteering there because I was interested in conservation work, but I had no experience working in that field. I remembered your advice though, and decided to start volunteering at local wildlife parks and nature preserves. I eventually started taking care of the hiking trails and property at the XXX Bird Sanctuary. It was there that I met my current fiancee who is one of the directors at the sanctuary. I now serve on the property committee at this organization.

I've often told the story about my former landlord who gave me some advice that totally changed my life, but I've never actually thanked you for that advice. So, thank you XXX. You probably didn't realize it, but you gave me the best piece of advice I've ever received, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Thank you,

Way back in grade school, I read that Nelson Rockefeller got his first job during the Great Depression...working six months for FREE for the railroad.

His father was already a rich man, so he didn't even have to work. But he did.

I learned many of my skills by volunteering as the gopher for someone skilled.

That’s the good stuff.

That, for me, is the best ‘paycheck’ in life.

That's really great - a big "warm-fuzzy"