Gentlemen’s Corner

A Lifetime of Knowledge and what do we do with it?

In our last conversation, I talked about being a warrior. Being a man and growing older, we have countless experiences, successes and failures. Deciding how to utilize all of that and move forward could bring a tremendous amount value to not only ourselves but those around us. Knowing when to offer that advice or just listen is probably the hardest thing to figure out.

As a young man, my dad taught me everything from how to fix things to actually building them and to knowing when to ask for help. A mechanic by trade, I never knew what an electrician, a carpenter, a plumber, or a landscaper were. They were all my dad.

In today’s society, I struggle to see that knowledge being passed down to the younger generations. We hear all the time that the majority of ‘kids today’ don’t want to do the work. We struggle to find enough of them in the trades, which frankly, have proven more valuable over time than many degrees in my opinion. But it’s just what to do with your hands, it’s how to act and grow that is just as important.

I’m not here to bash college, I have my degree, and have been pretty successful with it. I’m looking to focus on how WE, the older generation, can find ways to teach and help the next.

What skills and knowledge are you willing to pass along?

I certainly don’t know it all, but I believe I have learned a good bit in my life. I would suggest many of my close friends have similar or even more experience in several areas as well. Figuring out who knows what and what they are willing to do with that knowledge is my goal. Feeling comfortable asking for help is key as well.

1. Finding Apprenticeships – If you are recently out of school and still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, I highly recommend looking into being an Apprentice. What you will learn with real hands-on work, at basically no cost (you may even make a few bucks) is a much better path than many other college programs. For those a little further along in life, learning something new is always a good idea.
2. Being a Mentor – If you are a specialist in a specific field, I encourage you to make it known you are happy to teach. This was the way it was done 40-50 years ago. Everyone’s Grandfather started as a ‘go-fer’ and learned the ropes through hard work. How can we get back to that mindset of starting from the bottom? Be the spark that gets young folks interested and guide them.

3. Be willing to teach – I know, being a teacher is hard. I’m not talking about grade school or high school necessarily. I’m suggesting college level or even teaching an online course. If you have knowledge of a particular trade or even something in a particular field like sales, accounting or marketing, find a way to help. If your kids are looking to talk to someone who does it today, network and find someone! Just like many of us do every single day when we need a new roof, a electrician or a mechanic, ask around!

4. It’s not just about a career – my focus may appear to be all about the job but let’s teach our boys how to be men. Holding the door for a lady, doing their part at home, being able to fix things and making a positive impact in their community. All these things just make us better as men, fathers and friends.

Be willing to take the time.

Without someone willing to share, knowledge will never make its way down through the generations. We don’t live in a world where kids are out in the garage tinkering with Dad or even learning how to cook with Mom. Sure, there are exceptions, but life is different for everyone. Sitting down with a parent or grandparent with a hook in the water talking about life just isn’t as prevalent as it used to be. For my fellow Gen Xers, lets do our part to be the teachers and encourage our kids and grandkids to be willing to learn. We can’t give up on them, just like our parents didn’t give up on us.

If you are 20 or 30 years old and reading this, PLEASE ASK FOR HELP! If there is something you are passionate about, find someone who does it and share that passion. I believe most of us would be more than happy to guide you and help you find your way. You just need to take that first step.

Colin Furcht- BRO Beard Products CEO

Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to now a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop