TurnAbout Tour: Topher Gleason

So while I didn't quite hit all my goals, I had a productive weekend.

Book No. 2 of Before the Blood is edited, but I never progressed as far as chapter 17 of the fifth book and doubt I will accomplish anything more until the weekend.

On Wednesday I am speaking to a group of retired teachers about self-publishing and needed to prepare for that this past weekend. On Thursday and Friday I have events related to the retirement of Herald-News sports editor Dick Goss. So it's a tight week.

I also had breakfast with friends on Saturday and then again on Sunday. Bertrand and I (with smoe of the kids) spent a couple hours at Taste of Joliet, the first time I really ever went.,

I created text for the Art of the BryonySeries flyer. I made updates on the website. I sent off eight pen pal letters to grandchildren. And I wrote two work stories and caught up on some other related work.

So as you see, very productive.

I am wrapping up the BryonySeries TurnAbout Tour with postings today and tomorrow. My plans is to archive the entire tour on the website, but that might not happen for a couple weeks.

And now: Topher Gleason.

On his LinkedIn page, Topher describes himself in the following way: "I strive to ensure excellent service for clients with no objection to traveling a majority of the time. Seventeen years sales experience, eight years sales training experience and seven years management experiences, makes me a very well rounded game changer.

"I am an excellent communicator with the ability to do both online and in-person demonstrations to one or five hundred plus.

"I have a fruitful sales track record with ability to bond effectively in all mediums."

His artist biography says: Topher’s art is normally reserved for family and a few close friends, but after the suggestions of those close to Topher, he has decided to share his work. Gleason is currently working on two novels. Topher uses watercolor and ink as his medium. 

He is available for commissions. Contact him at Topher@artworkbytopher.com.

Here are three posts I really liked:

The Importance of the Baseline In Today’s Dealership

Although this post is directed to people in a particular industry, its overall message applies to any project we tackle.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-baseline-todays-dealership-topher-gleason/


Are You Blooming Where You Are Planted?

A post that echoes advice I've given my kids (and myself!): don't turn down an opportunity, even if you think it's something you don't want to do.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/you-blooming-where-planted-topher-gleason/

My Memory is Flawed

A wistful post on childhood places that shaped us and are now gone - with a reminder that all of our life experiences shape us

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-memory-flawed-topher-gleason/

Illustration by Topher Gleason

Ed Calkins: Professional Blunders

Found this gem from 2013. 

I had to read it a couple of times before I realized this was in response to a recommendation on LinkedIn.

Still, no other supervisor has ever addressed me as "paper goddess," nor handed me the route book for the day on bended knee.

Explanation for those new to this blog. My family used to rise in the middle of the night (like vampires) and deliver thousands of newspapers everyday. I myself used to take out over 900, the highest count of any carrier in the building, at least by the time the newspapers we delivered became outsourced.

Ed Calkins was my supervisor for one of those routes. And, no lie, he dubbed me "paper goddess" because of the volume and handed me the daily route book in the pose he felt was due me. The photo below shows him "recapping" the standard and now infamous routine at a middle-of-the-night book signing for Visage inside the distribution center in December 2012 - except he's handing me a candy cane instead of a route book, still fitting because Ed distributed those all through December, too. In fact, he saved one from December 2017 and presented it to me on Calkins Day 2018.

My face is blurry, the limitations of vintage camera phones, but yeah, it's me. And I still own (and still wear) the same hat and coat.

Ah, paper route days. Fun times!

Dear MOMI,

Perhaps I should read emails before I respond to them but I'm not used to keeping track of the difference between my fantasy and professional (insert of fit of giggles) life. 

I responded to the links that you sent me, not realizing that this might be about something other then my immortality. Be relieved that I did not list my occupation as 'ruthless dictator, steward of Tara, or quality control manager for the "Chicken Ranch". (just got back from Vegas) 

Instead I listed my occupation as "paperboy" and "character in a vampire series," which might not help you if you wish me to recommend you. 

Between you and me, I don't really worry about impressing anyone that hasn't heard of me in a professional context, as I have never been able to find employment by looking for it (I'm not kidding), but I would hate to ruin you career should the book fail to be a best seller. (I've been told that if Oprah doesn't read it, it doesn't sell).

What would you like me to do as far as professional recommendations? I can truthfully say only good things about how you work, but I don't know my wacky ways will help your cause nor my mentioning that I was loosely your boss at your (very) part-time job might not get you the places you'd wish to go. It would not offend me if you insisted on any interview that you have no idea who I am.

Please advise me.

                                        

Paperboy in Chief,

                                  you know

"Heroism in the Workplace" Tour Host: Topher Gleason

I scheduled this particular blog stop for today because I feel its topic is appropriate for Memorial Day, a day to commemorate heroism.

While heroism in the workplace (or the home or anywhere else) is not the same as losing one's life on the battlefield for freedom, standing up for one's beliefs or for the sake of another is never easy.

I find such actions inspiring as does Topher Gleason, Customer Experience Manager at Digital Dealership System, who hosted me on his LinkedIn page today.

On his LinkedIn page, Topher describes himself in the following way: "I strive to ensure excellent service for clients with no objection to traveling a majority of the time. Seventeen years sales experience, eight years sales training experience and seven years management experiences, makes me a very well rounded game changer.

"I am an excellent communicator with the ability to do both online and in-person demonstrations to one or five hundred plus.

"I have a fruitful sales track record with ability to bond effectively in all mediums."

Topher not only tries to model heroism, he believes in mentoring (He is a former Big Brother) and inspiring others in word and deed. I tried to write a post that reflected those characteristics.

You may read it here:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heroism-workplace-topher-gleason/