It’s a beautiful Wednesday morning at Seven Oaks Country Club, all the rain from yesterday is behind us and Rotarians are doing what Rotarians do…. Show up for a meeting!

 

 

A great big THANK YOU to our greatest, Neil Walker and Michelle Zdybowicz. Teresa Waller gave this morning’s invocation and Mindy Wilmot led us in the salute to our flag. 

Songstress Carol E Smith led us in song.  Her pick for today was “This Land Is Your Land”. 

 

Today we had no visiting Rotarians but we were honored to have with us Sandra Kessler, a prospective member and guest of Jacque Alexander.

 

Queen Jackie is still living the good life so today Past President Dave Spalinger filled in.

Also, thank you to this week’s scribe, Kristine Hertin.

 

 

 

 

We sang the Happy Birthday song to Kay Pitts, Denise Haynes, and Stephanie Baker who celebrated birthdays last week, but were somehow missed at the previous meeting. Pete Leveroni and his lovely bride Michelle celebrated their 40^th anniversary on Sunday.  When asked what the gift is for a 40^th, he said “going to Pasadena to visit the grandkids”.  Jeff Bell was recognized for 16 years of Rotary and Service Above Self.   

 

 

 

 

We had some Happy Spots today. Past President David Spalinger had planned on recognizing Past President Cheryl Scott for writing an article for Greet magazine and including his picture in it, but she was not present. He was also going to give her some grief about writing the Beacon and messing up Willie Gordon with Will Duerksen who actually won the 50/50 raffle.

Dave Spalinder gave Troy Fringer some grief for always being on vacation but never paying for it. When asked where he was going next, Troy admitted to his upcoming plans to visit France, Rome, and a Mediterranean cruise.  Funny thing is, I don't think he paid for the happy spot…

Bill and Jan Black went to celebrate his son being promoted in the Army. He brought back some coins for Mr. David and is $20 happy.

Willie Gordon was also happy today.  He and his wife were able to go to Denver for a wedding and have a quick get away without the kids. He is $30 happy about it.

 

 

Denise Haynes reminded everyone about the club T-shirts. Remember to let her know what size you want. Thank you, President/Queen Jackie, for getting them for the club!

 

 

Former President David Spalinger reminisced about Covid time during his reign. The club didn't miss a meeting, and he held most of them out of his shop. He gave out a total of 68 bottles of Conundrum wine that year. For an extra special treat: he brought 6 bottles for today’s raffle.

 

 

Jacque helped Tom Burke out and reminded the club about the Thousand Flags Sponsorship Packets. Try to get sponsors!!!

Jacque also helped our Marti by asking if someone could spearhead the San Miguel project.

 

 

 

Scott Garrison, owner of Planned Exits, spoke about successful business exits. He is a lifelong entrepreneur, and he cofounded his first company at 27 years old. His dad, Bud Garrison, was also an entrepreneur and says that's where he got it from. One fun fact about Scott is that he has made the Inc 5000 list 10 times!

Scott helps small and medium-sized business owners when it comes to their exit strategies. He helps to uncover blind spots and works collaboratively to help increase the value.

100% of business owners exit their business, but only 20% have a plan. If that is not staggering enough for you, 80% of businesses put on the market never sell. Why? Valuation!

 

Some mistakes business owners make when exiting their business:

-They have no coach or consultant

-They show little to no profits on the tax returns

-They wait too long to begin the process

-They assume their business is worth much more than it is

 

The sweet spot to work with Scott is about 3 years out of selling the business. This way he has time to evaluate and help with things.

In his personal time, he enjoys hanging out with his beautiful wife Leslie and has a son Jace, who is autistic. He says Jace is God's way of teaching him patience. He also enjoys being with their 6 grandkids- but does love Mondays because it means he can go back to work and "rest".

 

We ended the meeting with our 50/50 drawing.  Neil Walker won the cash. $53 in all.  The Wine Raffle Winners: Carol Smith (x2), Shawn Kelly, Karen Bonanno, Ron Nelms, and Kay Pitts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will see you next week when our speaker will be Lauren Marty with the BMOA.