Gary Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Gary, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My day starts with a cup of coffee, answering emails, and checking appointments for the day. Then I am off to the gym. I return home, shower, and have lunch. After lunch, I put on jazz and begin to write. I write every day after lunch, unless I have a meeting or some other appointment, then I will write in the evening.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born in Hayward, California; after high school, I joined the Naval Air Reserve and entered the electrical construction trade. I started my own electrical construction company in 1978. This became a large company that did large industrial jobs throughout the United States until my retirement in 2011, when I began writing.
I am the author of the award-winning Warren Steelgrave series of five five-star novels and a book of short stories. I am working on the eleventh book in the series. In addition, I am an award-winning professional photographer with works in private and public collections, and I hold three patents.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My father was the person who shaped how I see myself. He had his flaws for sure. He drank too much and was quiet and to himself. He was very direct, and when he entered a room, his silent presence and strength filled the room. His word was his bond, and though it was hidden, his caring for animals, people, music, and craft was deep. He did not suffer fools lightly. He passed in 1991, and I feel his presence every day and strive to live up to the best of his personality.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In 1984, my wife started premature labor. The doctors tried all night to stop the labor and couldn’t. Kevin was born too early to save. I sat in a dimly lit room holding him until he passed. In the two hours I sat with him, we made a connection. It was the most pain I had ever felt. I just wanted to go to bed and never leave it.
My business at the time was near bankruptcy. If I lock myself away and the company fails, Kevin’s death would always be the excuse for my failure. I could not allow that to happen. I made a commitment to Kevin that would not happen. I not only saved the company, but I turned it into a million-dollar company.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I have come across many smart people who have never questioned themselves about how they have come to their deepest beliefs. Take the death penalty, are their beliefs their own or inherited from their parents or a school teacher, maybe cultural? But is it theirs or someone else’s? At one point in my life, I threw out each and every belief I had. Over time, I took many of them back. The difference? I chose them this time. They were my beliefs.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I am a very competitive person and compete with myself. Everything I do is my best effort. I take it as a personal challenge. It’s for me and no one else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www. garysmithauthor.com
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/gary-smith-a78806137
- Twitter: @g_smithauthor
- Youtube: GarySmith@garysmith5304
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