We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Bryson Cook a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Bryson, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I grew up in Texas during the ’80s. It was a small town, where everyone knew each other and the church was the center of attention. I was deeply involved in church activities such as Easter and Christmas speeches and plays, choir, conferences, and visits. My mom was my role model. She sang in the choir and taught herself to play the organ. I admired her and wanted to be like her. My dad was a laid-back deacon. My mom had a rough upbringing and instilled in me the Dr. King-era mentality that I had to be the best at whatever I did. My family always supported me in everything I did and never said no or that I couldn’t do something. They had high hopes and dreams for me, and I didn’t want to disappoint them. As the youngest in the family, I always received hugs and kisses from my parents, brothers, and sister.
In my senior year of high school, I decided to join the United States Marine Corps. It seemed like the right choice for me as it aligned with my self-image of being tough. I like to say, “God made me, my mom molded me, and the Marine Corps polished me.” Joining the Marines helped develop my confidence.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. During my time in the Marines, I learned the importance of looking out for my fellow Marines. As a Corporal, I was given the responsibility to lead and develop my leadership skills. This experience taught me to be more empathetic towards the needs of others and to protect those who are unable to do so for themselves. After leaving the Marines, I became a police officer in my hometown, where I loved serving my community. I had a personal connection with the people I served, and they saw me as Bryson or even Jean’s son, not just Officer Cook. In 2017, I started Wolf Pack Receiving after learning about porch pirates and the increasing problem of stolen packages. In 2022, the issue of package theft continued to worsen, with over 23 million packages stolen. Wolf Pack Receiving’s mission is to prevent stolen packages and make our neighborhoods safer. We offer online shoppers an alternative address to send their purchases to, so that their packages are not left sitting outside, waiting to be stolen. We deliver the packages to our customers and place them directly in their hands. This allows me to continue serving and protecting, one delivery at a time.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, I realize that three qualities have had a significant impact on me. These qualities are commitment, the ability to dream, and consistency. When you make a promise to yourself or others, it’s essential to follow through. It’s important to be prepared for things to go wrong and to be willing to face the consequences, whether they’re good or bad. Always dream big and in color. Have something to strive for in life. For me, I’m currently striving to see my goals come to fruition. I don’t have a specific financial target in mind because that can change over time. Above all, I want my eleven grandchildren to see me work hard and achieve my dream of making Wolf Pack Receiving a success. It’s not about what you leave for your family, but what you instill in them that matters most. Every day, wake up and work on yourself and your dreams. Sometimes, you must treat your dreams like a spouse. You love them and work tirelessly on them every day, making them your top priority.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents did many things for me, such as letting me fail. They didn’t pick me up every time I fell, even when I busted out one of my front teeth or wrecked my motorcycle. They taught me how to be a fighter. They allowed me to be a child throughout my entire childhood. Even when I wanted a job like my friends and classmates, they advised me that I had my entire life to work, and I would get there soon enough, and focus on school and the experiences that part of my life had to offer. My parents raised me with a blank slate, never imposing their career aspirations on me. Instead, they allowed me to choose my path. Though they hoped I would go to Grambling University, when I came home excited about joining the Marines, they were okay with it. I believe they were content with my decision because it was something positive I had decided on my own, without influence from friends or family. They were proud of me as if they were getting a great return on their investment from the sweat and effort they put into raising me.
Contact Info:
- Website: wolfpackreceiving.com
- Instagram: @therealwolfpackrec
- Facebook: Wolf Pack Receiving, LLC
- Linkedin: Bryson R. Cook
- Twitter: @Wolf_ PackRec
- Youtube: @wolfpackreceiving500
- Yelp: Wolf Pack Receiving
