Tomorrow (Tuesday) I’ll celebrate my 50th birthday. I’m with my family at our lake home in northern Michigan. The landscape outside the window is like a postcard of a winter wonderland.
On my last day at 49.95, I can’t help but reflect on the blessings in my life. My entire family is healthy and doing well. My mother and father are in Florida with their health. All three of my sons are healthy, happy and on -track academically. Austin is a sophomore at the University of Denver, Alex just got accepted to Emory University and Samson, age 10, just got an A+ on his fractions test. My wife Nancy is the engine that keeps us moving and the glue that keeps us together. Over the past several years she’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity and shows no sign of letting up.
For myself, I count the blessings. My vision impairment presents only minor inconveniences. My business is prospering and I’ve had the privilege of getting to know thousands of amazing new business associates and friends. Every day I’m surrounded by colleagues within my own company that motivate and stimulate me to achieve even greater successes.
Tomorrow, I’ll look out the same window with the perspective of a 50 year old, but I won’t miss the reflection of a 49 year old that has been given everything good in the world.
{ 13 comments }
Wonderful post!
May you and your family enjoy the Holdays.
Oh man. I really didn’t know what to expect or how to respond/guide him. Sometimes he’s like a bull in a china shop…he scares the sh@t out of me. When I blasted him out the side door of a hotel he froze for a second…that’s when I got it. Living in the south I never thought about the ice hazard……that’s another element to factor in. Perhaps we should travel with a small bag of salt in our pockets and sprinkle it out in front of him like following a snow plow.……Darin Cantu
Working with Dale is like working with an “Auto-Prophet” or “Car-Czar.” What we know in advance, we do in advance, and Dale always seems to know everything about the car business…well in advance……. Paul Hudnall
Working with Dale is like working with a man with vision. He is a visionary in all sense. A gentleman who connects with you…. Happy Birthday to him and happy holidays to you and your family. Warm regards from cold Chicago…….Rafi Hamid
Dale is an inspirational, articulate and caring perfectionist.
We have a long drive ahead of us…I can’t return phone calls. I get lost because the GPS lady has to be turned down, and forget about listening to the radio….why? Dale is on the phone. Dale is always on the phone…. Killi
Working with Dale is like Tony the Tiger…..Gggggrrreeeat! Steven Solmes
I spent a day with Dale in a meeting for a dealer group in Minneapolis. It was an AMAZING day with an AMAZING individual. Happy Birthday and a wish for many more…….Robert Reicherts
Dale is brilliant and it is always impressive to watch him lead a group of people whether it is a group of customer or employees. Plus…he’s a cool guy so he’s always easy to be around. Happy Holidays!Deanne
Working for Dale is working at the cusp of proactive management change in the Automotive Industry. Thanks and Happy 50th…..L. Diego Vargas
Thanks for the opportunity and your insight. I feel like I am involved in the biggest game changer that we have seen in the automotive industry. Thank you…… Jasen Rice
For me, working with dale can be summed up in one word—INSPIRATIONAL…… Mark La March
My name is Shontell Jackson and I’m one of the newest Technical Support team members (5 weeks as of now with vAuto). I’m very happy to be working for such a great organization. I had the privilege yesterday of attending one of Dale’s presentations. I think he’s a very charismatic presenter. I also think it’s wonderful to be working with Dale who exemplifies leadership…… Shontell Jackson
Out here in the great Northwest we would love to see more of Dale, hint hint. Speaking of SEEING…Dale, you may not see 20/20 but OH what a perfect vision you possess when it comes to the Automotive world and vAuto. The difference you are making for so many Dealers with vAuto. The blog and your influence in today’s market is outstanding. Dale, I am very proud an honored to be a part of this most incredible organization. keep up the great work. Happy 50th birthday…… Sam M. Pauley
Working with Dale is watching the blind tease sight from his dealers’ demanding that they see! (adapted from R. Scott Baker)
Of course Dale now that you are 50–you are a sight for sore eyes! Cathie Jarrett
Working with Dale is like playing catch with a pitching machine hurling 100 MPH curve balls every 2 seconds 24 hours per day…… Bill Nunan
Working with Dale is like being stranded on an exotic island with 10 beautiful blondes and one redhead. Well almost.
From the day I walked through your doors you took a personal interest in me and made me better and for that I m forever thankful. Thanks for paving the way for me. You are the hardest working man in our space. That’s why we are the best. I love you….. Joey Imparato
Dale Pollak? Who’s Dale Pollak? I don’t know no stinkin’ Dale Pollak! Susan Taft
It has been so refreshing to work with a man with such great vision, passion and care for his people. Happy Birthday my friend, and let’s sell some *&%^$ software! Steve Peika
Working with Dale and discussing used cars and vAuto is like…working with Albert Einstein and discussing physics and the theory of relativity….. Shel Ogasawara
Have the projector, know the gate, know where Starbucks is, double check that you have the projector, know the directions and do not show any hesitation or uncertainty while driving. Know the account profile, triple check that you have the projector, wear a coat so you can open the car windows, stay completely silent not to interfere with a zillion phone calls, quadruple check or the projector, stay completely silent again during any meeting, check directions again for return trip, check to make certain you did not forget the projector, and know of a good place to get a cigar….. John Griffin, Jr.
I now know how to set the temp to 69 degrees in every hotel room across the country; AND, how many people can say they rode in a plane piloted by a blind guy…including the landing? Bill Reidy
Best practice for traveling with Dale… Keep your eyes open for a cigar store for the drive and hope that the rental company doesn’t notice the burn in the upholstery… Kerry Kaeser
What is it like to work with Dale? It’s like being in college again: lots of late nights, pretty sketchy meals, can’t always remember who, what or why, but really, really, really fun… Jill Tyson
When I first started traveling with Dale I wasn’t sure why I was there…chauffer? secretary? bell-boy? I finally figured it out: he wanted my drink coupons for the flight home… David Simches
My times with Dale require some travel,
If you are not on your game you will be left in the gravel,
These times with Dale are not for the meek,
A one day trip can feel like a week,
You must be prepared for a slip or a scrape,
And it certainly requires that you pack your cape,
His thoughts are swift and his message is clear,
For dealers adrift comes the challenge to steer,
Our sales would happen at a much different pace,
If Dale was not running this amazing race,
I am sure it is tiring this life on the road,
And things get neglected at the humble abode,
Our products are great, our people are awesome,
It is a pleasure and honor to watch vAuto blossom,
To Dale on his birthday we take off our hats,
Working with you is like herding cats.
Greg Howat
Working with Dale…
He has so many ideas,
It is tough to keep up;
Fortunately for vAuto,
Only a very few make you want to up-chuck.
He has so much energy,
And so much spunk,
Even though he is fifty,
He can still act like a punk.
But seriously….
He has taught an entire industry,
The right way to think.
He will very possibly be the only thing,
That keeps them all from the brink.
It is an honor and a privilege,
To work side by side and stand tall,
With the person that I can truly say
Is my best friend of all.
Happy birthday Dale.
I love you man.
Keith.
I’ve worked with Dale for 20 years. He is like family. For a blind guy he has more vision than anyone I know. Michael Chiovari
It has always been a pleasure to work side by side with Dale. He is an inspiring man with man gifts and talents that most of us will only hope to develop. I fancy myself one of the world’s truly great salesmen (ego talking) and it is always a learning experience to sell with Dale and learn from him. Sales I truly no more than a transfer of enthusiasm and Dale is truly the best I’ve seen at this. I am glad to be back and look forward to many good times working with vAuto and Dale!! Tom Richards
There are many ways to describe working with Dale however the one word I find myself saying repeatedly when anyone asks how I like working with Dale is inspiring. All of the money in the world can’t make a person inspiring. It is Dale’s passion and desire to help his customers that is impossible to hide even after endless days and weeks of being on the road. He speaks from his heart and wouldn’t ask someone to do something he would do himself. I truly consider myself lucky to be able to learn from him and share so many memories. Mandi Fang
“I’m proud to work with a man that has elevated the industry standard, admired by everyone. I particularly like the fact Dale didn’t notice or care when I over-shot the exit bringing him and Keith back to the airport in Vegas.” Jameya J Uhercik
DALE=LEAD
Which is truly what you have done.
Although you have proved you can succeed, your journey has only just begun.
Turning 50 is the start of the next chapter in your life in which a beautiful woman stands beside you yes, your wonderful wife.
So here is to you, a visionary, a great mind and a contagious spirit.
Continue to have your dream and live it!
Michelle Drinnan
Ronald Reagan said “A leader once convinced that a particular course of action is the right one, must be undaunted when the going gets tough.” This is how I look at Dale. This market that we are in nobody has ever seen before but we keep pushing through it to help our dealers and make a difference. I thoroughly enjoy working with him. Tim Prince
I know when you are in the office because I can hear you talking clear across the office! But is seriously an honor to work with you at any volume. I had no idea I would be working for such a celebrity. Michelle Black
Working with Dale we always have the support we need to produce good software, but his ideas and energy challenge us to make it great. David Rice
It is a rare opportunity to observe the behaviors of a leader who is changing the course of his industry. Dale can capture a moment and with pinpoint precision, eloquently shape the thoughts and directions of others. Denise Clark
Dale, for a young man you certainly have a world of wisdom. Great post! Makes me want to cuddle up with my two year old daughter and snuggle.
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