Hammer Time
Recently one of my first bosses passed away.
Danny Berry – or “DB” as most of us called him – was one of the two people who hired me when I first started in the music industry “back in the day”. Along with his partner, LC, they took a chance on a young guy who didn’t know nearly as much as he thought he did.
I’ll never forget that.
What DB and LC probably didn’t realize at the time was how much they were teaching me – not just about business, but about life.
DB had a nickname: “The Hammer.” And trust me, if you worked with him, you knew exactly why.
DB had a quick temper. He reacted fast, and sometimes he reacted hard. There were times when the situation called for it, but there were also times when he came in like a bull in a china shop. More than once, LC had to come behind him and smooth things over.
The Hammer got things done, but sometimes it left a dent or two along the way. As I look back, though, that’s not what I remember most.
What I remember most is how much he cared.
Whether the hammer came out or not, there was never a question about how deeply DB cared about doing things right. He cared about customers. He cared about suppliers. He cared about the business.
And he cared about me.
Now DB wasn’t a touchy-feely guy. He wasn’t the type to sit around talking about feelings. But he made it abundantly clear that he wanted me to succeed.
He took me under his wing.
He taught me how to do my job.
He corrected me when I made mistakes.
He pushed me when I needed to be pushed.
And he invested in me over and over again.
Looking back, I realize how rare that is. I don’t see as much mentoring today as I did back then. I don’t see as many leaders willing to take the time to develop young people, correct them when necessary, and help them grow.
But DB did.
And because of that, a piece of who I am today as a Real Christian Businessman was shaped by lessons I learned from him. He taught me that there are times when you need to be firm. There are times when you need to be decisive. There are times when you need to act.
But he also taught me – sometimes intentionally and sometimes by example – that not every situation needs a hammer.
Sometimes people need patience, sometimes they need grace, sometimes they need understanding.
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” Prov 14:29 (NIV)
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that wisdom is knowing the difference.
Knowing when to stand firm, when to show grace, when to speak boldly and knowing when to simply listen.
I didn’t see DB much after I was promoted and moved to other cities, but I’ll never forget him.
His style, his intensity, his compassion, his investment in me.
Most of all, I’ll never forget that he cared enough to help a 22-year-old kid find his way in a very tough business.
And for that, I’ll be forever grateful.
I miss you DB.
But I will never forget you or all that you taught me.