Article from the Jasper Journal 4th Quarter 2018
Written by: Shawn Forgy

As we near the end of another defining year for Jasper Ventures, I want to reflect on our successes, opportunities, and losses.

Reflecting on success brings satisfaction and joy. We have experienced both professional and personal successes. Completed projects and acquiring new business are important, but I want to focus on personal successes.

Several of our younger people have spent extra time honing their craft, obtaining certifications, and training. This dedication to personal development is important to Jasper Ventures’ success. In addition to achieving these work-related goals, we rejoice in new life – first, the arrival of several babies this year with another due just in time for Christmas. And, for the new chapter of life beginning for the couples that married this past year.

In the realm of personal success, marriages and babies are noteworthy because they are special blessings from God. Genesis 2:24 says, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Proverbs 22:6 affirms, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” If you fall into one of these categories, know the road you have embarked on will not always be easy. Marriage and parenting are among the greatest experiences in life, but like anything great, they require the most from us.

The next focus of our reflection, though not as much fun, is on opportunities. We might also call these “problems” or “failures.” Every one of these challenges should be a precursor to improvement. These opportunities are not fun to think about because we must not only look at work processes and procedures, but also examine ourselves.

It is vital to honestly ask ourselves how we, as individuals, can change. Sometimes this is the catalyst needed to move us closer toward becoming who we were created to be. To do this we must humble ourselves. Proverbs 11:2 is clear: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” I truly believe Jasper Ventures can accomplish anything; however, we are the sum of our parts. It takes a collaborative effort from everyone.

We were presented with our share of “opportunities” in 2018 but whatever issues arose, we took ownership and responded quickly with integrity. Using innovative thinking we were able to provide our customers with excellent service, which is a direct reflection and expression of our Core Values. We proved many times this year that our Core Values can and do effectively support our Vision and Mission statements.

I will leave this point with something I try to live by: Do not let yourself be defined by the problem; be defined by your response. I want our customers and coworkers to remember how we responded to challenges. I have great respect for the team who took us successfully through 2018. Many people worked long hours, sacrificing time from their families to ensure we were defined by our response. For this, please accept my heartfelt, “Thank you.”

Lastly, the year’s end causes me to reflect on our losses. The losses I refer to have nothing to do with profits. We have lost family and friends and faced the ugly things life can throw at us. I am always humbled when I see how quickly we come to each other’s aid without hesitation or question. This, in its own way, leads to success because this is how the good Lord intends for us to live in relation to each other.

Romans 12:10 declares, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Loving one another is a tough one; we all fall short at times. Especially me. Sometimes we want to put conditions on love. It’s also hard, especially for men, to use the word “love” outside of our families. But I believe I can use that word for everyone on our team.

I am proud of the example you set for one another, the way you represent Jasper Ventures, and how you impact lives outside of work. Because we have grown, I no longer know everyone personally. But I have seen the results of your efforts, the care that goes into your work, and your attitudes towards one another. And I firmly believe that if I did know you all, I would be a better person. So, with the best of intentions, my New Year’s resolution will be to make time to get to know everyone on our team.

I will close by simply congratulating you in your successes, thanking you for your responsiveness to “opportunities,” and offering my sympathy for your losses. I believe we have assembled a team at Jasper Ventures that, when working together, can be the best in the business. I look forward to seeing what 2019 has in store for each of us.

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