When my kids were growing up, they were heavily involved in swimming. I used to always say that swim teams are something special, because even though individuals are competing against each other, they are also cheering each other on. In the summers, they swam on a team with kids ranging in age from 3 to 18. The older ones cheered on and helped the younger ones, and the little guys screamed and cheered rooting on the big kids. Sometimes their friends were on other teams, and they would still root for their friends in a race, even though they were on a different team. It was something you didn’t see in other sports, and it was special. I have missed being around this kind of camaraderie and encouragement since my kids are now grown.
Although I have worked in this industry for 16 years, it’s only been the last few years that I have gotten out from behind the desk a little more and have started to become more involved in industry gatherings and events. What I am finding is exactly what I was missing from being around the swimmers. Everyone in this industry roots for everyone else, there is camaraderie between competitors, suppliers and manufacturers, and PCO’s who develop meaningful, encouraging friendships with each other. Everyone comes together with a common goal of protecting the public health, food, and property and are proud just to be contributing to the industry in some way. It is something special.
So, as I continue to meet more of you, and get to know others better, just know that I am humbled to be part of this industry. It is, and you all are, truly a special breed!
