My brief history. I have four sisters, and no brothers. One additional sister passed away shortly after birth, and I did not know her. All of my sisters graduated from different high schools. I was the only child to go to the same school, from kindergarten to high school graduation. My father retired as an officer in the United States Army, and as a ticket agent, for the Long Island Rail Road. My mother worked as a dietitian for Berkshire Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. It was the only paying job my mother had on long Island. I remember the day my mother brought home the pin, that meant she was the qualified dietitian for Berkshire. She was so proud. I say paying job, because I believe being a mother/parent really is a full time "job".We were not wealthy, but we learned that life is good.

I graduated from Babylon High School. I participated in non contact sports, and did my best to get good grades. I believe my parents wanted me to be a lawyer. I thought about it. But I don't think that kind of life was in the cards for me. So, I left home, and attended Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Virginia. It turns out that my father actually went to high school in Norfolk.Booker T. Washington High School.This was a very interesting and busy four years. I majored in Political Science. It was here that I learned the phrase, "K.I.S.S.", meaning Keep it Simple, Stupid. I think this my Political Science teacher's favorite phrase.He did not like embellishments. (haha) Wherever you are, thank you, Dr. Richard A. Skinner. We formed a Political Science Cub that was very active on O.D.U. campus. I used to have to go around and put fliers on billboards in campus buildings to advertise speakers. We use to fill up Batten Arts and Letters auditoriums. This was so much fun. We even played softball, teachers against the students. And on three spring breaks, a group of students and a teacher would get in a vehicle and travel to Washington, D.C.for the Model Organization of American States. This was one week at the real Organization of American States building in Washington, meeting with the real country representatives. The Representatives would tell us real world problems int there countries, and we would try to pass a "bill". I have some stories to tell you. However, not enough space. Sorry. The second semester of my senior year, my life changed. I pledged Sigma Nu Fraternity. This fraternity stood out to me because there was no physical violence, or "hazing." This is on of the tenets the fraternity was founded on. In fact, the fraternity was founded at West Point Military Academy. Keep in mind I still keep in touch with and visit fraternity brothers and their families to this day.

After Old Dominion University, I went to Northern Virginia. I worked for Marriott Corporation, in the Roy Rogers Restaurant Division. It is important to mention Marriott because Marriott was on my paycheck, and Marriott administered the training. I loved this job because I got to dress nicely, worked hard, and met some people that have been really good friends over time. And the customers were nice as well. I have a few positive letters from customers and Regional Managers that were written to Marriott Corporation. I was paid well, but at the time, working for a fast food restaurant was not the most prestigious career. Remember, my father wanted me to be an attorney.

I left Marriott on good terms, and went into the Army. I was in the Army for nine years. I served in New York, Georgia, and I was also stationed in Germany for five years. I was honorably discharged and went to work for a German company. I had dreams of returning to Germany to visit or live and be with friends. I did have an opportunity to purchase a vehicle in Germany. Yes, I did drive. I also drove because I restarted my running career in Germany. And I would drive all over Germany to running events. I also hooked up with some American friends who were involved in the American Football league in Germany.

I was hired at Hasse & Wrede as a Team Leader. Someone thought I was doing such a good job, I was promoted to the inspection department. I was then promoted to Quality Manager. As Quality Manager, I was certified to audit supplier Quality Management Systems to international manufacturing standards of ISO 9001. That success led me to one more promotion to Customer Service Representative for North American Customers. I was kind of sad being away from the family, so I left Hasse & Wrede, and drove an 18 wheel truck for Schneider.Yes, the orange trucks. And after some time, I missed the family and Long Island so much, I left Aurora, Illinois, and returned to Long Island.

I have had my share of opportunities and challenges. Over time, I can say that I believe your challenges set you up for the opportunities to come.

There is more I can add, but I am just grateful you are still reading. Maybe one day, I will write a book.

to sum it up, I want to be able to help other people, the way I have been helped. So, I started a small landscaping company, and began developing the idea of making an entire platform. And Meherrin Footprints was born. Thank you for reading.

John