Be the Mayor
It’s an overcast morning in Bellaire Michigan. Got here about 7am to get some work done thinking I’d be one of the only folks in the coffee shop.
I was pleasantly surprised. When traversing the available tables at which to locate my final destination, I noticed one table with a “Reserved for Barry” sign proudly displayed.
“Reserved for Barry”? You’re joking, right?
About 7:30am, a middle-aged gentleman wearing a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye, sat down at his table. We shared a brief “hello”, and we both got to work.
Within 20 minutes, Barry was in session. This wasn’t your typical planned business gathering, but intimate and heartfelt conversations with every other person who entered the coffee shop. Conversations about “slacking in your retirement” to “building out a new room for a friend’s house” to “wrapping up an investment deal in Florida.” One of the more moving conversations was a gentleman who came up to the table to say “Barry, thanks so much for throwing that party for us after Jenny died. Everyone had a great time and more than anything, we got to honor an amazing woman. Thanks so much.”
But it really wasn’t the content of the conversations that intrigued me; it was the context. Barry had the most amazing way of connecting people who moments before were complete strangers. Every single person who came up that table (yes, they simply walked right up) were introduced to one another by Barry. Who knows where these new relationships will go, but one thing’s for sure… their paths would have never crossed had it not been for Barry.
After a few hours of witness, I’m still not sure what Barry does for a living, but I’m convinced he’s a gift to us all.
Barry, thanks for the lessons in connection, relationship, and leadership this morning.
5 comments
scot thomas - August 24, 2012
This truly is what the distillation of life is all about…people and relationships. It has been a pleasure to have Barry as a friend over the years, and he is an individual that greatly enriches many lives.
Julie Hamaty - August 22, 2012
Barry Godwin is “one of a kind”! Heart of gold and a dear friend to everyone lucky enough to cross his path. We, the summer residents of Torch Lake, look forward to seeing him every spring @ Moka, The Dockside, or any one of the other great places Barry, Nancy, and Libby frequent.
Linda Green - August 20, 2012
Barry truly is a gift to everyone’s life he touches. If you are lucky enough to be one of his friends as I am, you are blessed. If he and his lovely wife are invited to your home, the moment he enters the room, it lights up. He is a true friend through thick and thin. I hope to be able to see him this summer and get one of his “Barry Hugs”.
Ric Cicone - August 20, 2012
Barry is a gift to all of us who cross his path. He is Bellaire’s ambassador to all those who have the good fortune to enjoy an Antrim County summer sojourn and a visit to our local village cafe. The corner table is “Barry’s Aerie” from 7 to 10AM all summer. Stop by and say hello.
Barry Godwin - August 18, 2012
…I’m speechless…thanks for the thoughtful comments!!!!!…hope to you again soon…