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SUCCESS BY CHOICE NOT BY CHANCE WITHOUT EXCUSES

From the Plantation to the Plant

AuthorHouse

THE PURPOSE FOR THE BOOK

During a moment of reflection with Dr. Huntley, a colleague who was on the Advisory Council on African American Affairs of the Human Relations Commission for the City of Chicago, a question was raised. What have we tried to accomplish through the commission in the last decade? We looked at each other and laughed. He evaded the question and did what he always did, address the practical. "Personally, Mr. Tucker said, I have tried and accomplished the things I have personally attempted to do with my children, and they have done the same or better with my grandchildren. What he decided to do was to leave the future generation a legacy on some basic principles of life that has guided my whole life. These principles have been what had anchored my steps and clarified my purpose. They have helped me to fulfill my objective of providing the best for my family." He hoped to leave just a foot print on the sands of time by recording his life's journey. That was the nucleus of the idea which gave birth to him suggesting that a book be written about the on going saga of a blessed life.

At an arranged interview with Mr. Tucker and his highly esteemed business partner, Mr. Bob Goblet, the question arose as to what they agree upon in their journey in the world of business. Their answer was so simple that it stomped my desire to find a more complex story which could have been earth shaking or ground breaking. In an air of simplicity they both agreed that what they had attained was through the basic elements of human civilities, respect, honesty and brotherly love for each other and one another's family, while they were having an open mind in sharing goals of common interest. That was a lesson in itself. Being truthful to one another and always willing to be the one to extend out your hand in friendship justified demonstrating this formula of human understanding. Sincerity in word, thought, action and deed always helped. It is no wonder that the Tucker-Goblet team evolved to become what it is today, an indelible foot print on the horizon of the socio-cultural, socio-political, and race relation of our American society.

That is a textbook example of faith, respect and love for one another's family. It was at a time when Blacks were not accepted as residents of some communities or work in certain positions, and Whites did not associate beyond the workplace. Bob and Ernie were actually working with precision in name and in nature. They knew each others gifts and parlayed them into an orchestration of a business symphony. The timing and harmonious relations were instrumental in the best case scenarios of business relations, and financial success without excuses.

When his business partner Bob, showed up for the biographical interview, he was on time although it was an intrusion into his scheduled activities he had laid out for the day. Nonetheless the interview would not have been complete, or the conversation fruitful if we had not determined what had they achieved in their sojourn. It was obvious that what was accomplished did not happen in the era of government set-asides, Minority Business incentives, or through the support of the Small Business Administration. Although they might not be the only team which might have scored success in the business arena, they are the only ones who have inculcated the philosophy of race neutrality into the next generation of their off spring that is obvious, or known to the general public. Hence the need to explore the depth of their successes, and chronicle the favorable out-comes so as to create a road map to the future for coming generations who wish to enjoy race neutrality here in America or on earth, and succeed in business and life.

When they started their partnership, it was a time when the air in Chicago reeked with controversy about every issue of human relations, from school desegregation and busing to Bridgeport and its social justice practices. They leapfrogged that generation and became the true model of what Dr. Martin Luther King had only dreamt about. They had already walked hand in hand in business, with social and cultural integrity by comingling their business enterprises with family vacations and real estate purchases and other investments. Not simple things, but complex investments such as farms and condominiums in exclusive vacation destinations, and even boats.

Even in the turn of the millennium, such relationships were few and far between. Hence the need to plant seeds of hope for future generations of human beings. We have searched for instances of such a great human success story and it was difficult to point out instances of true life successes of similar ilk. We wonder if it was possible to find a similar life story to have lasted this long. The question which hangs in the wind after all these years is; has Martin Luther King's dream become a reality, or is it just a nightmare for many people? We wanted to know the truth, but we must declare what have been the facts of the situation in order to validate the claim that the Bob Goblet's and Ernest Tucker's saga is an ongoing reality. If not! What are the conditions of the current affairs and portraits in business partnerships which were ordained through government edict? Did 49%-51% work? Very well, if it did work! But today there is one sure thing. Bob and Ernie's 50%-50% has survived the times of civil unrest economic downturns and political changes by following God's rules.

Are Things Better Now?

The question was "Are things better now than then?" Back then, in the mid-sixties, people were skeptical, and very unsure on both sides of the social and racial spectrum. For over 200 years the racial chasm festered in a do nothing attitude, that is the way it is, not in the voice of what it ought to be, which evolved into Jim Crow legislation which was socially and morally reprehensible. A case in point and as a matter of fact, how little things have changed. The lead machinist at Ernie's shop had a difficult time dealing with Ernie as his manager. He was quite challenging to Ernie, not only in words but in his ways. If he could, he would have fired Ernie, despite the fact that Ernie as part owner and operations manager was providing him a job! Tensions were high at that time in history in America, because of an impending racial and socio-economic shift. Bob, Ernie's business partner could remember an incident in which a guy was coming from across the street, he told Ernie to back-up even though Ernie was in the right. Ernie was so frustrated, he wanted to back-up and hit the guy. Bob told Ernie that he had a lot to loose, and that he should not descend to the guy's level of thinking. And that the other guy could have done anything irrational since he did not have much too lose. Ernie has a strong character, but a heart of gold. Their business success could read as follows; two men got together and ventured out on the road to success, trusting and believing in each other and having faith in God. They loved what they did and did what they loved for a purpose greater than themselves, their wives and their children. They truly believe that if their plan worked for them it can work for anyone. So long as the partners were not envious of each other, but stay curious as to how people acquire things in life and work earnestly towards it.

Things are a lot better now but the dynamics of the social spectrum have become covert. At least you can eat at any restaurant in Chicago and you can live in the suburbs although you are occasionally profiled. You can also go into the bank or maybe a store on Miracle Mile, without having security on alert. You can request a loan without having a sponsor. That does not guaranty that you would get it. That was the honest reality of the 1960s in Chicago, Illinois and may still exist today. Chicago was distinguished as one of the cities with the largest race riots and the burning of buildings, should the truth be told. There was the youthful indulgence of the Peace Stone Nation, the Blackstone Rangers and the Black Panthers doing their thing, while Ernie's and Bob's families were doing their thing to change things in a different way. They were simply acknowledging the words of a great leader of the "American Dream." All men were created equal ... and they should be free to pursue the benefits of health, wealth and happiness. Back in the sixties, doctors, lawyers and educators did not take their professions lightly. Doctors or any other professional didn't do their job for glory, but for the furtherance of healthy, happy, well educated law abiding citizens in a community of hope. Today it is like show-time at the Apollo for emerging health care specialist and doctors. It is sad to think that if mankind does not correct his ways, the future will seem worst than the past. In some areas of life, it seems like we would have to go back to find a safe and happy future in some aspects of society. It is not better weapons that we need to have peace. It is a better attitude towards our neighbor and the reduction of greed through honesty, truth and fairness. The author believes that, "Success should not be measured by the number of people who have served you, but by the number of people you have served." There is one man who constantly gave and never took unless he was going to share with a larger community. If you do not know him, you should seek him and in the process you will have unlimited success. It is all up to you. In anything you do, don't forget God. The rewards of a good life were the dreams of Mr. Ernest D. Tucker, the man from Mississippi who dared to have faith in God. What character of a man is he? Did he live up to the expectations of his heart, or did he realize his dreams. You have to meet him to know the truth about a life built on childhood experiences that blossomed into a life of generational prosperity. He always says "I wish parents will live up to their responsibility in raising their children".

Childhood Experiences

Born in the era of "Jim Crow", Mr. Tucker did not stand for nonsense, or disrespect by any or all. He wanted to be recognized by the nature of his spirit, not by the name by which he was called by another group in society. He resisted intimidation and realized that anything that was not challenged was not changed. Tucker was not satisfied with things as they were, but was desirous of having things as they ought to be. He always said what he meant and meant what he said. He had a penchant for discipline and schedules. He believed in controlling one's destiny. If you want to walk on water, you must get out of the boat. Fear is the greatest enemy of success. But desire is the first law of gains. What Tucker had inculcated in himself was the desire to be included whether it was in the garden sowing seed or picking cotton or pulling cows. He rose to the occasion and made his mark by conquering the giants of the task. Going the distance was never a challenge as he insisted at 6 years of age, to walk a mile to his grandfather's house to sell milk at the roadside. He loved the co-existence of his brothers and sisters, and he never felt or was encouraged to sit aside and be pampered because he was young and delicate. His mind developed as a keen observer of people and practices and at a very early age of 6, he was capable of planting or sowing potatoes in perfect spacing, with fine consistency. Having conquered those primary challenges, he was elevated to a plow hand. His grand dad shortened the hoe handle so that it will fit his tiny stature. That was the only adjustment made to accommodate him. He insisted on plowing but the equipment size and structure challenged his physical capabilities to maneuver the plough, but he was not defeated by the situation, he found a way to get the mule to make the turns at precisely the right time by taking it to the limits of its mark. It could be said, that the term "cotton-picking good" should be reserved for Ernest Tucker, simply because at a very tender age, he outshone grown adults pound for pound, with no leftovers for a second pick on the row. With his power of observation, and his ability to adjust a strategy to favor his desired stature. He surpassed his older sibling and most adults in productivity in the cotton field.

As a child of age 13, he retired his mom at home so that she could cook dinner by absorbing her share of labor in the field. Ernest picked 250 lbs. of cotton per day and delivered an adult average production of 58 lbs. per hour. His phenomenal memory supported his academic performance, as he flew through two grades in school in one year. His keen sense of observation kindled a somewhat photographic memory which he parlayed in the success story of his life while working in the tool and die industry. He was a stickler for perfection and abhors distraction in his work life, family life, and social life. There is a time and a season unto all things. Some of those principles he exercised in dedicating his time and energies to his career. He once said that he was so focused he could actually see his intended outcome. Unlike many young men in the city and from the south, they had dreams, but their dreams were dwarfed by their focus on the obstacles and distractions in life. Ernie looked at the cracks in the doors and any glimmer of hope to find and build a new day, and create a new destiny for himself and his family. In a way, he refused the culture of complaint, and complacency for the windows of opportunity and the doors of hope and discovery.

The blessings of his Grand dad, the love and nurturing of a God loving and nurturing mother, the guidance of a helpful stepfather and the blessings of a Jewish godfather and as an adopted son of a Jewish business owner, but most of all an equally color blind business partner, Bob Goblet, and last but not least, a dearly committed wife who was tolerant of the sacrifices he had made in order to enjoy the fruits of his labor. His goal in life is to bridge the generational gap by leaving a testament to the power of faith and human understanding that God is not dead. He lives and with him all things are possible. If you would acknowledge him in all your ways, he will direct your path.

REALIZATION OF HIS LIFE EXPERIENCES

Relationship with His Stepfather

Before Ernie's dad died, he said that if something should happen to him we should sell the house in Elgin and let my mother live with Emma and him. So Ernie sold the house in Elgin and took mom to live with them in Chicago. He thought of buying his mother a house or let her stay with his family. She stayed at Ernie's home for 17 years. When Ernie got married to Emma, his mother did not know. When she found out that Ernie was married and that his wife was expecting, she told Ernie that she would be a mother to his wife. The two bonded and pretty soon the roles were reversed. Ernie's wife became his mother's surrogate mother. Mother wanted to move to her own place at 80 years of age, she wanted to enjoy her later years in independence, living without limitations. His wife asked if his mother could get her own place and Ernie had agreed to his wife's request. His mother was very frugal. She was staying with her lights out, trying to save money. Ernie's wife insisted that Ernie give her more money so that she could pay her light bills and not be anxious about the cost of things. In retrospect Ernie was always conscious about cost and productivity.

His stepfather raised crops and plough acres of land. Ernie never could stand aside and watch his stepfather work. He always wanted to plough. Here again, was a perfect example how the ways of his future success were forged in the heart and mind of a child at a very tender age. Again the limitations of his stature were exceeded by the magnitude of the desires of his mind. He was too small to be considered for the task. Nonetheless, he presented himself as a viable candidate. His stepfather seeing how persistent he was, made some adjustments to accommodate his frail statute and he found a way to do his best when he maneuvered the huge mule. On confidence building, he stated that his mother always said to him that he could do anything he put his heart to do, and he did. That confirms that the power of parental influence is indelible in the minds of children at a very early age. Where ever he went with others they raced. He always wanted to be the best, be it playing marbles, foot racing or whatever was the challenge in his life. It takes a family to raise a child. If a village has to raise a child then the parents are not responsible.

Relationship with His Grandfather

Ernie lost his dad at age of 4 on December 19, 1940 but he remembers his mother taking him to his grandfather's house. His grandfather was a great inspiration to his life. At age 4, he missed his father who had passed, and his mother who went to St. Louis for a few months seeking employment. St. Louis was the heart throb of the Mid-West, a major exchange route through the busy corridor from the East Coast to the West. Employment was much greater than in the sweltering South. It looked like she had gone forever. As a restless kid and with the absence of his mother and the loss of his father, it left him idle and bewildered. He felt unchallenged and demanded to go to milk the cows with his elder brothers and sister. He did not want to be left out of any conversation and activities they seemed to have enjoyed. He had an insatiable desire for work, a trait which has driven him to financial success and social and economic freedom. He was no taller than the counter-top, but he wanted to do whatever the older children did. If they were picking cotton, chopping cotton or milking cows, he also wanted to participate.

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Excerpted from SUCCESS BY CHOICE NOT BY CHANCE WITHOUT EXCUSES by Laurence P. Huntley. Copyright © 2013 Dr. Laurence P. Huntley. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse.
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