Originally posted on Facebook on Saturday, February 6, 2021.

In Week 6 of 52 Weeks of Gratefulness, I give thanks for Vernon and Carolyn West.

Mr. and Mrs. West are the owners of West Memorial Funeral Home. When I began my business in Starkville more than 20 years ago, they were one of my very first clients. But beyond giving a young entrepreneur a chance, they also demonstrated a personal concern for me and my professional development. Even though they were clearly very busy running their own business, they made it a point to take time to visit with me and impart wisdom.

I remember on one particular occasion, I was underneath a desk working on a computer, Mr. West casually walked in and said, "You know Paul, to be successful you have to change how you think about money. Don't think about what a dollar can buy but what it can earn. For every dollar you have going out, try to make it bring at least 3 to 5 dollars in."

Moments like that not only shaped me as an entrepreneur but it also taught me how to pay it forward. I am a living testimony that it is personal investments like theirs that truly make a difference. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. West for your mentorship and friendship. I am grateful. #52WoG