By Jim Pilgrim

We have a lot of scars, each one a lesson learned. In every gray hair, we carry a story and an experience that is invaluable. I am privileged to lead the Application Engineering group at Clearfield. We have 5 War Horses in my group with a combined 145 years in the Telecom industry.

A couple of weeks ago I got a call from a guy new to the road. He was recently assigned to travel with Sales which involves long days of driving. He asked “Jim, when you drive all over the country, do you stop after 8 hours and take a break”? Not only would a War Horse never ask that question, it would never even enter their mind. Rookie. I told him, “it depends on where and when my meeting is the next day”. War Horses do what it takes to accomplish the goal. Young ponies spend a lot of time bucking and kicking but wear down and get distracted easily. Am I being a bit harsh? Probably. War Horses are also supposed to be patient, understanding, and mentoring. I guess I need to work on some of those character attributes.

Basketball coaching legend John Wooden once said “Never mistake activity for achievement” and “Be prepared and be honest”. Both quotes define 2 necessary cornerstones of the character of a War Horse.

My boss recently told me that we are going to have 3 job openings in my group; business is good. Keep your young ponies; I’m going to be looking for more Old War Horses.