Who cares more than your mother?

This is an expression I often use in conversation. In fact, I said it again just the other day but this time, with Mother’s Day approaching, I caught myself pausing for a moment and actually thinking about this line that I so often use.

Who really does care more than your mother?

When I think back through all the years with my mother, Marilyn, I’m extremely fortunate to have had both a personal as well as a professional business relationship with her. This is very unique (some might say crazy) and also very rewarding. She has been by my side as a wonderful mom and also a great business partner, mentor and inspiration to me.

I started Prime with my mom’s encouragement and support. She was there for me when I needed to win new projects but the experienced business community wanted more reassurance than a baby-faced kid on the other side of the table telling them the job would get done. And with mom’s guidance, it did.

Only a mother would agree to come out of retirement to help establish a business. And do so on a commission basis. And when I signed a lease for Prime to move into our first ‘real’ office, I called my mom, on her vacation, half way around the world, to tell her the news. And only a mother would take that call.

One of my mother’s favorite quotes is “You will get all you want in life, if you help enough other people get what they want.” In my personal life and through our shared appreciation of faith in our daily lives, my mom has taught me to care for other people. To help other people. To give back. To volunteer. To donate. This is also evident in the way we conduct our daily business, now as equal partners. Trust, follow through, and do what you say you are going to do.

Another of mom’s favorite quotes is “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” Well Mom, it has been up to me, and there has been no better way to have it be, than with you by my side all these years.

Best wishes to all the great mothers for a happy Mother’s Day weekend!