Create Your Future…

Karen and Jay share thoughts on the magic of what can happen when you expect the best!

In many ways, our expectations create our future. Both for good and for outcomes that may not be so good. Interestingly, it is also an area where, if we choose to do so, we can have an immense amount of control. As the pastor Dr. Norman Vincent Peale so perceptively noted: “This is one of the greatest laws in the universe…Simply stated: If you think in negative terms, you will get negative results. If you think in positive terms, you will achieve positive results. That is the simple fact which is at the basis of an astonishing law of prosperity and success. In three words, ‘Believe and succeed!” In essence, I’ve found that our expectations act as a sort of compass, guiding our decisions and shaping our realities. When we adopt a mindset that envisions possibility and growth, we set ourselves on a path that is conducive to achievement and fulfillment. This is not merely wishful thinking; it is a recognized principle that resonates across various domains of life. Athletes, for instance, often speak about visualization techniques as a game-changer in their training. When athletes like Michael Jordan engage in mental practices, imagining success on the court, they are not merely daydreaming. They are strategically embedding those visions into their psyche, paving the way for tangible results through sheer belief and dedication. Consider the story of Thomas Edison, whose relentless spirit and unwavering belief in the power of invention brought about transformative changes in our world. Edison famously stated, "Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration." This mantra underscores the significance of expectation; he envisioned success in his experiments not as an option but as an inevitable outcome of his hard work and perseverance – despite failure after failure until ultimately achieving his ‘expected success.’ Further, the impact of expectations extends beyond individual pursuits into collective endeavors. In the realm of education, for instance, teachers who harbor high expectations for their students often see remarkable results. This phenomenon, known as the Pygmalion effect, highlights the power inherent in belief systems within social contexts. In sports, another powerful illustration of expectation shaping reality is the story of Jim Valvano, a college basketball coach known for his unwavering spirit. Valvano led the North Carolina State Wolfpack to an unexpected victory in the 1983 NCAA championship, a feat no one believed they could achieve. His mantra of "Don’t give up, don’t ever give up!" reflected a resolute belief in the potential of his team. Valvano's expectations of success, even against overwhelming odds, inspired not just his players but also a generation of fans, showing us that positivity in the face of adversity can alter the course of events, both on and off the field. In essence, and as seen in countless real life examples, our expectations serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy, where positive anticipation breeds positive results, and negative thoughts can lead us down a path of limitation. Whether through visualization, maintaining high standards, or inspiring those around us, we have the capacity to shape our reality and embrace the bountiful possibilities that await us, fully subscribing to that timeless mantra of the beloved Dr. Peale: Believe and succeed!

This week we are delighted to highlight a wonderful visionary and highly successful entrepreneur – right here in New Hampshire, my friend, Rick Cohen, of C&S Wholesale Grocers. Rick’s business career has been one of continual innovation, always moving forward, betting on the future, and moving forward. After graduating from college in 1974, Rick joined C&S Wholesale Grocers, a company co-founded by his grandfather in 1918, thereafter moving the company from Massachusetts to Brattleboro, VT. Years later, in 2003, he relocated the company’s headquarters to Keene, NH where it is now headquartered. And, today, remarkably, C&S is the nation’s largest grocery wholesaler! And, yes, it is right here, just down the road in Keene, New Hampshire! Innovating for Long-Term Success Rick recognized two key strategies that would ensure the company’s long-term success. First, rather than relying on layers of traditional management, he implemented self-managed teams. This approach not only reduced payroll costs but also enabled workers to earn performance-based pay tied to keeping errors below 2 percent. "When I'm walking the warehouse, I see the motion, but I also see what should have happened two minutes ago and why it didn't happen," Rick once said. "It would be better if I had the gift to solve world peace. But I have the gift of organizing and sequencing work at a particular time and making it happen." The second key to his success extended beyond C&S—it led to the creation of another industry-leading company. Rick founded Symbotic, an AI-driven robotics warehouse automation company that is now used by major retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Albertsons. In a move to expand its reach, he took the company public four years ago. A Legacy Beyond Business Despite his preference for staying out of the spotlight, Rick’s impact extends far beyond business. In 2001, Keene State College renamed The Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies in honor of Rick and his wife, Jane, in recognition of their financial support. Additionally, Jane serves as the executive producer of The Kaddish Project, a musical oratorio on genocide. Rick Cohen may be one of New Hampshire’s most successful entrepreneurs, but his legacy is not just one of financial success—it is a testament to innovation, excellence, and quiet generosity. Thank you, Rick – you are an inspiration, a wonderful friend and a great leader in our community!

Quote of the Week

"Whether you think you can or you think you can't, you're right." – Henry Ford

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