The Old Man

This is the Old Man’s story about his life - the important events, struggles, learnings and its significance. Herein is what he wishes for others to know as he closes in on 20 years shy of the century mark. As it has turned out, this is kind of the Old Man and myself jointly telling his tale…..now and then!

This is the Old Man’s story about his life - the important events, struggles, learnings and its significance. Herein is what he wishes for others to know as he closes in on 20 years shy of the century mark. He’ll be 80 in December. He put off the writing of this several times. For no apparent reason the day after my 60th, the Old Man committed, “Let’s get my book done, Book’ ” With significant health issues entering the picture and personal loss now dotting his life more and more frequently, he felt it to be the right time. As we begin he tells me of his brainstorm to tie his book to one of his favorite movies and books, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ by Hemingway. Being an old man himself now, he thought it would be cool to write his story with such obvious links (which you will see) to Hemingway’s story. It was to be titled ‘The Old Man and the SEE’. The ‘SEE’ as the proposed book title suggests, was to be about what he has SEEN in life. It is also about what he SEES now and wants to share as he nears completion of his story. ‘The Old Man and the SEE’ didn’t end up being the title as you see; copy-write concerns, etc. Let me also share with you that he was adamant about this not being too God-heavy! He feels strongly that although he is a Christian and Believer himself, he wanted anyone and everyone to be able to read, appreciate and gain from his life’s story. He and I collectively apologize if we failed in this regard; we are both sinners and are in no position to challenge or judge your beliefs. As you will see the Old Man had plenty of vices and flaws in his actions and behaviors – past and present. The book is a compilation of pieces of his life currently as well as experiences from his past. There are indeed parts that I felt were unnecessary to mention (like what kind of juice he likes and dislikes :). He was adamant about some of the funniest things being in his book, but it is his story. For perspective, his time of birth included: FDR’s landslide victory, our 32d President The World Wars were in our midst Jesse Owens was kicking Hitler’s butt in the Berlin Olympics The first helicopter took flight Postage stamps were .03 cents The book (not the movie) ‘Gone with the Wind’ was published The Midwest Dust Bowl phenomenon was ravaging the country Babe Ruth began his professional career …and the first beer was canned for sale! With health issues going on, we are just writing it throughout his days now as he is able, you’ll see. As it has turned out, this is kind of the Old Man and myself jointly telling his tale…..now and then!

Greetings! I hope one or more of my books will lead us to conversation, a meeting, discussion or otherwise some manner of learning & growing from each other. I love new quality relationships in my life, so reach out will you?!? My 7th book is now available, published June 2015 - THE OLD MAN - Biographical Novel & Short Story. My life's Passions: LEADERSHIP * CULTURE * PEOPLE * RELATIONSHIPS * FAITH My favorite Quote: 'People do not care how much you know until they first know how much you care' BIO: President and Founder of Booker Training Associates; Doug is a Facilitator, Change Agent, Coach, Author & Leadership-Developer. Booker Training Associates is a business Doug began after a successful military career, retiring as a Major from the Army in 1992. The idea for his work evolved as Doug began realizing the 'challenge' facing organizations in managing (leading) people. Ultimately he focuses on organizational & individual leadership behavior - helping not just the leader or manager, but with what he calls 'People-Systems'. A strong believer in the need for continued learning, he has completed many certifications along with earning a Master's degree in Management. In his 20 years of serving organizations and individual leaders, Doug has worked with a variety of industries and also teaches in Higher Education with various universities. Along with his teaching and consulting work, he has now authored three books on Leadership and in 2012 completed 'SIGNIFICANCE Starts Now-How We Live Our Lives Matters' - a book focused on the individual and how we lead our lives. Doug regards his wife Sydney, two children, siblings and extended family as the best parts of his life. A close 2nd is being able to work in a field that he loves and considers his passion, and maybe even a ministry of sorts. Doug was selected as the Army's National Leadership Faculty of the Year in 1989; receiving this recognition from the Secretary of Defense in Washington D.C. After caring for his parents which both passed away in 2013, Doug and his wife have moved to Sugar Creek, Missouri STATEMENT OF FAITH: "I have been fortunate to work in a field that I love, helping people grow, for nearly 15 years now. I have been very blessed, and because of this I want to give credit where it's due. I am a Christian and Believer. This is not a matter of preaching and forcing my beliefs on anyone; I would never approach this with your organization without your involvement and consent. I try to model what I believe in and let people make their own judgments. My 'faith' is part of who I am, and a part of everything I do, say and believe. Jesus Christ is responsible for all I am and is 'totally' why I have successfully helped leaders, people, teams and overall organizations. Principles and practices of real leadership are all totally aligned to the teachings of my faith. Relationships in my work - whether Executive Coaching or working with entire management teams. Clients nearly always become strong and lasting relationships, because of the base and foundation of my faith. What does all this really mean to you as a client? Just that I will provide my services to you with trust, honesty, respect and helping you make leadership and working relationships better in your world."