Whooooo
Reflection, introspection, perspective, and nostalgia are all cultivated in a person over time. As I approach my 58th year in March and as we embark on a New Year, I find myself immersed in thoughts of all the above.
This past Tuesday, my wife and I went to a late afternoon movie. It wasn’t a film I was particularly drawn to, but my wife enjoys Dracula-inspired movies, so I was happy to indulge her. Our local movie theater is what one might call a classic theater — Rocky Horror has been playing there since Meatloaf burst onto the scene. This theater has three screens, no reclining chairs, and no tableside service like the newer theaters competing with living rooms and Netflix for eyeballs. What it does have is nostalgia — the kind that transports me back to being 11 years old, taking the bus to the movies at the Lakes Mall in Lauderhill, Florida, in 1978. Back then, a fifty-cent bus ride, a $1.50 movie ticket, and a 75-cent black-and-white cookie with a Coke from the mall deli were the cost of that experience. By the way, our local theater offers buy-one-get-one-free for all matinées on Tuesdays — not quite 1978, but still a good deal.
The movie experience on Tuesday started like most — picking seats, grabbing snacks, and settling in for the previews. However, something unexpected occurred. The call for local businesses to advertise on the big screen is still a thing. Meaning, before the movie, local businesses can showcase their services to the audience. Immediately, I had a flashback to 1998 when I opened my first office and placed an ad at the Pembroke Pines Cineplex. I remember buying a ticket for an evening show, the theater was packed, and up on the giant screen was my ad, complete with a full voiceover, broadcasting to the entire audience. I couldn’t have been prouder if I had won an Oscar for the film being shown.
As I sat there on Tuesday, I reflected on how far my business has come from those early days of advertising in a local theater to where we are today. Now, we leverage outbound email campaigns, social media posts, live recordings, and direct mailings. More importantly, we provide care for an often-overlooked segment of the population across 10 states. In my previous blog, I discussed some of the challenges ONE-FED faces in reaching the people who need us the most (reflection). I couldn’t help but think back on all the strategy meetings at the “Big Board,” working to solve issues like patient acquisition and procedural efficiencies. As an entrepreneur, I have always embraced the challenge to create, improve, and resolve any problems (nay, icebergs) the business encounters. Although I’ve said we will hit the iceberg this year, that doesn’t mean there won’t be navigation involved. Quite the contrary — charting a new course and repositioning the business will require plenty of ice chipping along the way.
After nearly 30 years, I wondered if I would still be up for the task. But I know who I am (introspection). I am a fighter. To evolve into a virtual practice and continue to provide services to the federal community, we had to make distinctions and take action. Every member of my team understands the mission and their marching orders. We are fully committed to building the most efficient and user-friendly version of our business to provide care and support for the federal community and the providers who serve them. Nothing was lost on me when I was transported back to the Pembroke Pines movie theater last Tuesday. The feeling I had invigorated me to pursue what I have set out to accomplish for ONE-FED and the work that it will take to do so. “It ain’t the first hole I had to dig.” – Joe Pesci, Goodfellas (perspective). I am constantly reminded of the words a competitor told me almost eight years ago: “You will never get a claim approved if you don’t use me as a consultant.” In my mind, I counter that with a classic Ric Flair line: “To be the man, you have to beat the man. Whooooo!”
Have a great week, everyone!
