FinditParts CEO, Navigating the Present in Business

Ever been caught worrying about how to make next quarter’s revenue targets, or brooding over a lost deal from years ago during dinner? We’ve all been there, but what if I told you that the secret to success and happiness might just lie in the art of living in the present?

Navigating the Present in Leadership

As a seasoned entrepreneur and a veteran in the trucking industry, I've learned a thing or two about the importance of living in the moment. You see, life is full of ups and downs. We all face family challenges, work pressures, and financial worries. Living in the moment is not just a personal mantra; it's a leadership strategy. As someone who climbed up from turning wrenches to steering a company, I've seen firsthand the pitfalls of dwelling on past mistakes or fretting over future uncertainties.

Strong leadership today also means embracing tools that make day-to-day operations smoother. In trucking and parts distribution, this often includes technology like transaction visibility and transparency tools that build trust with customers and streamline processes in real time.

From Wrenches to Wisdom: Learning from the Past

At 64, with a rollercoaster of experiences under my belt, I've come to embrace my history. Every setback and success has been a lesson, not a life sentence. For us in leadership roles, our past experiences are invaluable, but they are rearview mirrors, not roadmaps. They inform our decisions but shouldn't control them.

The same principle applies in business operations. For example, industry pros who’ve faced inefficiencies in sourcing parts now rely on faster parts procurement solutions to eliminate wasted time and streamline performance. The lesson? Use past challenges as insight to drive better decisions in the present.

The Future: Charting, Not Chasing

Worrying about the future is like being nervous about a flight during the safest year in aviation history. It’s natural to think about our loved ones, our businesses, and our financial security. But 99% of what we worry about never happens.

For entrepreneurs, the key is planning without obsessing. The trucking industry itself is evolving, shaped by innovation, e-commerce, and shifting logistics demands. Staying aware of emerging trends in the heavy-duty sector helps leaders prepare for what’s next—without getting trapped by uncertainty.

Kickstarting the Day: Leader's Edition

Each morning, I wake up with a simple mantra: "Today is going to be a great day." It’s not about ignoring the negatives or potential challenges—it’s about setting a tone of gratitude and focus. Like preparing for a long haul, you don’t control the traffic or weather, but you can control your mindset and readiness.

Leaders and fleet managers who stay present also tend to notice new efficiencies and better collaboration. Many are turning to integrated e-commerce approaches for trucking to meet customer needs across different markets while keeping operations flexible and resilient.

Confronting Challenges Head-On

Just some weeks ago, we hit a major snag at work. In the past, I might have let this derail my week, worrying about the future of the business. But living in the present means tackling problems as they come—with a clear head and focus on solutions, not the “what-ifs.”

This mindset also applies to fleet management. Many operations are now leveraging outside purchasing solutions for parts pros that simplify sourcing, improve turnaround times, and reduce stress when unexpected issues arise. Being prepared doesn’t mean overthinking—it means optimizing your present tools to handle what’s ahead.

Gratitude as a Business Strategy

In the boardroom or on the road, gratitude is a powerful tool. It keeps us grounded and focused on what’s working—our current objectives, team achievements, and customer satisfaction. This approach doesn’t just reduce stress; it boosts morale and productivity.

Gratitude also nurtures better decision-making. By appreciating today’s successes, we make room for tomorrow’s growth. It’s about being fully engaged in the now, steering with clarity, and recognizing that progress often happens one mile—and one mindful choice—at a time.

Live in the Now, Plan for the Road Ahead

To my peers in entrepreneurship and the trucking industry: embracing the present doesn’t mean losing sight of the future. It means engaging fully with today’s tasks, decisions, and opportunities. When tomorrow becomes today, we’re not just present—we’re prepared.

Time spent worrying about what’s next or regretting what’s past is time not spent leading. Let’s embrace today, with its challenges and joys, and navigate this road together—steady, focused, and forward.