My dad wouldn't let me get my driver's license until I could change a tire, and he still changes his own oil. He also wouldn't give me his opinion on anything...he'd say, "You figure it out," just as your father did. It made me decisive, confident in my decisions, and, truth be told, a bit resentful that I couldn't turn to him for advice, but the older I get the more I appreciate the lesson in independence.

Great post, Mike.

Problem solving abilities are useful in any industry, but especially consulting.

Holy cow; what a story! (Very well-written, too. Kudos.)

Last year my neighbor illegally mowed down protected wetlands behind my home. Although my family and I face no adverse health issues, I'm sure these inconsiderate folks drove out hundreds of bird species and other wildlife, and have paved the way for invasive plant species to take root.The town forced them to replant part of the area they destroyed, but it still looks terrible.

Come on people, have some respect for nature and your fellow humans!

I definitely believe that having a cheerful, bright work environment makes employees more productive. The more natural light, plants, space to sit outside on nice days, etc. that a company provides the more desirable it is to work there. You don't feel as much like you're missing out when you can enjoy the day.

It is common sense, but since not all buildings are designed that way, it's worth pointing out.

I would argue that morale is definitely higher in cheerful space than in institutionalized buildings. Compare customer service at a company like EDR (housed in Class A space) with the DMV. Enough said?

I agree with Matt too. I'm not an environmental consultant, but it seems like there's no need to go to a "hated competitor."

What constitutes "good" EP training? How would a bank, especially a community bank that might not have a great deal of experience hiring EPs, know whether the training was good?