The year was 1981, and I had just begun my business journey. I remember it clearly—sorting through a growing pile of business cards. Before long, I realized they were more than just cardstock. To me, they were symbolic tokens—representing handshakes, introductions, and moments of significance. In some ways, they held more meaning than my childhood baseball cards.

Business cards have always been about connection and commerce. Like the ancient merchants of the Nile, modern professionals use these little rectangles to forge relationships and mark the beginning of something more. They’re not just a formality—they’re often the first impression and, sometimes, a lasting legacy.

And then there are the taglines. All of my early employers had one. My favorite was centered around relationships. Much like Ford’s “Built Ford Tough” or Milton Glaser’s iconic “I Love NY” campaign, it reflected a deeper commitment—relationships built on trust, respect, and shared success.

Before email, LinkedIn, or digital contact-sharing, the business card was the centerpiece of networking. The creativity behind those cards said a lot about the person and the business. They weren’t just functional—they were an art form.

My father understood branding well. His Yellow Pages ad read simply: Find it Fast in the Yellow Pages. It reminded me of the timeless principles championed by advertising greats like Claude Hopkins and David Ogilvy—clarity, simplicity, and consistency. That mindset shaped much of my early career. Now, that’s become Artificial Intelligence—where clarity, speed, and targeting are the new watchwords, but the principles of connection remain the same.

Business cards also carry personal meaning. I’ll never forget my trip to Hong Kong, where I learned the cultural significance of presenting a card with both hands—a gesture that signals respect and commitment. What might seem like a simple exchange here becomes a meaningful ritual elsewhere.

Over the decades, I’ve collected thousands of business cards. Each one is a chapter—a snapshot of a relationship. Sorting through them today is like flipping through a scrapbook. Some are from people who have passed on, but their legacies live on through the connections we shared.

The cards I’ve kept tell stories of trust earned, deals struck, partnerships formed, and lessons learned. What began as a professional habit has become something deeply personal. Each card reflects a shared moment—of connection, achievement, or growth.

Even in a digital world, business cards haven’t lost their charm. They still serve as a branding tool and a statement of identity. Whether minimalist or elaborate, a card often encapsulates who you are and what you stand for.

Take a moment to reflect on your own experiences with business cards. What do yours say about you? What stories do they hold? Maybe we should even start a tradition—an annual award for the most creative card.

Just as my mom typed term papers at our kitchen table and my grandparents kept meticulous farm records, business cards represent effort and intention. They reflect values passed down through generations: hard work, pride, and the importance of meaningful relationships.

Let’s be frank—no one’s going to wax nostalgic about a collection of QR codes. But those faded cards in your desk drawer? They tell a story. One worth remembering.

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Moon over lake Erie at 5 AM

In the quiet predawn hours, before the world stirs and the chaos of the day sets in, lies a sanctuary of solitude and productivity. For me, and many like-minded individuals in my early riser club, this time is not just a necessity but a choice driven by a deep-seated motivation. Reflecting on the rituals of my youth—my father tending to the farm before dawn or my days delivering newspapers—I find solace and purpose in these early moments, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Embracing Solitude:

The allure of early mornings lies in the tranquility it offers—a sanctuary from the incessant noise of social media and the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s a time for introspection, for delving into a good book or enjoying the morning paper. This solitude is precious, a time to center oneself before the demands of the day encroach upon our peace. Quite often, my answer to “Who has time to read?” is answered by my early morning quiet time.

Harnessing Productivity:

The early hours present a golden opportunity to seize the day, to get a head start on tasks and goals. From tackling the inbox to hitting the gym, the uninterrupted time offers a chance to focus and prioritize. Personally, I find immense satisfaction in accomplishing tasks before the rest of the world has even stirred, setting a productive tone for the day ahead. And as I put the finishing touches on this blog post at 6:45 AM, it’s a testament to the productivity these early hours afford. You don’t have to be famous or a CEO to reap the benefits of being an early riser.

Adaptation and Evolution:

As life evolves, so too do our routines. From paper routes in adolescence to late-night study sessions in college, each stage brings new responsibilities and challenges. Yet, the commitment to rising early remains steadfast, a constant amidst life’s fluctuations. As an empty nester, my mornings now revolve around personal pursuits like swimming, a time for reflection and rejuvenation. My friend relates my early rising to the conative part of my brain—it’s my instinct, my personal DNA that hasn’t wavered since I took over the paper route in 1972.

Navigating Relationships:

While the early riser lifestyle may not always align with the rhythms of others, it fosters unique connections with like-minded individuals. Whether sharing a sunrise with a friend or exchanging early morning messages, these interactions hold special significance, bridging the gap between solitude and companionship.

Aunt Nettie milking at 5 AM

Appreciating Nature’s Beauty:

One of the greatest rewards of early rising is bearing witness to the wonders of nature. From watching the stars fade into the dawn to witnessing the moon’s reflection on Lake Erie, each morning offers a canvas of breathtaking beauty—a reminder of the simple joys found in embracing the early hours. And as I run out of steam, I get a double whammy watching the sun set to the west knowing 8 hours later I get to see the moon set. Two for one!

Conclusion:

As the world awakens and the day unfurls its myriad possibilities, I am reminded of the timeless appeal of the early riser lifestyle. Whether motivated by productivity, solitude, or simply a love for the quiet moments before dawn, each morning offers a fresh start—a chance to greet the day with intention and purpose. So here’s to the early risers, the silent pioneers of the morning hours, and to the countless moments of tranquility and productivity that await us each day.

And let’s not forget the practical advantages of rising early:

And let’s not forget the practical advantages of rising early:

There’s no one standing between you and your intention.
The coffee pot is all yours—brewing the liquid gold that fuels the day.
Take charge of household chores like doing the dishes and emptying the dishwasher, leaving your home feeling as organized as your mind.
Find time for personal pursuits, whether it’s writing that blog, reading, hitting the gym, or a worthwhile enjoyable 7 AM meeting.
And if all else fails, you can always call Jake from State Farm for a quote—because nothing says “productive morning” like being insured for the unexpected.

Title: Willie Loman’s Plight is Common Among Many Today

By Joe Kreuz

Originally published in The Buffalo News

Revisiting Death of a Salesman, a play I first encountered in high school 46 years ago, has provided me with a fresh perspective amid our current mental health crisis. Arthur Miller’s portrayal of Willy Loman’s tragic struggle underscores the devastating impact of unaddressed mental illness and the silent battles many continue to face.

Arthur Miller adeptly illustrates Loman’s inability to cope with change and personal crises, symbolized by the rubber hose — a poignant emblem of the internal struggles associated with mental health.

Considering this, I contrasted Loman’s despair with my father’s resilience through numerous career challenges. In 1949, when Miller penned the play, my father was 22, freshly returned from serving in the navy during WWII. My reflections on the play highlighted stark differences in handling adversity, not just between Loman and my father but also within broader society. My father’s mindset, treating each obstacle as a “mere speed bump,” vividly contrasts with Loman’s spiral into hopelessness.

The play brings to light the societal stigma surrounding mental illness, a significant barrier preventing many from seeking the help they need. This stigma exacerbates isolation and despair, emphasizing the urgent need to shift our perspective and treat mental illness with the empathy and seriousness it deserves.

Despite advances in understanding mental health, the stark reality depicted in Loman’s narrative remains all too prevalent. The initiatives by friends at organizations like Save the Michaels and BryLin Hospital, alongside countless others addressing mental health challenges, underscore the critical need for proactive engagement. Their work illuminates the extensive network of available resources, as well as the existing gaps in accessibility and acceptance.

My father’s resilience was significantly bolstered by a robust support system of family, friends, and colleagues. This network was pivotal in enabling him to navigate life’s challenges. The importance of such support is immeasurable, acting as a vital lifeline for many grappling with mental health issues.

Death of a Salesman serves as a profound meditation on human psychology and mental health, showcasing the vital role of literature in dissecting the complexities of the human psyche. It underscores that empathy, understanding, and support can profoundly influence those struggling with mental health issues.

Faced with modern challenges like the opioid epidemic, the aftermath of Covid-19, escalating military suicide rates, and pervasive isolation, prioritizing mental health on par with physical health is imperative. We must cultivate environments where individuals feel empowered to discuss their struggles openly, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.

The aspiration for a future where mental illness is destigmatized, enabling individuals like Loman to receive the support they need, is more essential than ever.

Let’s commit to action and solidarity, striving for a society where no one endures their darkest moments in isolation. Recognizing these silent struggles, we can advance towards a future where mental health is prioritized and stigma is dismantled.

Author’s Note:

This piece was inspired by a Christmas gift—Leo Pusateri gave me Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Rereading it decades later struck a chord and prompted the reflection you just read. A special thanks to both Leo and John Connelly, whose insights and shared stories about our fathers—each shaped by common values and life lessons in resilience—helped bring clarity and purpose to this essay.

Long before Workday’s clever Super Bowl commercial declared, “You’re not a rock star,” one of my first mentors, Pam Siegal, was already using the phrase to describe our Most Placeable Candidates—standout professionals identified back when my journey in staffing began in 1984.

“Rock star” isn’t about pyrotechnics or platinum albums—it’s about work ethic, performance, initiative, and showing up when it matters. With a sprinkle of humor and decades of street-smart recruiting experience, here are several interconnected themes that define a unique approach to helping people land roles they love.

Every day is a rollercoaster of career-making moments—and the ride is still worth it.

In the whirlwind world of recruitment, for thousands of years, people have been interviewing and landing their dream jobs. A mentor once coined the phrase, “We represent rock stars!” So, christening these exceptional job seekers as Most Placeable Candidates (MPCs) became common practice. So, for 40 years, MPC’ing rock stars has been the norm, and then this “Work Day” TV ad comes along, and it’s like they’re reading our minds! Gene Simmons

In the realm of recruitment, stumbling upon candidates who are absolute rock stars in their fields is a daily occurrence. Our first theme draws inspiration from the “Work Day” commercial, where the message is as clear as a guitar riff: You’re not just another employee; you’re a rock star in your own unique way.

By celebrating the rock stars among us, we attract clients seeking top-notch talent and candidates considering exciting new opportunities through our services. And believe me, in the prehistoric days before fax machines, email attachments, LinkedIn, and all the fancy new portals, we had cab drivers delivering rock star resumes with handwritten notes for that instant impact!

“You Got Two Minutes”

Once a “Rock Star MPC resume” hits someone’s desk, it’s all about “Carpe Diem,” seizing the moment. Just like Melanie Griffith’s character in “Working Girl,” job seekers often find themselves with only two minutes to make a lasting impression. We all understand the importance of those elevator pitches. Recruiters work like a bunch of caffeinated squirrels to help job seekers craft stories that captivate and effectively showcase their skills within the precious two minutes they have to shine. Here is the link Working Girl –Elevator pitch

Outcome: Empowering candidates with the tools and confidence they need to make a strong case for themselves, flinging open the doors to exciting career opportunities. And remember, in those elevator moments, you can be the star of your own show!

Now, here’s the 180-degree twist.

Dealing with Job Loss Trauma

On occasion, more Kleenex is used in the office than at a movie theater showing a tearjerker. You know, statistics say losing a job can be as traumatic as losing a loved one! But here’s the curveball: who doesn’t love offering a helping hand to those in need? Providing support and guidance to individuals facing the dreaded reality of job loss.

Outcome: By extending assistance to those dealing with job loss trauma, we can throw them a safety net, letting them know they’re not alone on their journey to recovery. And yes, even those shedding tears today can become someone else’s rock star tomorrow!

Ultimately, recruitment isn’t just about matching skills to job descriptions; it’s about understanding the human side of the equation. So, while I’ve spent decades calling candidates “rock stars,” let’s be real: sometimes they just need a roadie, someone who can carry the gear, give them a pep talk, and make sure their mic is working for that all-important two-minute audition. Because, let’s face it, even the best rock stars need a little help with the soundcheck. 🎸🌟

From the Greatest Generation, like my dad, who relied on rubber cement to piece together ads and spinning vinyl to dance with my mom, to the Baby Boomers hooked on their beloved ‘crackberries’ and texting, to Gen Xers proud of their constant online presence, and Millennials growing up with iPhones, each generation has witnessed technological leaps. However, my grandchildren’s generation will be the first to embrace AI from an early age. While AI brings remarkable advancements, let’s not forget the importance of our human sixth sense and intuitive understanding. I dare say, put an expert in the subject matter against AI any day of the week, and you’ll witness the ingenuity and creativity that sets us apart—the secret weapon against the machines! After all, there’s no algorithm that can replicate our unique blend of experience, intuition, and good old-fashioned common sense.

And for a real-world perspective, I turn to my friend since high school, Dave Balkin, PhD. Dave is a scientist with a storied career at IBM, and he provides present-day perspective to my thoughts.

“As you well know, engines that could historically be fixed with the tap of a hammer are being (or have been) replaced with computerized mechatronic systems that contain dozens, if not hundreds, of semiconductors. The problems with these systems can now only be properly diagnosed by complex computerized test systems. Consistent with your point, as always, only those with the required technical expertise (experience) will be able to ultimately fix the latest iteration of technology. Unfortunately, as we become dependent on AI, users will need to cultivate much greater critical thinking skills to create efficient AI prompts that yield meaningful outputs and discernment abilities to properly assess the correctness of AI outputs, which are only as good as their (hopefully uncorrupted) data sources.”

My mother was the 70’s version of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence.

That was then and this is now

Who hasn’t been reading about ChatGPT, a new artificial intelligence (AI) platform making the news. This made me think about how people used to create polished work before computers. Back in the day, mothers like mine were like Chat GPTs or AI. My mother typed all of our term papers, correcting grammar and spelling errors, teaching my siblings and me and editing a final product that was well thought out and error-free to hand in to our teachers. Armed with a whiteout and her typewriter, my mom spent many hours at our kitchen table for all six of us. 

My mother is Eloise Kreuz and she is 91 years old. Today she continues to demonstrate the same knowledge base and intuitive skills that she had in the 1970’s. Her knowledge base is vast and her intuitive skills were the 70’s version of AI. She was a top student in high school and nursing school which made her a valuable resource for us. My grandkids and great-grandkids will be amazed to hear about my mother’s skills. Current day her cognitive skills have not been compromised. 

It’s amazing how technology can support subject matter experts (SMEs) these days. As an AI language model, I’ve learned that my ability to process information and generate text can help people think more and type less. When I started my blog, I realized that writing requires a lot of effort and editing. I read a book or two to hone my skills.  “Lapsing into a comma “ was one of my favorites.

So I ask myself “What’s the future hold with AI as a tool?”

With the increasing reliance on AI, many wonder what the future holds for education. Will we revert to hand-written exams and no calculators to truly test our knowledge? As technology becomes more advanced, it can detect even the slightest hint of plagiarism or dishonesty. One student experienced this firsthand when they took a college class with a friend and the final exam was a take-home. The student found a case study in the library that was a mirror image of the exam and was able to write it in their own words. However, their friend plagiarized the content and received a D while the student received an A. That student was me. This situation is similar to the experience of Professor Albert Pautler at UB conveyed to me. Al Pautler told me “I had a doctoral student that included lengthy statements from a book written by a friend without any citation or credit given. I emphasized the importance of ethics in academia and how using others’ work without proper credit is considered stealing. I informed the student that he could no longer trust him or serve as his doctoral advisor, and the student ultimately dropped out of the program.” Pautler stresses that all doctoral level students were aware of the ethics surrounding plagiarism and giving proper credit to authors.

Before I started reading, writing was always a challenge for me. Reading helped expand my vocabulary and improved my comprehensive reading skills. I’m still learning. I’m excited to see how AI can improve the quality of my work. However, as with any tool, there’s always the risk of misuse or over reliance. It’s up to us to use AI responsibly and ethically, and to continue to develop our own writing skills and research knowledge.

At the end of the day, AI is just one tool in our toolbox. My advice is to use it wisely to support our goals and aspirations. Early on I found ChatPGT lacks artistry, insight, and compassion and these are critical to effective writing. As technology continues to evolve, I look forward to seeing how we can harness its power to make our lives better and more fulfilling.

Oh by the way, here is a log in URL you can get at through Google for a free trial https://chat.openai.com/auth/login

On the anniversary of what many call the greatest play in NFL history, Franco Harris found himself in the right spot at the right time. Luck? Not at all. That surreal, serendipitous moment—the Immaculate Reception—wasn’t just chance; it was the culmination of preparation meeting opportunity.

Franco’s iconic play felt almost mythical, like a white stallion galloping into the sunset to secure victory and end a long drought, heralding the Steelers’ era of Super Bowl dominance. Yet, the magic of the moment was rooted in something far less mysterious: Franco was always prepared.

A friend of mine often says, “Proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance.” That saying rings true here. Franco’s dedication to his craft ensured he was ready when the unexpected happened. His sudden passing, just before the 50th anniversary of the play, was a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of that moment and how it forever changed the course of sports history.

I was in seventh grade when I watched the Immaculate Reception with my dad, a memory I hold close. The thrill of that instant—of something unexpected turning into a game-changing event—stuck with me. Moments like these remind me of the common thread among my friends who consistently come prepared: they always seem to be in the right spot to seize opportunities. Whenever one of my friends comes through in a golf tournament, what appears to be a serendipitous moment, I always chirp, “He’s lucky at cards too!”

As chance would have it, I too benefited from being overly prepared in a professional context. My preparation helped me seize an unexpected opportunity, leaving my competitor at the altar. The feeling of seeing the moment unfold, knowing you’re ready when others aren’t, is one of the greatest rewards in life. It’s not about blind luck—it’s about setting yourself up to be in the right place at the right time.

Carpe Diem: Seize the Day

I often think about Franco’s iconic play and how it mirrors life’s serendipitous moments. It’s not just about luck. It’s about being ready to act, having the skills, knowledge, and mindset to take advantage of a fleeting opportunity. The best moments, in business and in life, are often a blend of preparedness, timing, and the ability to see things others might miss. Franco might have been in the right place at the right time, but his preparation allowed him to catch a pass not many could have, and to outrun the defense—all because he was ready.

I love sharing and reliving these stories with my kids, just as I did with my dad. It’s a reminder that serendipity isn’t just about chance; it’s about being ready to seize the day when the moment comes.

Just like Franco’s preparation, which enabled him to react in a split second to the unexpected bounce of a football, my own career has been shaped by the same principle: be ready, and you’ll be in the right spot when the opportunity knocks. And sometimes, just sometimes, the opportunity is even better than you imagined.

I’m sure Franco didn’t imagine the ball would bounce directly into his hands. But he was ready. He had spent years perfecting his craft, working hard even when it wasn’t glamorous. And when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate. That’s the magic of serendipity—it’s the meeting of preparation and opportunity. I’m sure Franco didn’t imagine the ball would bounce directly into his hands. But he was ready. He had spent years perfecting his craft, working hard even when it wasn’t glamorous. And when the moment came, he didn’t hesitate. That’s the magic of serendipity—it’s the meeting of preparation and opportunity. It’s like thinking all the chicken wings are gone, and then—bam!—there’s one last drumstick sitting at the bottom of the platter.

You weren’t expecting it, but there it is, just waiting for you to claim it. The moment you’ve been waiting for, when you thought it was over. It’s the perfect example of serendipity: the meeting of preparation and opportunity. When you’re ready for it, life tosses you that last wing when you least expect it, and it feels pretty sweet—just like snagging that final, coveted wing at the table. Immaculate Reception

Today was the day. The Monday before Christmas. I delivered the Courier Express and my friend Rich delivered the Buffalo News. The Monday before Christmas we’d venture out to personally deliver the calendar for what we deemed the year end holiday bonus.

The Christmas calendar. We received cash tips, other gifts from some like holiday cakes and cookies, nothing from some, and the noticeable generosity of tips from others. The reward you’d get for being a good business person throughout the year. Rich and I delivered from 1973 to 1977 and the stories and memories and tips are stories that last forever.