It’s a Wonderful Life and Christmas Vacation. Hard to put these two flicks in any sort of similar category other than “my two favorite Christmas movies.” Both for very different reasons (obviously)!

For seven years of my life, I was the proud owner of a 40-foot diesel pusher. With that came many forms of levity and harassment…and of course a humorous comparison to my fellow RV companion Cousin Eddie. Naturally I have been known to dawn a black dicky, undersized white sweater, white patent leather shoes and moose mug to celebrate the season. Real nice! A sure winner at the ugly sweater contest!

George Bailey, the main character in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” is a more compelling and inspiring story (duh). After this year’s annual family watch party, I found myself in a much more reflective spirit than normal.

George was given an incredible and unusual gift: an opportunity to see what the world around him would have been like had he not ever existed. Have you ever given that any thought yourself? What would the world be like had I never existed?

George had big dreams and big plans, none of which ever manifested themselves because he was “trapped by the measly old Bailey Building & Loan” business that his father had left in his hands. At least that’s what he thought until he was given the gift of seeing the impact his life, his leadership, his influence, his impact, his values, his “measly” old business had on the lives of other people and his community. Further, we see the contrast of what would have happened in his absence and the impact of his nemesis Potter (not such a wonderful life).

What’s my influence, impact and legacy going to be? Will my business be a platform for positively impacting and influencing the lives of other people? Cheers to an impactful 2018 and the building of your wonderful legacy!

Drew Hiss
Post by Drew Hiss
January 2, 2018
Drew Hiss launched his outsourced payroll and HR technology solutions company, Checkdate Solutions, in 1994. The entrepreneurial venture was a classic bootstrap start-up whose launch plan underestimated capital needs and ramp up time by significant multiples. The adventure predictably included scrapping for cash, overhauling the business model, rebranding, refocusing, redirecting resources, shifting tech platforms, praying, seeking counsel and wisdom, etc.. Not surprisingly, deep entrepreneurial scar tissue was forged. Ultimately Checkdate Solutions became one of Kansas City’s fastest growing companies and was named one of the Greater KC Chamber of Commerce Best Businesses not once, but twice. Additionally, Checkdate Solutions ranked as one of KC’s top 100 fastest growing companies for nine consecutive years and was in the top 25 nationally in its industry. Today’s workplace culture tends to compartmentalize personal virtues from commerce, creating silos and compartmentalization between business, family, community, values and faith. But as a CEO, Drew and his company grew when he “decompartmentalized:” on his journey, he learned to integrate his life of commerce and his life of family, faith and values. Drew merged Checkdate Solutions with payroll industry leader Paycor, stepping away from the company in 2008 and serving on its board for eight years. Drew remains an owner in the firm. Today, Drew’s heart to help business owners leverage the influence of their business platform for eternal impact is at the core of Acumen which he founded late in 2015. Acumen is a catalytic iron-sharpening-iron environment forged from the fiery furnace of entrepreneurial battle, marketplace survival and integration of the timeless wisdom of the ages. Drew and his wife, Sarah have been married for 32 years and have four children (plus two beautiful daughters in law) ranging in age from 28 to 22. In early 2020, Drew and Sarah relocated to Evergreen, CO, He is a raving-fan congregant of Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, CO, and enjoys snowboarding, hunting, cycling, hiking, and a variety of outdoor activities and adventures including running with his two dogs.

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