Costco Wholesale
As a winner who didn’t quit, he has first hand experience.
Al Foxx, founder of the winners Don’t Quit Association, came to our Corporate headquarters to speak to the employees during what we call the Brown Bag lunch hour from 12 to 1. During that hour, he touched the hearts of everyone there as he shared his story of relearning to walk, talk, work, and drive a car after he survived a brain injury and partial paralysis as the result of a traumatic motor cycle accident at age 19. His humorous accounts of how people have responded to him since his accident, will delight you but at the same time cause you to examine your own response to co-workers and others with disabilities. Al knows what people with disabilities want others to know about them.
His challenge as he spoke to us was 1) to not lose heart or give up because of obstacles, 2) to appreciate our own as well as others’ differences, 3) to believe in your heart that you have the power to overcome anything and 4) to do your best to create a happy and positive environment with everyone around you. From speaking in high schools to the workplace, Al will bring a refreshing perspective to living and working along side people with disabilities.
Sincerely,
Fran Hooper
Costco Wholesale
Training and Employee Development
Washington State Dairy Women
Dear Al:
It was a pleasure to meet you last week and to have you share your story with our group at the Embassy Suites. What an encouragement and inspiration you are to others!
The human spirit continues to amaze me. Your determination and "don’t quit" attitude all these years reinforces what one can do in spite of what life deals out to us. Your candor, wit and transparency endears you to your audience. The consensus was that with determination and perseverance we can accomplish that which seems impossible. Your presentation was empowering and was very timely for our group. Our dairy farmers today are experiencing grave economic conditions and many are having to walk away from their farms. The message you conveyed was a great source of encouragement to them.
I would be pleased to recommend you to any group. - Keep up the good work! Your message needs to be heard.
Karen Hulten, Coordinator
Washington State Dairy Women
John Deere Credit Dept
The following are comments made by those who attended a diversity awareness class presented by Al Foxx at John Deere.
"I absolutely enjoyed this guest speaker. He spoke of things that impact us all, whether you are a disabled individual or not. I would wager that there are still people that we work with day to day within our office that do not get it. That they think their problems are bigger than other and that everybody owes them something. After listening to Al, it makes our little problems seem truly petty."
"Al Fox was a very good speaker with a great message about not giving up and believing in people. I liked how he related disabilities to just differences in people which we deal with everyday in and outside of work."
"I enjoyed Mr. Fox. My only criticism was that it was a bit lengthy, otherwise it was great. He is a living testament to what I tell my kids, set your goals and don't let someone else stand in the way of them."
"Awesome presentation. Al is a remarkable guy!"
"Great job in speaker selection. The message was delivered effectively and humorously. Please continue to focus in on the real diversity issues. Less fluff and more events like this!"
"Al Fox was a very good speaker with a great message about not giving up and believing in people. I liked how he related disabilities to just differences in people which we deal with everyday in and outside of work."
"He was very funny. Very interesting to listen to.
Alan Ritchey, Inc.
Dear Al,
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you again for your presentation to our employees last week. Your message was positive and well received. Even now, some of our employees are repeating your motto of “WINNERS don’t quit, winners DON’T quit, winners don’t QUIT!” to get them through a rough day.
The management team was especially responsive to the message that employees have the power to make their job environment either positive or negative. Your message that we can and do have the power to make changes was a good reinforcement to those who sometimes feel as if they have no voice.
Your humor was a gentle reminder that, as you say, everyone has something that could hold them back - the trick is to keep going anyway. You are truly a motivating and inspiring person, Al, and to hear your presentation was both a privilege and a delight.
Leah Rydzewski
Human Resource Manager
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