Lessons for Advisors (and Life) From Emery Kertesz (Part Three)

When the going got tough, he talked about what soldiers do when they are in the foxhole together – how they bonded with each other while formulating a plan to escape or attack.

He avoided distractions and had no time for small talk.

His time management was a model of efficiency. We had a videoconference monthly. It rarely lasted more than 10 minutes. When it was over, I always felt it was the most productive part of my day.

Intense curiosity

Emery was the most intellectually curious person I’ve ever met. He was a voracious reader. He studied science, engineering, history, art and especially music – his real passion. He was an accomplished guitarist who played in a band.

He decided late in life to become a pilot, which had always been a goal (one he could never afford). He told me doing so was a lifelong dream. He found peace flying alone.

He was an introvert, like me. He eschewed meetings. He rarely went into our office because he found it too distracting. He worked from home before it was required by the pandemic. He didn’t enjoy interacting with employees, yet he was first in line to help them (and others) in times of need, often anonymously.

He told me working at home gave him the time he needed to “think and reflect.”

He rarely talked about himself, except when he confided in me about his chronic illness.

No confusion

Emery and I bonded over the fact that neither of us is confused over the difference between right and wrong. We never got close to any legal or ethical line. He ran our business like he ran his life, with complete, unreserved integrity.

Part of that trait was simply his character. It was reinforced by his devotion to his faith, church and community.

A contrary approach

Both Emery and I are contrarians. Neither of us would function well in a corporate environment, which contributed to our success as entrepreneurs. We were free to view our business as a blank canvas, and paint whatever we wanted on it.

Emery’s decisions often challenged conventional wisdom.

At the time of his death, we had purchased property and were about to construct what we laughingly called our “world headquarters.” Emery was going to supervise every aspect of that project. I know it would have been great because he always exceeded my expectations.

With his sons and his widow, Emery’s team and I will move forward with that project and dedicate the building to him.

Dan trains executives and employees in the lessons based on the research of his latest book, Ask: How to Relate to Anyone. His online video course, Ask: Increase Your Sales. Deepen Your Relationships, is in production.

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