My Mentor Retires

Most of you in my professional circle have heard me mention, Joe Freehling. He was my first Sales Manager in my career, back in the old CF days. To say he taught me how to sell wouldn't be doing Joe justice. He taught me so much more!!

Joe went from teacher to freight czar in no time. Anyone who has shipped ANYTHING LTL related in New England, has come to know Joe....and to know Joey, is a special gift many of us share.

Joe would send me on sales calls he knew I was doomed on, not a cold chance in hell CF was going to win that business back, but he knew it "was good for you kid" He taught me it was more about the relationship and the trust in sales then just the numbers. Joe has been the leading sales person in New England for the past 36 years.

I had the pleasure of having Joe, his wife Cindy, and children Carl and Marla, in my life for the past 20+ years. The countless stories we share, to the new and current guidance he gives me on so many levels, I could never repay him. One of my favorites was after shadowing another sales guy in Boston all day....and night. We both show up the next day looking like shit, him with a busted lip, limping around and me with some fairly scraped up knuckles. Joe walks by and says....."Dan, why is there a dent in your car door? (company car), oh that's right, you had Michael with you all day" or all of the Easter Sunday stories of our favorite Italian, Anthony, and you sending him a care package of a stuffed dog eating a GI Joe figure....(Anthony was nibbled on by the family dog as a child)....had to be there, LOL. But still, you teaching me about music and how good tunes will take everything and put it in perspective!!

Joey, you are a friend, a coach, a teacher, a father, and so much more to many....to me, you have been my mentor, the person I wanted to emulate, not only in my professional life, but life in general. I mean lets face it, who wouldn't want to be boating out to a little sand bar in a secluded little bay with grill, cooler full of yummy and tunes blaring some Freddie King all day?

I cant wait to come visit and sit back, relax and enjoy so many more great memories ahead.

Congrats on an amazing career.......and what a long strange trip its been!!!