I owe you an apology. I had the pleasure of meeting you in Pittsburgh at an American Society of Civil Engineering Conference in 2008 at which I was blown away at your take on business, the simple connections that you illustrated that all great leaders share and how your research has affected you. Your presentation was fantastic and falls within the top 3 presentations I have ever had the privilege to hear and I would go so far as to say you are in my very short list of true business mentor’s.  While you have met thousands of people at the conferences you have MC’ed over the years, you should know that while I was just a number in the crowd, you have solidified yourself as a name I recount to friends, colleagues and associates often for your straight to the point writing and guidance. When I attended the conference, I was a little over one year out of school and my aspirations for great things were reinforced by the lessons instilled by you at that conference and in your books…

Oh, to get back to that apology I owe you. Recently making the transfer from Poor College student to Poor Entry-Level engineer fresh into the workforce, I did not have the funds in cash to purchase your book right then and there. This, was a huge mistake on my part and for that, I owe you a sincere apology. I know you have been on the best sellers list several times for your fantastic books, but all too often, praise is not given where it is due. Upon purchasing your book “Hit the Ground Running” this past Sunday, I have read through 9 chapters in 2 nights, only stopping to sleep and rest for the next day of work. I have a meeting today with the president of our company to discuss some of the activities I have undertaken and I am bringing your book along in the hopes we can discuss its merits and how the lessons I have learned through reading can improve our company.  I see similarities in our business however we are not a great company… yet…. A good company yes… but we can do better…

I have taken many of the lessons and guidance instilled in your book to heart. I have started to actually put my ideas to paper on ways to innovate our field and recruit the bright talent of tomorrow. Ideas that I have had for quite a while without the drive or direction to push them into the light for all to see, critique, modify, improve, and hopefully implement. I am fully aware that my thoughts are in no way perfect, however if they might provoke another to expand upon the base I’ve provided, then we will be better for it.

I wanted to thank you for work and contributions to assist leaders in all industries to better ourselves through the successes and mistakes of others. You have also given me the much needed kick in the rear to stop sitting on the sidelines and take a more active role in my companies (and my own) future.  I will be purchasing the rest of your books as soon as I am able to fit a trip to the local bookstore into my schedule. Please continue your work and know you have enlisted a lifelong fan.

Sincerely,
Ryan Mastowski
EIT - Project Engineer

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