hank rearden

I've been so busy at work the past few weeks either tying up loose ends at my old position or training for my new position that I feel like I can't shut my brain off and not have some part of me thinking about work.  I'm probably boring Jimmy with all my shop talk, but as it is now, my brain only has two modes; either I'm thinking about work or I'm not thinking about anything.


But here's something not directly related with work:


Earlier this week, I met Hank Rearden-- that is, if Hank Rearden weren't a fictional character.  The president of one of the paper manufacturing plants I visited is an extraordinary example of talent and passion.  He doesn't talk like the president of a successful company and he doesn't walk like the president of a successful company.  When he talks he has a very distinct Boston accent.  His tone was easy and natural, but also extremely passionate.  The way that he walks is not lazy and aimless, but always directed and focused.  It almost looks like a criminal's tense lope, except he does not walk furtively but instead walks confidently.  This is a man who doesn't BS.  This is a man who would never walk aimlessly around the streets.  This is a man who will get things done and who is concerned with real results.  This is a man of ability.


Sometimes I wish I had started off in printing instead of publishing.  I love being part of the process that allows a book to come to existence, but I think it would be completely different experience to actually press a book and be a tangible part of creating the physical product.