“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean
Jimmy Dean was a successful singer, television host, actor, and businessman. I knew of him for his international hit song “Big Bad John.” Later, I saw him advertising Jimmy Dean Sausage™, the product of a company that he founded. Today Tyson Foods™ owns the company. With his looks and voice, Jimmy Dean is the perfect brand ambassador for the products his company made. Even though he passed away in 2010, his voice and image are still used to promote the products in commercials.
Where I met him was in an area that was curtained off at a food trade show at the McCormick Place in Chicago. I was simply taking a backstage shortcut. I suspect that he was taking the route that was curtained off to avoid the crowds of people who would recognize him and to avoid the journalists and photographers who covered what was the largest convention in the world, the Food Marketing Institute annual trade show. Also, in a trade show that covered two city blocks, shortcuts were very useful.
He was 6’3″ and was wearing cowboy boots and a large cowboy hat. As we approached each other, he was beaming with a huge smile. He greeted me as though I was a friend.
We stopped and talked about the trade show and how it was working for his brands. He was an extraordinary man in every way: looks, stature, intelligence, success. However, he had humility and a type of charisma that made people feel as though they were important.
Later I would learn that Jimmy Dean was known for his humility, which was evident in his interactions with fans and colleagues. He never let fame or success go to his head, and he always made time for those around him.
Here are a few examples of Jimmy Dean’s humility:
- He was known for his generosity, often giving money and time to those in need.He was always willing to help out others, even if it meant putting his own needs aside.
- He was never afraid to admit his mistakes and learn from them.
- He was always grateful for the opportunities that he had been given in life.
- Jimmy Dean’s humility was one of the things that made him so beloved by fans and colleagues alike.
He was a true role model, and his legacy continues to inspire others to be humble and kind.
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