When the position opened up to put someone in charge of handling Internet sales, we couldn’t find anyone who was qualified. We took a gamble. We gave the job to Fish.

Because he was not computer-literate, he’d just make a little mark in his book every time someone signed up. At the end of each day he’d tally the marks to tell us how well we were doing.

And guess what? Soon the marks started to really add up. We were making real money. I thought I’d better get a real manager in and get Fish out before he messed it up. Maybe put him in charge of tech support. Sure, he didn’t know squat about computers, but he’d learn.

Nine months later the Internet business was collapsing. Sales and technology were out of control. The only thing that was working was tech support, with everyone happy and motivated and willing to be underpaid, as long as they could work for Fish. Go figure. So we put him in charge of the whole division. Soon everything Fish was running was making money, and everyone was happy. So we increased his responsibility. Over two hundred people are now working for Fish. We won’t ever make a decision without his input. Usually, he has no opinion. He can see it both ways. But whenever he has an opinion, that’s it. We all go along. Everyone’s come to know that Fish is always right. Not only that, but he is a real mensch, the kind of man you’d be proud to have your son grow up to become, the kind of manager who shows respect to the people who work for him, and receives it in return. Fish has a gift for knowing how to treat people and motivate them. His staff would walk through fire for him.

Funny thing. Fish’s in-laws and parents are always so nice to me. They must think I’m still doing him a favor. If not for me, I’m sure they think, he’d be back behind the wheelbarrow. By all means use logic and borrow my rules. But keep your eyes open because you just never know where the gems will be found.