"Almost God" :-)

I had an opportunity on Friday to celebrate a birthday / anniversary of a long time and great example of a "Godly Man". Marvin Martens, he was celebrating his 80th birthday in conjunction with the 25th anniversary of his homegrown manufacturing business, BRAMCO. Marvin's son Brad and I went to school together. In our junior high days, I spent the night at their house several times. I've had many opportunities to observe Marvin up close and personal. I've also been living in the same small town and watching many of the projects that he has initiated, spearheaded, and promoted. Some people are visionaries, able to come up with positive ideas and convince others to carry out those ideas, and we need those types of people. What sets Marvin apart from most visionaries is that when he has a project, not only does he convince others to go along but he is first in line to get his hands dirty and the last one to leave to make sure that everything is done and done properly.
Something I noticed Friday on my tour of his manufacturing facility was the placement of the equipment and the tools. It appears that every workspace was set up and arranged in a precise and specific manner. Most of them were equipped with a peg board set up with the tools specifically outlined and labeled so that there was no doubt as to where each tool was to be stored. (A man after my own heart). I'm convinced that Marvin didn't hire people who already practiced that type of efficiency, but taught each one how to discipline themselves this way in order to get the most out of each day's work. If anyone can produce more in a days work than Marvin, even at this time in his life, they are gifted.
I firmly believe that the reason he is able to do what he does is because he has a very close relationship to the Lord. He is blessed and walks in favor because of that relationship. I consider myself fortunate to know Marvin, his wife, as well as his children and grandchildren. I know that there are many people who feel the way I do, one of them, when referring to Marvin, uses the phrase "Almost God"  :-) 
If you've ever had the opportunity to shake hands with Marvin, then you understand what physical strength feels like. It makes me think of *Samson from the Bible.

I always like to close with humor, even though sometimes I may be the only one who gets it, this one is for Marvin.

*Samson is said to be the best actor in the Bible because he brought down the house.

Much love, Dennis