Take Time To Say Thanks! by Safety Speaker John Drebinger coach of effective safety speakers

Today I want to thank a person who had a great impact on my life. I am sure there are many paths that lead some of us to be safety speakers. I can tell you that the most important part of that path was guided by my membership with the Boy Scouts of America.

50 years ago this month my friend Dennis Sherman invited me to join Troop 318 in Woodland Hills California. Friends have a huge impact on your life. I have now been registered as a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 50 years. Because Dennis invited me my life took an outstanding path. I met my wife Karen because of scouting. I learned my skills as a speaker and entertainer telling stories and leading campfires. Some of my greatest friends and associates I met and worked with because of the Boy Scouts. Serving as an executive with the Boy Scouts from 1976 to 1982 gave me the opportunity to meet and learn from business leaders who I would never have had access to. Scouting led me to my learning magic which enhanced my speaking career. So thanks Dennis for caring enough to invite your friend to a meeting and thanks to your dad and his fellow Kiwanis members for sponsoring the troop. Years later Dennis and I earned our Eagle Scout award with Troop 54 clearly one of the best troops in the country.

Safety Merit Badge was probably my first exposure to safety and I would have never guessed at the time that it would lead me to being unique amongst safety speakers.

Remember to thank those who have had an impact on your life and career.