"TO RETIRE OR NOT TO RETIRE" - that is the question!

 An Interview with a Business Owner - Total Retirement? Not just yet.

With a determined character and a heart that seemed to want to help others, Gordon had built a thriving specialty chemical company called "Waterside Asset Management" from the ground up. Gordon had poured his soul into this venture for nearly 20 years now, but it wasn’t just about selling chemicals and realizing experience, but about the people he served.

Before Waterside Asset Management, Gordon spent decades (21 years) in the corporate machinery of a large chemical company. While he learned much about business, he often found himself stifled by corporate restrictions and the race for profit over people. He yearned for a way to connect with clients—not just as customers but as friends. So, one day, he took a leap of faith, breaking free from the constraints of corporate life to become the master of his destiny.

His company quickly became more than just a place for chemicals; it transformed into a vibrant water conservation community. Gordon made it a point to keenly listen to their projects so he could help them succeed. People came not just for the quality of products but for Gordon's guidance and encouragement. His ~ 40 years of experience in this field have allowed him to share invaluable tips—just as the name of his company suggested.

As the years rolled on, whispers of retirement began to flutter through the air. Friends urged him to take it easy, to spend time golfing or traveling back to South Africa to see family. But Gordon found himself hesitating at the thought. How could he step away from what brought him so much joy? Seeing people’s eyes lit up when they completed a project with his company.

Gordon watched as his Veteran-owned small business thrived and served as an alternative to large profit-centered corporations. Many of his customers turned into friends. He loved seeing his friends and neighbors succeed, crafting their paths and fulfilling their dreams, all fueled by the confidence and skills they developed with Waterside Asset Management.

Gordon’s heart swelled with pride as he overheard, “Job well done.” These were the seeds of success he had helped sow over the years. With the thought that he had more to give, he decided right then and there that retirement would have to wait. Instead of sailing into the sunset, he would continue to plant seeds of knowledge and inspire his next generation of water conservationists along with water treatment. Gordon understood that retirement wasn’t merely a withdrawal from work but a shift in how he could contribute to the business he loved.

As the seasons changed, so did Gordon's approach to business. He created a mentorship program, inviting seasoned tradespeople and fresh faces to share knowledge and collaborate on projects. His company continued to thrive, becoming a place where dreams became reality, friendships were formed, and the industrial, commercial, education, and military installations community flourished. And so, Gordon embraced the new chapter of his life, brimming with a dedication that never waned. For him, the thrill of helping others succeed was the real treasure. After all, a community that grows together thrives together, and Gordon wasn’t ready to miss a moment of that magic.