Six Miles and a Lifetime of Stories with Mark Bjerkestrand
After far too many years, I reunited with Mark Bjerkestrand for a nature-filled Dialogue Miles™ walk in the Orlando area. Mark has been there for once-in-a-lifetime, pivotal moments in our lives.
From standing with me the moment I learned my mum had passed, to sharing a six-pack in the park as we watched the buildings at the epicenter of the earthquake in San Francisco in 1989 , to navigating the approval process for the first thermal transfer printed labels by UL. (Flexcon and Datamax)
Despite the years apart, our conversation picked up right where we left off. This 6-mile and 6-hour afternoon was off the rails with stories, laughter, innovation, and some amazing rock music.
A Few Things That Stayed with Me
Networking
“I know a guy.” Find those people who help you navigate life and find the answersMutual Respect
“I am proud of you.” Our lives take different paths, but the intersections along the way remind us to celebrate each other’s journeys. As Mark put it, “Relationships built over time are durable, we may not stay in constant contact, but we always find each other at key moments, often providing direction or perspective even if it’s not directly stated.”Margaritas
Never the same. A paint mixer transformed into a jigger for making a Margarita is unbelievable.Music
“There are lovers of music, and then there’s Mark’s collection”. A pizza, a cold drink, and ‘70s rock– might be one of the greatest moments ever!Storytelling
Let them roll. Some of the best moments come from telling and retelling life experiences.Value
Story and experience. Be curious about the meaning behind what you collect along the way.Knowing Someone
“Wicked pissah.” Holding onto something until your good friend finally visits. What a sign!
We often know people through a specific lens, likely shaped by the role they’ve played in our lives, the work we’ve done together, or the moments we’ve shared. Every now and then, layers start to peel back and you begin to see people in their rawest form.
In my time with Mark, I saw him stop traffic to help a bird cross the street, move a worm off the sidewalk, and describe saving a nesting spot in his pond. It is comforting to know that you have people that remain humble, you can count on and who surprise you in the simplest of ways. Don't wait to call that special friend!
