Over three decades later, we continue to operate under those principles with a keen focus on leaving people better for the encounter and helping our teammates, customers, and their families live better lives.
As I thought about the number 33, I immediately was brought to one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Larry Bird. For my generation, Bird was the best (unless, of course, you're a Lakers or Pistons fan). He was tough, outworked everybody, prepared relentlessly, never quit, and made everybody on the team better. His attitude and will to win were infectious and permeated throughout the organization. The year before he joined the Boston Celtics, they had a fledgling 29-win season with 53 losses. The year after, 61-21, more than doubling the wins from the prior year...as a rookie. They would go on to win three championships and elevate the entire league throughout the 80s. Simply said, Larry Bird was a rising tide.
"Now bring the rest of the army and capture the city. Otherwise, I will capture it and get credit for the victory." (2 Samuel 12:28)
