As we prepare to celebrate Memorial Day this Monday, May 30th, I can't help but reflect on the mentors and heroes I've worked with and the priceless memories I've built with them throughout the years. I have so many examples, lessons, experiences, and more to draw from. I'm the man that I am because of them and their guidance and I'm grateful for all they've shared. I wanted to recognize a few of them as my Memorial Day gift (to them and to our team). These are the men and boys who are molding me into the father, husband, brother, and business owner I am today. I hope to have the same impact on my own kids, friends, and colleagues that they have had on me. 

Charles William "Bill" Laing : My paternal grandfather, Grandpa Bill is the man who taught me how to fish, showed me how to serve others, and how to be a good husband. I learned from him how to stay humble in all you say and do. He was the most genuine, consistent, and spiritual man I know. I am forever indebted to him for his example, his character, and the service he gave us all. 

John Charles Laing : My dad, John, is one of the most gregarious and genuinely friendly/interested/sincere people you'll ever meet. He remembers the name of practically every person he's ever met, even decades after he's made their acquaintance. He's suffered terrible health challenges, injuries, and more, but continues to stay optimistic. He is a spiritual rock too and inspiration to us all. 

Adam Laing : My younger brother has always seemed like a superstar to me, deep running, incredibly gifted, insightful, and strong. He claims that I taught him "everything he knows, when it comes to sales," but honestly, I think he's a natural. I've learned a great deal from him as well. He's a phenomenal dad, a great CEO, a wonderful husband to his wife, Kim, & one of my biggest heroes. 

Karl Cogswell : A church friend and confidant from San Marcos, California, Karl is both a trusted mentor and one of my very dearest of friends. Marine Corps retiree and community icon, he's the kind of guy who bought flowers for 8 or so widows on Mother's Day. He's also an investor for us. We wouldn't be here without his help (in the early days when we needed it). Thank you, my friend.

Brian Poynter : One of my partners in Certainty Management ... our largest shareholder, in fact, second only to myself and our Director of Sales, Victoria Foster, Brian is a talented businessman, a nationally ranked pickle ball player, and a dedicated husband and father/step-dad to his kids. We are fortunate to have his leadership, encouragement & support. We're honored to know you.

Ken Meadows : A newer relationship but already one that's becoming more & more valued, Ken is a one-of-a-kind connector with people all over the world who appreciate & trust him. A man full of energy, faith & focus, he is one of those individuals who is truly a light to those around him. A nonprofit owner and networker extraordinaire, he's a powerful example of engaging w/ others.

Giuseppe Pasta : Presidente Pasta, as I knew him, was my mission president in Italy when I served as a full-time service missionary for my church in Central Italy, from 1989-90. The most perfectly in-tune and compassionate person I've ever known, he and his wife Madrilena are my "second parents" & I love them both with all my heart. They helped me know who I am & who I needed to be. 

Rich Marsee : Another hero of mine is (Bishop) Rich Marsee, of Lake Oswego, Oregon. He was our "pastor" in my congregation when I was going through a divorce. He was my trusted confidant, spiritual advisor, mentor, and friend. I will forever be grateful to have had him during this time in my life. We stay in touch off and on & I am grateful that we do. He is amazing, humble, and kind. 

Craig Halker : Another mentor I've learned much from, Craig is a consumate entrepreneur, business leader, strategist, and church/community leader. He does more in a single day than anyone else I know (with multiple companies, employees projects, and more). He's even attending a special invitation-only Harvard M.B.A. course right now. He's an inspiration to me and so many of us.

Rex Pugmire : Another colleague I look up to a lot is my friend and former co-worker, Mr. Rex Pugmire ... one of the most inspiring people I've ever known in my life. He and I have went through a lot--we both were burned badly by an employer of ours and it hurt us and our families in a number of ways--but Rex never got bitter & always stayed faithful. He's an inspiration in so many ways.  

Mark Barrick : One of my oldest and dearest friends, and the co-founder of our cost-reduction partner, NuQuo Group, Mark is one of those men I respect and admire most in my life. A stellar business leader, a brilliant sales professional and presenter/speaker/closer, I've learned a significant amount from him in so many ways throughout my life. I'm grateful to have had such an epic friend.

George S. Tate : Though he may not know it, my Uncle George, is also one of the people I admire most in this life. A professor and former Dean of Honors at Brigham Young University, he has always been an example of me of a man who didn't settle for anything less than his best. He inspired in me my love of languages (he speaks several), literature & learning. I'm grateful I know him. 

Trevant Musgrow : Speaking of good eggs, my nephew Trevant, is someone else I admire who may not be aware of just how much. My sister's eldest, he's an amazing dad and husband, a phenomenal basketball player, and the kind of guy you just can't help appreciate. A very hard worker, he takes care of his family and continues to make more of himself. I respect and admire him a lot.

Joseph McGinnis : One of the sharpest, most talented, sales people & business professionals I've ever known, Joseph has taught me a lot ... including how to tackle projects and put 100% into them, how to think outside the box, how to lead with charisma and treat those with whom he serves with the utmost of respect. He's a stellar example who has left an indelible impression on me.

 
Jeff Lindikoff : One of my closest friends, a former employee & co-worker, Jeff is one of the top realtors in the Pacific Northwest, and one of the most solid professionals I've ever known. A true hero to his parents and so many others, he's shown me repeatedly what it takes to serve one's family, co-workers, and more in a way that every one of us should seek to pattern our own lives after. 

Christian Carter : I met my eldest son Christian when he was just three years old, along with his sisters, Madeline and Brighten, when I married their mom, Emily, a young widow with 3 kids. Christian was really sad to have lost his dad, Kevin. My heart went out to him. But he was also full of intellect, curiosity, and love. Today he holds double degrees from U of OR & works for Intel. He's epic.

Evan Laing : My youngest son, Evan, is the baby of the fam but he's also an old soul, to me, mature beyond his 16 years. An incredible, sponsored, mountain biker, he's good at most everything he tries. He's still trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life ... but I know he will. He's going to go far. With all the talent and skill to do so in the world, I couldn't be any more proud of him.

I'm truly grateful for these men in my lives, especially my dad, my brother, and my three incredible sons. It's an honor and a privilege to know them, to serve them, to learn from them, and to have them in my life. 

They have made me who I am and helped create more certainty in my life in many ways. I will always be grateful and will do all in my power to continue to follow their lead. 

Warmest regards - Patrick Laing,  Certainty Mgt. Founder & Managing Partner

George Franklin Tate : My maternal grandfather, Grandpa George is the man from whom I learned how to "suck the marrow out of life." He was the world traveler, genealogist, photographer, organizer, strategizer, entrepreneur, and problem solver that taught me not only how to survive but truly how to thrive in all I do in life. We drove all the way to Mexico City and back. It was epic.

Dan Thomas : My father-in-law, Dan, has been one of the most encouraging people in my life since I married his daughter, Tessha (I first met him 20 years ago then again when she & I reconnected and got married ten years later). He has always been supportive of us and of me ... gracious, generous, and more. I really appreciate his example and ongoing friendship/support. It means a lot.

David Perry :  Speaking of heroes, my brother-in-law, David, is another one of my idols. He's the kind of husband and father anyone would be truly blessed to have. A brilliant finance/accounting professional, an influencer, activist, and community leader, he is an inspiration to me in so many ways. One of the top blessings in my family's life is knowing he & my sister, Chi, found each other.  

David Aldridge : Another mentor of mine who I will be indebted to as long as I live, David too was a friend from church who grew into more, as our very first rep/affiliate as part of our Certainty Management team. He's believed in what we're building from the very start. He's also the most generous, giving, kind & genuine person I know. He serves without thinking and we all benefit thereby.

David Clingo : Another partner in Certainty Management, David is the owner of Fiscal Medics, Inc. and represents the revolutionary Life Solutionz program. An investor in Certainty and active part of our team, we're fortunate to have his mentorship, his energy, and his insights. They are truly valued. Our own resident "idea factory," we continue to learn from his active efforts and ideas.

 
Mark Laing : My dad's younger brother, Mark is my uncle, and another one of my long-time heroes ... a great example of a father, uncle, brother, and friend, who has overcome significant trials and continues to press on ... never giving up, never turning bitter, seeking to serve, connect with, encourage, and uplift, even those who have turned their back on him. It's important and impressive. 

Marlin Dubetz : My long-time friend and mentor, Marlin, is a retired U.S. Army Colonel, a helicopter pilot with a "Good Ole Boy" (North Carolina) southern drawl and demeanor who would give you the shirt off his back without even a 2nd thought. He's been highly successful in both his military and professional careers, but is one of the most humble people I know. I really appreciate that. 

Dennis Burback : My former manager, project director, and long-time mentor and friend, Dennis is one of the people I trust most in this world. He's the kind of man you automatically trust, regardless of the project or situation at hand. I will forever be grateful for the lessons I've learned from this epic & inspiring leader I respect so much. I hope to be a fraction of what Dennis is ... someday.

Shayne Miles : One of the best friends I've ever had, Shayne is the type of guy you can pour out your heart to and know he will never judge you. In fact, he'll usually give you advice that teaches you, inspires you, and makes you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. He's been through a lot with a wife with cancer, work challenges, and more. He's tenacious & has never given up. 

Svatoslav Ondryas : Another co-worker and friend of Rex's and mine, Svatoslav "Steve O" Ondryas, is our friend and colleague from the Czech Republic who reminds us often of how to persist and never gave up. He moved to the states with limited English and zero prospects. He went on to have a beautiful family with two great kids & build some extraordinary successes that cont. to today. 

Frank Gallanosa : Our close friend and neighbor from our twelve plus years in Portland, Frank is one of those people you can't help but love from the very moment you meet him. A trusted neighbor, church friend, example & friend, I will always be grateful he came into our life. He and his wife, Sharon, both are two of our most favorite people in our life. We're grateful to & for them both.

Luke Thomas : Tessha (my wife) has several brothers (she's the eldest of ten), but her eldest brother Luke is one of my heroes as well. He's a pilot for South-west Airlines, something he worked long and hard for. He didn't give up, even when the going got hard. He's a good brother, a great dad, and a caring and generous friend to us all. It's my pleasure to know him. He's a pretty good egg.

Haini Suguturaga : My brother-in-law Haini is an incredible example to me of a hardworking father and quiet giant I respect and admire a great deal. We do not get to see him as often as we'd like, but when we do, he always makes an impression on me. Haini isn't much of a conversationalist, as much as I try. He doesn't talk your ear off, but I actually appreciate that. He's funny ... and real. 

Mejai Perry : Trevant's younger brother, Mejai, also inspires me every day. A dancer & singer, he came out of the womb talented, in my personal opinion. I've known him since he was a baby and I continue to be impressed. He's so full of life, energy, passion, and talent, it's almost impossible to measure it all. I wish I had even a fraction of his talent. Keep going, Superstar. Break a leg. 

Eric Garber : My good friend and former church colleague, from when I lived in King City (SW Portland), Oregon for several years, Eric is one of those people you know who's struggled with health challenges and more, but continues to keep a smile on his face and such faith in his life, he's an inspiration to us all. He reminds me how important it is to stay in touch, and always stay humble. 

Anderson Laing : My 2nd son, Anderson is that guy that everyone wants to be around. He gregarious, confident, talented and real. What you see is what you get with him and it is absolutely amazing. He's good to everyone, great with kids, a hard worker, and student. He's one of those athletes who is good at all he tries. (He just got a diving scholarship to CSU Bakersfield). He is incredible.

Jesus Christ : My greatest hero, ultimately, is my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the perfect example. He  lived His life and, in the end,  gave His life ... in order to help each of us become who we're truly meant to be. His life and his sacrifice remind us of what is possible. He makes up all the ways in which we fall short. I'm grateful for the knowledge I have that He is real and loves us all.