Follow That Dream

I once knew a teenager who was so keen to be a good cabinet-maker that he tried everything he could possibly do to obtain an apprenticeship with someone reputable so he could learn the trade from the best available person... and a great idea that was.

However, the real shame of this situation was that this young guy had such a good nature that he unfortunately found people who would take advantage of that nature, and in short, they ripped him off for a long period of time. There were always wonderful explanations for why his pay wasn't in the bank; always very clever excuses that would keep him hanging onto their promises that the pay would be there the next day, or next week, or soon anyway...
He struggled through three or four years of these no-good businessmen ripping him off - morally, spiritually and financially; but all the while he was learning about life, and holding onto his dream of becoming a great tradesman one day.

Eventually he broke away from these shameless characters and found a company where he would at least start to learn something about becoming a tradesman by beginning to build furniture; handcrafted, exquisite timber furniture in fact.

He would spend his weekends and spare time building this magnificent furniture for his family to proudly display in their homes, and they did just that because they were so proud of him and his new ability, despite everything that could have dampened his spirits... but fortunately didn't. Was he bitter?... No. Did he give up?... No.

After some time of gaining these skills and showing those around him that he had extraordinary abilities because of his passion for what he was doing, he then found a local kitchen manufacturer willing to 'give him a go.' Finally, the chance to start to become what he had dreamed of being... a cabinet-maker.

He not only showed that he was highly-skilled at making kitchens, but he developed the skills required to make and install some of their 'special orders.' Those one-off special orders that took dedication and perfectionism to take them to completion. He developed a reputation within the company for doing this, and started to be given the larger contract fit-outs in major clubs, up-market homes, and shopping centres.
Now he was starting to fulfill his dream; now he was being allowed to show his talents and abilities; now he was being valued and recognized for who he was.

After a few years spent honing his skills and abilities, he decided that he would take that HUGE plunge that many of us have made, and start his own business. He did so about four years ago. With minimal outside help or advice, he started Nichols Kitchens and Joinery, working out of his back shed. Within a very short period of time almost all of his business was coming to him via referrals; word of mouth by his customers to their friends and families. Other kitchen companies would out-source to him whenever they needed special help. Award-winning builders were now getting their kitchens made by him, knowing that the quality was always 100%, and that they could rely on him.

This is a long way from being the young teenager with a dream.

Through his courage and determination (and wonderful nature) and with support from his wife Kylie, Rod Nichols stood in front of a packed auditorium on the shores of Lake Macquarie and received the Business Person of the Year Award, as part of the Australian Community Business Awards.
After 14 years of hard work; hard lessons; and sheer determination in following his dream; he was finally receiving his reward for his efforts.

Well done Rod Nichols!

I applaud you for your accomplishments, and I am also very proud to be your step-father.

I would also like to give recognition to the importance of the encouragement and support Rod received from his family during all the tough times. From his mother Sue, his brother Geoff, and his wife Kylie... They all deserve a round of applause too!

I dedicate this story about following a dream; with courage, determination and persistence; to a wonderful young man, Rod Nichols.
I hope that this story may encourage someone out there who may just need a supportive 'shove' towards what seems to be an illusive dream at the moment.

Go on - you can do it!

Phil Evans