“Surround yourself with people who are inspired, excited, and grateful. Those three types will determine your future.” – Ray Lewis, NFL Hall of Famer

November is Thanksgiving month, and I was challenged to write a note about “Thanksgiving” each Thursday of the month. So, here goes.

Today, I’m thankful for my career. For 41 years, I’ve been working in pallets—a field where I feel like I hit the lottery with my calling.

My journey began with Ridge Pallets, a Florida-based pallet company founded in 1967. They hired me for organizational development, and I quickly found myself in an environment of transparency and encouragement. I was taught the game of business, empowered to make a difference in the results, and rewarded when I did.

At Ridge Pallets, I learned the power of a strong culture. The owners held to strong business principles, modeled these values consistently, and expected the rest of us to follow their example. Watching and working alongside leaders who demonstrated this kind of commitment enriched my own leadership skills and allowed me to grow.

I was given the freedom to use my talents and pursue my interests, keeping me engaged and motivated from the start. This same energy fuels me even today.

This foundation—built on transparency, leadership, culture-building, and the passionate use of my skills—has shaped who I am. I’ve tried to give back in kind, hoping that those who have worked with me have felt the same inspiration and growth that I’ve enjoyed.

As your career unfolds, I hope it’s filled with these same blessings. It leads to a rich, meaningful, and blessed life.

-Howe Q. Wallace Jr