Wes Reeder

Year-end Message From the President

It is hard to believe that 2021 is coming to an end. June 3^rd marked the beginning of my eighth decade on the planet, which is somewhat significant for me. I don’t feel and hopefully don’t act like an old guy, but my perspective on things is reflective of the many miles I have traveled, knowing that there is more in the rearview mirror than there is looking ahead. Perhaps I am more focused on looking ahead now more than ever, which is a good thing.

I remember last year at this time, and despite all the calamity in this world; I remained optimistic. For me it is not about the calamity of the world; all the things I can’t change or control. It is more about being a good steward of the things that I can change and control. It is about doing the best I can one day at a time. Moreover, it is about staying true to my personal values and responsibilities. I tell people, “If your motives are pure…you’ll succeed.” That probably flies in the face of what today’s culture is teaching people…but I’m right. Despite all the hand-wringing and mindless chatter we all witness…there is a calm, cool, and collected way in which to live. It probably starts with waking up each day with purpose and responsibility knowing that you can love yourself…and you can love your neighbor. All the universities in this world cannot teach any of us anything more important to our success in life than that one simple precept.

2021 has been a good year for our company. We have ushered in some new folks, and sadly said goodbye to others. It is the nature of business. It is worth mentioning that we continue to succeed in a very competitive industry. Over the years, we have seen many of our competitors dissolve, but we are still standing; and we are standing strong. Our revenues were down this year, which we expected, but we were prepared for it. I am very grateful to the executive team for navigating through this past year. I am also grateful to each of you who in your position do the heavy lifting for REEDER. It is truly my privilege to be surrounded by so many capable and loyal employees.

2022 will undoubtedly usher in its fair share of angst. We should expect it; but we should not fear it or give it more credibility than it deserves. If we continue to live our lives from our hearts and minds, there is nothing we cannot overcome. John Lennon said, “All You Need is Love.” He said that about 2,000 years after Jesus Christ demonstrated it. I hope in this coming year we can in some small way attain to that most simple yet profound tenet.

God bless you all for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year…and God Bless America.

Wes Reeder

As we look forward to the New Year, it is difficult to reflect upon, and make sense of…2020. The year has, despite what we each believe, resulted in profound change. I don’t know how permanent this change is, or if it is permanent at all. I hope to return to the old normal…and have nothing but disdain for media acolytes that refer to a “new normal.”  I also am grateful that we have weathered what is arguably the greatest economic calamity of our lifetime. I have thought that all of this is Orwellian, or Back to the Future…but it is not a novel…nor is it a movie. It is the reality of 2020.

If this year had been a football game, somehow both teams lost; coaches were ejected, players left injured, and fans beat each other up in the parking lot. Nothing good comes of it…or does it? It could be that because of all the challenges and adversity of 2020, we may actually become stronger. It is possible that America’s immune system was strengthened in 2020; and despite my imaginary football game example…we may return next week and cheer on our heroes.

As we look forward to 2021, I remain optimistic. Despite all the challenges of 2020, we continue to work hard; stay cool, calm and collected; and show respect for and encourage one another. We have been and continue to be accountable to each other; in prayer and support.  As far as our economic health, we hit our revenue goals and had our best year ever. I think a big part of what we do is solve problems, and I think it is remarkable. This is what makes America great. If we as Americans would unite in solving problems, instead of creating them and complaining, just imagine what that would look like.

It would be woefully inadequate for me to simply say that I am proud and humbled by each member of our team. When I started this company, I believed that someday I would be surrounded by people who were way out of my league, but I really had no idea. Each of you make me better. The reason our company is successful is because of what each of us do together, individually and collectively. We are the American dream…family…woman…man…mother…father… innovator…problem solver…entrepreneur…artist…poet…dreamer…achiever. We make America great.

Thank you for what you do, but more importantly, thank you for who you are. Let’s make 2021 the best yet.  

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wes Reeder