This past Monday, I played golf in a charity event, the proceeds of which, went to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. The event, however, wasn’t sponsored or produced by Children’s Hospital. The event, now twenty-three years (next year, twenty-four), is the creation of a good friend of mine and ongoing business colleague, Jim Lombardo.
Jim is a co-owner and Executive Vice President of Bell Ambulance. Bell is the largest ambulance provider in S.E. Wisconsin and likely, the State of Wisconsin. The event is known as the Greater Lombardo Open. I have played in most outings across its twenty-three-year existence. Since inception, I believe the event has raised a bit over $1.2 million for Children’s Hospital. This year’s proceeds will add an additional $100K (proximal).
Golf events like this one come and go and each year, the events will raise money for all kinds of charities. This one however, is unique as it is as much about a person as it is about golf or a charity. I have played in many, many events. I relish this event because of its namesake.
Jim is a well-known, local celebrity. He also has some modest national fame and is a consummate marketer. His trademark is “Americas’ Guest” and depending on where you may travel and in turn dine, it’s always possible to see Jim’s face on the restaurant wall as he has endeared himself to the establishment and its owner(ship). Del Frisco’s in Orlando Florida is one example. If you live in and around the Milwaukee, WI area, you likely have seen his commercials or heard his name. He frequents many local establishments and sporting events. The Bell Ambulances are hard to miss.
Jim is a character and even in some cases, a caricature. He has created a persona and used “Lombardo” to generate fame, business, prestige, and a certain amount of wealth. The wealth part, however, is the most unique aspect of Jim. He is a giver, not a taker. That fact is undisputable.
What Jim and I share as common bonds are the people we have connected with and the commonalities we have in trying to make life around us and in our crossings, a bit better. I can call Jim anytime and he will pick-up the phone or get back to me, almost instantaneously. And I will do the same for him. When we have dinner, it’s almost a sin for me to grab the check. He wants to pay and it’s his way of saying thank-you (for what I don’t always know but mostly, it’s for something I did or supported, etc. that I can’t even recall). He’s busier than me but he always lets me know that he’s grateful for my time…go figure.
Jim Lombardo, or as I jokingly refer to him, “Mr. Wonderful”, is a giver. He is far from humble in his persona but when it comes to accepting any praise or recognition for the lives he’s saved, the kids he’s helped, the jobs he’s created, etc., he shies away. He inside knows what he does is incredible, but he only sees himself doing what he thinks, is his mission in life. He gives credit to everyone else and never forgets a thank-you or an important event or date. His Christmas gift list is mind-boggling. Giving is not just what he does, its genetically coded within.
Oddly enough though, this post is not about Jim Lombardo directly. He doesn’t need me to promote him, and he would completely push any good things I have written about him away, and then say nice things about me and everyone else he knows that supports the golf event. This post is about the importance of giving. Jim is if you will, a prop for this message.
There is a real gift received in giving. Jim was not born wealthy or important, nor was I. Our friendship was built on a common concern for others and for those less fortunate. We each have had success and believe, the same requires us to give back. Proverbs 11:24 states it best: “One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want”. Jim is wealthy because he gives (and wealth in his case, is beyond any financial condition).
So, on this Hump Day, I encourage anyone that reads this site to take a brief moment and become fully aware of how easy it is to become a giver, even if it’s not money that you can give. Words are a wonderful gift of support and encouragement – priceless. Being there for someone in need is a true gift. Stopping your “roll” to listen to your spouse or a friend who simply needs to talk is a gift. Using a connection to provide a resource to someone in need is a gift. Volunteering time is amazing as there are so many things that can use time as a resource, well beyond money. No matter what you can do, you can give yourself a great gift (and others) by taking the time to give. Happy Hump Day!
Oh, and if you want a bit more inside info and insight into my friend Jim Lombardo, feel free to click here: https://www.americasguest.com/