AN OPEN MESSAGE TO BUSINESS OWNERS AND LEADERS OF OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
Since I sold my accounting practice in 1997, and moved to various opportunities and challenges since then, I’ve experienced many different realizations through my various undertakings. I was exposed to local government, ministry work, and several different businesses as I went forward. Each brought more and different understanding, and I believe that each prepared me in meaningful ways for the work of Teleios Services.
One great realization that I came to was that there is an entire society in our communities that I had no understanding about, or even knowledge of. I have observed that there is a great underclass that has developed, and unfortunately, that group is growing not only by new births, but increasingly by movement down the socio-economic ladder from the middle-class.
I am working with people who live in the several housing projects in a small, southern town, and have watched their jobs go away, watched them lose their cars, and now struggle to keep power on, food in the cupboard, and medicine paid for. Many have contributed to or even caused these circumstances, but they’re not alone in their responsibility for their plight.
Through our company, Teleios Services, we’re trying to help business owners to care for their employees and create communities of faith within their offices, warehouses, and stores. I have recently counseled many as a part of my financial counseling services to those employees who, despite two incomes, have fallen into unbelievable financial circumstances. Several have been so desperate that they have admitted thoughts of suicide because they are so overwhelmed. They too sometimes bear great responsibility for their circumstances, having mortgaged their futures – but again are not alone in their responsibility for their problems.
However, I’ve also done a lot of research on labor, debt, and other economic statistics, and I’ve listened to the stories of how the walls tumbled down. Often included in the story is a financial institution, insurance company, government agent, public loan shark, or other organization that is culpable for having feasted on and added to their misery.
I look around in the communities where I am working, from Charleston to Huntsville, and from Jacksonville through Atlanta and Greenville to Charlotte – and nowhere do I find an advocate for these folks. That advocacy is available only in fits and spurts to those fortunate enough to be guided to limited available resources.
For those in financial distress – really out of options where the numbers can’t and won’t ever add up – there appears to be a system in place which will increasingly require them in the future to either submit to a life as a debtor-slave or drive them into an underground economy of deceit and crime. None of us would accept that as a reasonable end.
We also find that many are suffering emotional, spiritual, and relationship difficulties that mirror these financial problems. More often than not, people in trouble are a mixture of some or all of these types of problems, and need an experienced personal advocate to help them sort through the details.
I know you care. You wouldn’t still be reading if you didn’t, and even more than that - you have acquired wisdom beyond most due to your positions. Further, I know that you have all acquired through your service and reputation a great deal of credibility and exert great influence over large numbers of people.
What I ask is that you find a time that you and I can meet together in the coming weeks. I will come to you, and I promise that I will be prepared to use your very valuable time as well and effectively as I can. I simply want to share with you an understanding of what I have observed. In a couple of hours we can discuss your vision for your organization and begin to find ways that you can exert a positive influence on those around you who rely upon you for leadership.
I am asking only this because I know that if you are armed with information, you will do the right thing. Those under your influence need to hear that you care. Our work is to help leaders who have decided to take action, and care for the people who need them.
I appreciate that you have given me the time to read this. I know that the days are long and hard, and that the burdens you already feel for those whom you serve must be enormous. Please feel free to contact me any way that you would like if I can listen, work with, assist, or pray for you in any general or specific way.
Garry Freeman
President, Teleios Services
