Okay, so the Super Bowl is over and the world is divided into those suffering from football withdrawal, and those wondering what all the fuss was about. But what can we learn from football, or any sporting event, that helps us succeed in business and in our daily lives? As Vince Lombardi said, “Winning isn’t everything – it’s the only thing.”

At ROTHCO, we like to win, and we like our customers to win. We think hard work, enthusiasm for our product, and constant attention to detail will result in our success. But that success is meaningless if it does not improve our lives, and the lives of those close to us.

Last year, ROTHCO awarded 3 new scholarships to young people trying to succeed. These new scholarship recipients are planning on becoming a teacher, a social worker, and a counselor. We tell them that in life, as in football, success comes with hard work. Like the book 212 Degrees that inspired the Chicago Bears, “At 211 degrees, water is hot. At 212 degrees, it boils. And with boiling water, comes steam. And steam can power a locomotive.” These students are motivated and enthusiastic, and we know they will succeed.

We try to bring that same kind of motivation to our employees. You’ll get the best customer service, the best shipping advice, and the best quality we can provide. Because the difference between success and failure can be just one single degree of effort. Did you know the average margin for victory (in the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500 combined) for the past 10 years has been 1.54 seconds. The prize money for second place was less than half the winner’s!

How can you motivate your employees? Teach them the value of teamwork. You must have a common goal. Anyone can lecture about motivation. But you can talk to your employees, find out what is important to them – care about what is important to them, and help them understand that your success will translate to their success. Ask them how they could do their jobs better – you’ll be surprised at how many of them have constructive and well-thought out ideas to contribute! Let your employees know they are part of the team and that Together Everyone Achieves More.

“People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” – Vince Lombardi

We’ll work together with you, to help you build your business and remain successful. And behind our efforts will be the collateral effect that your success and ours has on the communities around us.

We wish you the very best for the New Year.