In this special episode of Windshield Time, get to know Mark Bruckbauer AND the two Chrises a little more. Check out the most impactful lessons they have learned along the way, and even find out some of their top favorite movies, books and more!
Who is Mark Bruckbauer?
Mark was born in Pittsburg, but moved to Texas when he was 10 years old. He has 35 years of experience in the sales, marketing and training industry that he is excited to bring to Service Excellence. He most enjoys working with people and helping businesses achieve their goals and dreams.
Biggest Life Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Bruckbauer: It is possible to implode your company by overselling your service capabilities. Mark owned a business and outsold what he could produce. They had to call around and apologize to all of their customers. It was not the situation he wanted to be in. He learned from that the hard way.
Loudermilk: Be careful what you say when coaching. Chris was training a class of plumbers and was trying to make a distinction between sales approaches based on perceptions. Unfortunately he made some comments about judging a customer’s car type that backfired when some of his trainees owned that type of car. The trainees felt disrespected, and Chris had to take responsibility for being insensitive.
Elmore: As a young service manager, Chris had too much arrogance. His inflated sense of self affected how he treated his colleagues and turned people off of him quickly. During an employee review, Chris was told by his boss that he needed to learn how to treat people respectfully. Even though Chris felt guilty and ashamed of his behavior, he took that criticism as constructive and made a lifelong friend and mentor out of it.
Biggest Life Lesson Learned the Easy Way
Bruckbauer: By watching other people – like mentors – and learning things other people went through, Mark didn’t have to make the same mistakes other people make in the industry.
Loudermilk: Chris learned from his Dad that not everybody can afford to wear fancy attire to an event. Be aware of everyone’s situation and try to bring everyone into the fold instead of excluding them. By extension, making every employee feel valuable and not out of place is important on the job. Everybody’s equal, so treat everybody the same.
Elmore: Chris learned from his grandfather that you should never point a gun at something you aren’t okay with shooting. Chris used this lesson by transferring it to other morals he stands by. Don’t make idle threats. Don’t put things in place you aren’t going to act on. Be prepared to take that final action before you do it.
Favorite Quote
Bruckbauer: “Pray every day. There is a God, and I’m not him.” – Rudy (1993 Movie)
Loudermilk: “Change is inevitable. Growth is a choice.” – John C. Maxwell
Elmore: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re probably right.” – Henry Ford
Deserted Island – Movie, Book & Bottle
Bruckbauer: Schindler’s List, The Bible, Woodford Reserve
Elmore: Water World, a Stephen King novel, Pappy Van Winkle 15
Loudermilk: Open Range, The Lord of The Rings, Macallan 15
Want To Learn More From Our Growing Team of Coaches?
Our coaches like Mark, Chris and Chris are full of both life advice and career advice. Explore more of our resources to keep learning valuable lessons from them. We’ve got blogs, podcasts and both online and live PRESS PLAY classes booking right now! IGNITE THE POWER WITHIN!
