Steely_Gunz said:
In addition to being known throughout the world as supplying the hands-down best khukuris in the world, helping the poor of Nepal, spreading good will and peace the world over, and bringing some of the best minds on the planet together as a family; the business built by you and Uncle Bill inspires the next generation of goods and service providers. I do my dealings on a handshake. I make sure that this business gives back to those that need it as often as it can. I bring my level of service to the top as best I can because I know that a business doesn't survive on having 100 people come through my doors one time. It survives by having 20 people come through my door 100 times. This was something that I implimented when I joined my family's business. I learned it all from Himalayan Imports. So once again, Thank You, Yangdu.
Jake
I guess it sounds silly, but even though I never meant Uncle Bill, his trust and character showed through in all my interactions with him, as they do with Yangdu. I have tried to act as I think he would.
Last night I was at the gas station pumping the last of my paycheck into the beast, when a guy shows up in a new Chevy truck. Young hispanic guy, which in Salinas is very common, shaved head, also common, but acted like a soldier. Told me he had lost his wallet and had to get back to Camp Pendleton almost 400 miles south by 4:30 a.m. or he would miss his formation. Said he had been on a 96 hour leave and had lost his wallet and could I help out?
$25 worth of gas later in his truck, he shook my hand and took off. After he drove off I started second guessing myself and figured I had just been a stupid gullible fish hooked by this guy, but then maybe not. The worst case scenario is that I'm out $25 and got scammed, in which case this guys karma is going to demand a lot more than $25 down the road. Best case scenario is that I helped someone out who was in trouble, but if that's the case I guess I should have had the courage of my convictions and topped off his tank completely. (?)
My point is, I just realized at the time that Uncle Bill wouldn't have even had my reservations. He would have helped the guy without question or second-guessing himself, which means I have a way to go on the same path.
I'd like to think I would have done it even if people like Uncle Bill had not set the example, but it's hard to say what positive / negative influences we balance to make us act the way we do.
In any case, I know the influence of HI has been a positive one for my soul, and a negative one for my finances, but what the hell, you don't get anything for nothing.
Norm
:thumbup: 
