A mentor is someone who teaches you things, inspires you and holds you accountable. I was fortunate enough to work for a man who, over the last thirteen years has been that and more. He has become a great friend.

My mentor is; DOUG AXTELL

A great car guy who got into the business in Iowa then moved west to Colorado. In 1992 he became the General Manager at Saturn of Fort Collins. In 1996 I interviewed for a Sales Consultant position, on the picnic table, in the front lawn of the store. It was an unusual location for an interview. I remember the day like it were yesterday. Doug hired me that warm August day.

Since then, Doug helped me in my career. I learned the business. He taught me how to sell, close, follow-up, prospect, and provide superior customer service. His nurturing and instruction enabled my career to flourish. In the years I worked, under the tutelage of Doug, I got married, bought a house, had three beautiful daughters and was able to provide for them. Not only did he help me build my career and family, he gave me great inspiration and guidance. He helped me through tough times and encouraged me to be a good leader.
You see, a mentor is more than just a boss, figurehead or leader. A mentor is someone who gives themselves completely to you and helps you grow.

BATTLING CANCER:

But you see, my mentor has taught me more in the last year than in the last twelve years. He taught me to live life to the fullest, for you never know when your last day will be. He taught me to love your children and family and help them become the best people they can be. Doug has a wonderful wife, and three loving daughters, who all care for him deeply. He taught me to take care of your friends, because they will be there to hold you up when you need them most. He taught me to give to others, for you never know when you will need given to. Finally, he taught me to, "Fear Not!" for he showed no fear of death.

On Monday, June 22 2009 my mentor and friend, Doug Axtell passed away.

A TRIBUTE TO DOUG'S LIFE:

A week ago Sunday, Doug visited me in a dream. He was the young vibrant Doug I remembered, prior to his bout with Lung Cancer. He and I stood in some room talking, about what I can not recall. He had this white light, and aura around him. In my dream, we talked for a while. Then, I woke up and looked over at the clock. It read 3:00 AM. I felt a chill go through me and goosebumps washed all over my skin. Lying there I wondered if Doug had died. I finally went back to sleep.

The next morning I thought, he was still alive. If not, I would have had a call from the others at work. I decided I needed to write how I felt about him, and the impact he had on my life. Then, visit him one more time--before it was too late.
So I wrote this tribute to his life:

Doug Axtell A name, that means so much to me.
A great man, who has given me so much.
It started with a chance interview on a picnic table.
You gave me a job at a different kind of company.
You were a mentor to many, and inspiration to me.
You taught me about life and business.
You taught me to be tough but fair.
You inspired me to become the best.
The opportunities you gave, I took.
The knowledge you shared I used.
Over thirteen years you influenced the man I am today.
It was because of your generosity I was able to build my family.
I am a family man with a wife and three daughters.
(You know what it is like to raise three daughters.)
I am grateful for having known you.
To see your smile and hear your loud, boisterous laugh.
You have said many things to me, some seriously and some in jest.
“Let a customer leave without a TO, you better be in the back seat!”
I think that was a little of both.
I am thankful for being your friend.
And having you help me through life.
You gave me words of wisdom when I was down or anxious about life or business.
You taught me to say, “Faith and fear cannot occupy the same space.”
And, “This too shall pass.”
I will always remember those words.
I will always remember your kind spirit.
Whenever I see the colors of a rainbow, or the yellow and black of a t-shirt,
(He is from Iowa and is a Iowa Hawkeye fan.)
I will think of you.
In my mind I will see a man that meant a lot to me.
A mentor, a friend, and a man who was like a second father.
And I will be happy, because I knew Doug Axtell.
For now I say, thank you and goodbye.
And this too shall pass.
One day I will see your face, and shake your hand again.

I LOVE YOU DOUG, TIM NORTHBURG.

Some of you that read this, may not know this man. But I wanted to share it with the world so that you may think back to a person or people that have touched your life in some way. They may be someone in your Automotive Career, other business profession, or personal life that has touched you and helped make you a better person. Think about them and say, "Thank you!" for touching my life.

Thank You Doug! You were a great mentor, a great friend. You will always be remembered.

FOR DOUG, I AM GRATEFUL!