September 1st 2001 I retired from teaching math and coaching. Two weeks later on 9/11 2001 we were all attacked at the World Trade Center in New York City. My lack of power to do anything to battle the evil forces responsible caused me and many others great frustration and fear. I was so angry! Two weeks, later my wife Barbara gave us a retirement celebration trip to Glacier National Park. I stayed angry and ruined the trip. A year later, still angry Barbara and I separated for 3 to 4 months. Hurt and lonely I returned from Arizona to Spokane with a great hole in my soul. My AA sponsor welcomed and supported me the day I returned to his Art Studio/shop. I needed to get back into the solution (trust God, clean house, help others).
Doing something positive for others was the start towards healing. My sponsor was doing public art and hired me to run a grinder on his aluminum sculptures. A friend RJ was about to celebrate his first year of sobriety date. Tom suggested I make RJ a small Medallion from the scrap metal. So I did. After polishing it many, many, many times we presented the medal to RJ. His gratitude, joy, and laughter were beautiful and motivating. So for a few years I worked part-time for Tom and made medallions from scrap pieces of metal. The joy recipients expressed was wonderful. When Tom closed his shop. I started buying scrap sheets of aluminum and cutting and painting metal medallions on my back patio picnic table.
For years now I have had great joy presenting friends, family, and recovering people these medallions. I’ve never sold a single medallion. Yet, I will continue to drill and saw when I see an unsuspecting, soon to celebrate, “victim”.
Early this summer 2021, I saw a video from My Success team and got motivated to produce medallions commercially to supplement our shrinking retirement income. Never having run a business, I need lots of help. July 20th 2021 I signed up and bought into the My Success team philosophy of helping others, and educating self and others.
With help from friends, I found places that will laser cut out these medallions. The company’s name is Alcobra Metals located in Spokane Washington. This is where I’m currently having all the laser cutting done with the great quality. I currently spray paint the medallions by hand with my special “Krackling” effect. This is when “secret” colors are mixed together, solid colors are offered as well. You can add various lanyards, chains, and ribbons to add a bit of fun to your gift. All medallions front and back are spray-painted with lacquer to add to their durability and customizability. The Lacquer allows for a fine point pen to be used to write salutations and or good wishes on the medallion. Coming soon with be Hexagon and Anodized Medallions. My first 32 extra large medallions are featured below!
