August 2, 2016 ROTARY REVIEW: Convertible Referrals with Shaun Irwin

President Chuck Whitaker called the meeting to order at 12:15.

 

Jerry Faletti, Lethert, Skwira, Schultz & Co. LLP, led the club in singing America the Beautiful with Doug Hartford at the piano.

 

Jason Bradshaw, Bradshaw Funeral and Cremation Services, offered an inspirational moment about “the time to be happy is now.”

Shelly Rucks, Episcopal Homes Foundation, introduced visiting Rotarians like our old friend Carol Kralichek, and guests of members.

Thanks to Al Zdrazil, MN Attorney General Office (Retired), for warmly greeting at the door, and to Michael-jon Pease, Park Square Theatre, for taking today’s notes.

Shelly Rucks collected happy dollars. President Whitaker reminded the club that membership has its rewards, including beer from Summit Brewing Company for both the new member and the sponsor!

Blake Davis is retiring from his many years leading our Third Grade Dictionary project. Please talk with Chuck if you are interested in taking on this vital and impactful project.

 

 

To frame his discussion about the importance of relationships in business, civic and personal life, Shaun mentioned that 6+3% of Rotarians join because of a friend.

 

When Shaun moved to Minnesota in 1987 he only knew one person – his soon to be ex-wife! Desperately in need of work, he applied at Anderson Insurance Agency and almost walked out without a job, until he asked what they were doing with that new computer in the corner. He wound up being the answer to that question and after several years, he realized his dream to buy the company.

 

He had a rough start toward that dream, excelling instead at drinking. He lost his marriage and almost lost his job before he harnessed the power to change his life.

 

“Any relationship you want to grow starts with giving” is one of his mantras. To rebuild his life, Shaun started networking and building relationships with all the positive people around him, created a written plan for success. He managed to buy the agency in just five years and has since grown the business five times.

 

In Shaun’s view, all our technology has created a deeper craving for relationship that only continues to grow. His book Convertible Referrals outlines his business and personal strategy for growing positive relationships based on doing good and giving back with people you know, like and trust. His book can be purchased for a donation of $10-$20 that he matches and all the money goes to Cookie Cart, a youth development and employment program.

 

The strategy of giving back is true for his company, which tried to help find a major sponsor for a charity golf tournament. When the billion-dollar company turned them down, he asked his staff how Anderson Agency could become that major sponsor, and has since raised tens of thousands for charity through the tournament, growing the business all along the way.

 

Shaun also offered a tip for growing Rotary. His club, City of Lakes, has had an amazing year of adding members, especially young professionals, by adding an “every other” Tuesday evening “Rotary After Dark” Happy Hour to their standard Wednesday breakfast meeting schedule. The club also sponsors a Rotaract group.

 

After a brief Q&A, members were invited to peruse Shaun’s book and enjoy a cookie from Cookie Cart.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Michael-jon Pease