Paul Gorny

Post date: Apr 22, 2011 12:28:10 PM

It certainly would be somewhat of a shock to see everyone again, the changes for each of us, or at least for me could be best characterized as "miraculous". The Grace of God is amazing. How He can bless a wild, ungrateful 16 year old kid and allow me to obtain such amazing blessings of an outstanding wife of 35+ years, and three wonderful children - it is something that I thank Him for daily. But it seems to only get better. I now also have 2 outstanding son-in-laws and an amazing daughter-in-law. The best of all I left to last - 2 grandchildren and a third on the way in July.

After graduating the University of Miami, and then getting married, I worked my way through corporate America in both financial management and marketing positions, and found our way to live on Clearwater Beach. In 1983 I gave up the corporate merry-go-round and partnered and developed a landscape construction company that I sold my interest, in 1987. I built and sold me second company a property maintenance and pest control company in 1999. I was fortunate that in both cases I was able to build profitable, middle sized companies with good management teams. With those experiences I decided to give up the anxiety of business ownership and become a Business Broker. As an independent contractor, not having the responsibilities of buying equipment, or providing daily "adult babysitting" of employees, I have a new lease on life. I enjoy working with business owners providing "exit planning" and eventually marketing and selling their companies for them. The rewards continue, but I have found that the volunteer work I do provides the greatest satisfaction. I started a interview training and resume writing program called "Why Should I Hire You" for the homeless at a facility in the Tampa Bay area, called "Pinellas Hope". In addition we have been able to provide several meals on an annual basis to the 250 residents through our church and our sponsorship. What we have attempted to do is not just provide a hand out, but a hand up, that enables individuals to get back into the workforce and not have to live on the street.

The legacy that each of us from the class of '71 leaves will be measured in the impact we have had in making our communities better, and sharing with others how a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can change a life. One person, one life at a time, is not a huge goal. Just think of what our communities and nation could become with that effort by each of us.

Like many of you, our family has also experienced some bumps in the road. Unfortunately my wife "Kerry" has experienced three different types of cancer over the last 25 years. It certainly was a struggle to be the "positive one" for my children and wife as she endured many surgeries and chemo treatments. The most important and valuable things becomes crystal clear, when you are down on your knees praying that God would allow your wife to live.

As I said earlier, I have changed for the better, but if you were to ask my wife - still have a long way to go. Life is certainly a journey, with a lot of challenges, heart aches and excitement along the way. I am certainly glad for the life training and experiences I had at St. Benedicts 40+ year ago, and that God continues to mold and direct me on a daily basis. Please feel free to email me, or contact me if you are on LinkedIn.