Have you ever heard this question or ever thought about what it really means?

 

One might wonder if we have become so cynical, that it seems unrealistic to think that corporate leaders actuallly possess this characteristic.  As we have witnessed time and again, from the Savings and Loan and Junk Bond scandals of the 1980s to the more recent scandals of Worldcom, Enron, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the need, greed or compulsion of executives to achieve certain profits makes it appear possible that "character before profit"  has gone by the wayside.

 

My husband and I were discussing this topic recently, and he was fortunate to be mentored by an individual who had this phrase engraved on the nameplate on his business.  "Character Before Profit" was fully displayed on the door for everyone to see who came to this gentleman's office.  Stop and think about it for a minute: how many leaders today would be courageous enough to post this sign and actually live up to it?  Although my husband's mentor passed away many years ago, this issue of the Executive Example highlights a leader who embodies character before profit.

 

His name is Sam Ramirez.  Sam's company bears his name, Samuel Ramirez & Co., Inc., also known as Ramirez & Co., Inc. (www.ramirezco.com).  When he started this investment banking and securities firm 37 years ago in New York City, he had no idea that it would grow and prosper to the extent it has.  Even as the very large investment banking firms such as Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, and Merrill Lynch have spiralled downward, gone bankrupt or no longer exist, Ramirez & Co., Inc. has been expanding, opening new offices and hiring additional people.  The key difference in the growth of Mr. Ramirez's company, compared to the shrinking trend of the investment banking sector, is rare, and directly related to the character of this CEO.

 

Sam Ramirez, a first generation American of Puerto Rican descent, came from very humble beginnings.  His life success story embraces the American Dream.  His hard work ethic and honesty, instilled in him as a young boy in Brooklyn, NY, framed his life's journey both personally and professionally.  Although Mr. Ramirez's corner office is indeed very spacious and beautiful, he is rarely in it.  He spends most of his time working at a desk right in the middle of the trading floor with all of the company's sales people.  He is one of the sincerest and most positive people I have ever met, and his energy is contagious.  Perhaps one of Mr. Ramirez's most endearing qualities is his humility beyond numerous awards and accolades he has received from various organizations for his outstanding business achievements.  Sam places character before profit.

 

A solid character is an excellent predictor of trust, ethical, and enduring business practices.  Those with solid character not only survive; they succeed and thrive!

 

Until next time, may you and yours have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving,

 

Laura