Playing soccer has been a gift. Being smart has been a choice. A movement for those who have chosen to be smart in their lives...

Friday, January 28, 2011

Taking Flight: Martin's Journey

At the age of 5, I can vividly remember looking up at my dad in his suit and tie with an wing pin inserted onto the right side of the lapel on his jacket, as he walked up the driveway to our house. As my lips spread from ear to ear, I would see two huge arms reaching out in my direction. Instantly his hands were beneath my arms, and I could no longer feel the earth beneath my feet. My stomach had this anxious, queasy feeling as my head tilted backwards and my arms reached out from side to side as far as they could go. It was at that moment that, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wanted to be a pilot.

My name is Martin Miller, and I am currently one of the few black airline pilots for Continental Airlines. My inspiration was my dad, he was in the Navy for 20 years and when he retired from there he went to United Airlines and spent 30 years there. He never flew a plane but just being in that atmosphere, around the planes with him, influenced my desire to become a pilot and that desire never left me growing up. So now, that is where I am, flying the big ones.


My dad was my role model he always instilled in me the value of giving everything I had to everything that I do. Always give 100 percent don’t give anyone a reason to take something from you that you want, he would say. I always knew to stay on the 'Smart Guy' path, which for me included earning good grades and staying away from the wrong or negative crowds. I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up since I was a child and I didn’t want or let anything throw me off that path. I studied hard while my friends were outside playing. If my friends wen't out partying, I knew I was staying away from that. I never thought of it like living like a smart guy, but I just focused on doing what was needed to get to where I wanted to be and to achieve my goal. I always weighed options before I made a decision to do something, what are the pros and cons, what will my dad think or what would he do in that situation. That hesitation kept me out of a lot of sticky situations and that is what I think distinguishes the 'Smart Guys' from others, their ability to think before they act.

I must tell you that it was not easy, and that there were many barriers that almost stopped my dream. One was the fact that I had asthma and I found out that the military didn’t take pilots that were asthmatic or had a history of it. I thought that I would never fly because the military was the only way I knew one could become a pilot for the airlines.  As I went through high school and I began to participate in sports, and my asthma didn’t bother me much, I thought that I had grown out of asthma. After speaking with a few people in the flying industry, I was informed that if I was healthy enough to play football, I could pass the physical training portion of the process to get in flight school. At that point I was rejuvenated and pushed forward with my dream. I began looking into the Air Force ROTC programs at San Jose State. As different things happen through college and one thing led to another, I started researching the civilian route to fly and ended up leaving the ROTC program to take the civilian route. I took a chance because if things worked out the way I planned, I could be flying 10 years earlier than the military route.

Another barrier for me was the entrance policy to become a pilot. To be selected, you had to be at the top of your class, graduated from college, and top of your ROTC program. Those guys take the top slots for the pilot positions and if you go the civilian route it has a lot to do with luck, who you know, timing, and skills. Unfortunately, the skills will get you to a certain point and then you have to hope that you approach the airlines are a time when they are hiring. It took a lot of hard work, focus and dedication to get to this point. I had some help and made connections with OBAP (Organization of Black Airline Pilots) to get me to Continental Airlines. They helped to get me on the same page as a large corporate organization and taught me things like how to interview to make sure I was ready when opportunity arose.

I am the first and only pilot in my family and that is a big accomplishment for me. It goes back to my dad believing in me and giving me that extra pushing to be the best because he knew that is what I wanted to do, and that I could do it. I get a lot of joy when I see people of color step onto this plane and see me, an African American man, as the pilot of their flight. Most of them look at me with a look of wow, some come up to me and shake my hand, some give me a smile, and some say congratulations. Some of my co-workers will look at me and they do not understand what happened. I tell them not to worry about it. I get joy out of knowing that these people trust me with their lives and getting them to their family, friends or business engagements. For the most part people of color are happy to see other people of color in high positions like this because you do not see a lot of us in these places. The numbers are growing thankfully. The number is still incomparable to the majority of pilots but I am proud to say currently here at Continental we have quite a few. I think it is good for the youth of all colors to see what we are doing. When I was little I can’t recall ever seeing a pilot of color and if I had it would have gave me even more drive to achieve that goal. Now that you have myself and a handful of other pilots at different airlines, it may just give kids of different nationalities and ethnicities hope to become a pilot one day.

Some of the good decisions that I had to make to get to where I currently am are in the Smart Guy creed. I stayed away from drugs. Not only would my dad have tore up my tail up if I had gotten involved in that, but I knew that I couldn’t make it to be the pilot I wanted to be if I got involved in all that negativity. Being completely focus on getting grades was what my dad stressed; the importance of getting straight A’s to separate you from everyone else. I couldn’t let anything like drugs, partying, getting involved with the wrong crowd or alcohol affect my dream. I kept my eye on the prize and stayed away from things that I knew could possibly hinder me from achieving my goal. I took that approach to everything. I wanted to be an airline pilot and I wanted it bad. My parents always drilled in my head if you want something as a young man of color you have to be one step above the rest, you can’t give anybody any reason to tell you no, because some people will be looking for that reason when you walk in the door to turn you down, don't give it to them. You have to know that some people are going to try to stereotype you and put you somewhere you don’t want to be, my mother would say. If you have a great foundation, you can say I have the skills and experience and I want this job and there won't be anything they can tell you to keep you away.

My advice to young people first and foremost is to never give up on your goal or dream. Go to school and get the best grades you can get, go to college get a degree. It’s hard to get there but the gratification trumps all of that hard work. For me, that gratification came when the guy called me up from Continental and told me that I had the job, I was going to officially be a pilot! There it was, I did what I had set out to do as a kid. I accomplished my goal, and it was one of the best days of my life. So don’t just settle, because if you do you will be miserable. Figure out what it is you want and push for it with everything that you have and don’t let anything stop you from achieving what it is you want to do.     

A 'Smart Guy' in the sky,

Martin


The little 5 year old boy, whose first flight came from his dad wings, now leads other little boys and girls including his son and daughter on flights all over the world between the wings of 737 airplanes. 
     

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Smart by Design: Guy's Story


Guy Wood in his company headquarters

 Guy Wood is the talented designer behind the custom-made designs of 5001 FLAVORS, a custom-made apparel company that has supplied the entertainment industry with tailored clothing of the highest caliber since 1990. Guy was born, raised and educated in New York City's historic community, Harlem. But Guy's current position in the spotlight, as the fashion genius behind many of today's hottest celebrities wasn't an accident it was a choice...

'I didn't go the college but committed myself to work hard and honest to get ahead. Always had a great work ethic just knew that college was not for me. After working full time out of high school, I started my own consulting business with several partners almost 20 years ago after realizing that the type of success and self-fulfillment I wanted would never come from working for some one else. I always loved fashion and looking fly and loved the idea of being paid to do something I loved. Finding a way to get paid for something you love and would do for free is great. I love working with my celeb and athlete clients. Surrounding myself with positive people doing positive things is also one of the things that has helped me become the man I am today. Growing up in Harlem in the 70's and 80's I saw a lot of negative influences and know a lot of people that aren't here right now due to a number of bad choices. I made a conscious decision after seeing some close friends make some poor choices that I was going to surround myself with people doing great things. Great opportunities come when you surround yourself with greatness."

An Original Smart Guy,

Mr. Guy Wood
Fashion has always had a large degree of relevance in the entertainment industry as actors, musical artists and sports stars often become just as famous for their sense of style as they are for their talent.  Satisfying that need has been the success of 5001 FLAVORS, a custom-made apparel company that has supplied the entertainment industry with tailored clothing of the highest caliber since 1990. Since that time, such high-profile clients as Will Smith, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Foxx, Lebron James, Queen Latifah, Jay Z and Shaquille ONeal have commissioned our designers to make butter-soft leather pants, high-octane fur jackets, sleek business suits and many other stylish garments. From Sean P. Diddy Combs to Mariah Carey, Scott Stapp to Timbaland, Hezekiah Walker to Usher, Jadakiss to Raven Symone, N'Sync to the late great Notorious BIG, 5001 FLAVORS maintains an impressive clientele list and formidable brand recognition in the music industry. Click here to see some of 5001's creations...

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Three Smart Brothers

My Backbone...



It is said that each action has a reaction. We feel this is a true statement--short term gratification can ultimately set you up for long term suffering and each person, young or old, must be willing to accept that trade off. Choice is such an elementary word, you learn how to spell it and what it means as a first grader, but yet it impacts you your entire life. Choice has separated many people who become labeled good or bad, smart and not so smart.

We witnessed a lot of people while growing up making bad choices when we were growing up. We decided when we were kids not to make those same bad choices. We are not saying it was easy but when you have a support group like we had with each other and a very strong mother who guided us,  the good choices become less difficult. Why people make bad choices, our mother would say, is that they want to be popular and they want to have friends. But you guys have each other. When all is said and done your brothers and I are going to be your backbone. So that is what we did.


We have never really considered ourselves to be smart guys, but others may. We just think we are regular guys that made smart decisions, decisions such as not taking the easy route of getting on the corner but by challenging each other to go to school. We all chose Grambling State University and finishing with a degree or two. This, our education, was something that we feel is invaluable because no one can take it away from us.

Making the choice to earn our degrees assisted us to build bridges that allowed us to enter fields of our choice. Ontario Money Johnson is currently working as an investigator with the Department of Labor, Michael Tron Beavers is currently working as an investigator with the State of California and Keyon Johnson works within the NFL, LFL, NBA as well as the Pac-10. The three of us are big sports fans and community-oriented and with these characteristics, we decided to combine the love of sport with the community and established our new venture, Pick 6 Flag Football LLC www.pick6ff.com.  The mission of Pick 6 Flag Football is to create positive and competitive flag football tournaments throughout the year that gather the community together to promote the social, athletic and competitive spirit of football. Our events provide opportunities for adults and children, regardless of their age, race, nationality, economic status, and sexual orientation to enjoy healthy competition, develop teamwork skills, good self-esteem, and learn the fundamentals of fair play and good sportsmanship.

We will tell anyone that is willing to listen is that anything you want to do in life is possible. We have proven that through our story. We looked up to positive people in and around our lives that we could actually see and talk to.  We didn't really look up to celebrities because they never came to where we lived.  Our mother was the 'Smart Woman' that we saw doing everything she could to secure the best for us.  So please do not use anything as a crutch, obstacles are definitely going to come into your life but smart guys know how to fight through them and choose to keep pressing forward. Set goals that you want to achieve and then set objectives or ways you can achieve those goals. Then follow that path and you will get to where you want to be.

Three Smart Brothers,
Ontario Money Johnson, Michael Tron Beavers, Keyon Johnson



You can follow their ventures Pick 6 Flag Football LLC at www.pick6ff.com And be sure to check out Keyon's Superbowl project At the 50 Yard Line www.atthe50yardline.com





Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Choosing Success: The Students at Buehrle Decide to be 'Smart Guys'

On January 14th the 'Smart Guy' Movement led its first workshop, facilitated by Zach Thornton and Nicole Sanders, MSW.  Buehrle Alternative School (run by Camelot Schools)  is home to an incredible group of young people who transferred from traditional education programs in the Lancaster, PA area to find their paths to success.  The students were engaged and interested and had lots of questions about Zach's success and his failures.  "How you handle failure is a choice too.  I didn't make the Olympic team, was designated an alternate in '02 but I didn't sulk or complain.  I congratulated those who made it and cheered for them all the way.  How you handle failure also shows your character and reflects a decision to be a good person."
The students all made the pledge to be a 'Smart Guy' and each wrote something they could do, a choice they could make, that would help them be successful moving forward.  One student made the commitment to, "be the first one to finish high school in my family.." another student promised to "show his brother and sister a better life" and yet another vowed to "come to school everyday in order to be a 'Smart Guy'". 



Many participants received gear and equipment from Puma Football in recognition of their pledges and they all received bookmarks with 'Smart Guy' information and inspiration.  Camelot Schools Vice President Milton Alexander said, "...the event was a great learning experience for all of our students and very engaging for students and teachers!"  The event was sponsored by Puma Football and 5001 Flavors, companies inspired by the mission of 'Smart Guy' and its commitment to promoting academic success and good decision making.
'Smart Guy' participants who are leaders and role models at Buehrle Alternative School
 
Stay Smart,
The 'Smart Guy' Team


If you are interested in your school, team or youth group becoming a part of the 'Smart Guy' Movement, contact Nicole Sanders, MSW at



Thursday, January 13, 2011

Definition of a 'Smart Guy'

A 'Smart Guy'...
  • sets goals for himself
  • asks for help when needed
  • surrounds himself with others who want success
  • considers how his choices will effect his goals
  • believes that he can


    Have you decided to be a 'Smart Guy'?

    Saturday, January 8, 2011

    'Smart Guy' Workshop Launch


    Join the movement...
    I am excited to present our first 'Smart Guy' workshop for young people this week, January 12th, in Lancaster, PA. (click here for more information) I am working with my friend JT Dorsey from the JT Dorsey Foundation and 'Smart Guy' workshop co-developer Nicole Sanders of Sanders Consulting LLC.

    This year I will be launching my company which will focus on: youth development through sports, education and health. I knew that I needed to give back and help others, because to whom much is given, much is expected. Stay tuned for projects, appearances, workshops and exciting collaborations coming up this year.


    A special thanks to Puma Football and 5001 Flavors for coming on board as sponsors of this first 'Smart Guy' workshop. I am starting a movement, who wants to join me and celebrate the smart guys and girls in our world?

    Zach
    A Smart Guy

    Thursday, January 6, 2011

    Team Work

    Choosing to be smart is an individual decision but success has a lot to do with team work and support. As my friend JT Dorsey of the JT Dorsey Foundation says, "part of being smart is knowing how to ask for help." We are proud to announce that Puma Football, a long time supporter of mine, has joined the 'Smart Guy' movement and is supporting our January 12th 'Smart Guy' workshop in Lancaster, PA. Puma Football is donating gear and equipment and helping spread the word about this movement. Thanks to Puma for being a team player and supporting the holistic development of young people. 


    Zach
    A 'Smart Guy'

    Wednesday, January 5, 2011

    Taking Care of My Health: Becoming an All Pro Science Athlete

    I'm excited about my new involvement in Tony Gonzalez's company, All Pro Science. I know that it is important for me to take care of my health and keep my body strong in order to thrive at the professional level. Eating healthy foods, well balanced meals and utilizing vitamins and natural supplements help me retain my edge. What are you doing to take care of your health?!






    Zach

    Monday, January 3, 2011

    Behind Every Smart Man...

    ...A Tribute to My 'Moms'

    I was raised by mom, a woman who put herself through college while raising four children. Growing up I realized that to get ahead you had to use your head. I knew that I wanted to be somebody that made a difference, I didn't know how or where I would make a difference, but I knew I had to expand my exposure to the world to figure it out.

    I always knew that I wanted to play sports at the next level and often dreamed of what the success would feel like. I immersed myself in sports and became extremely passionate about soccer. Soccer opened up a new environment outside of my neighborhood, a neighborhood where cool was hanging on the corner. Somewhere along this journey I realized the importance of the lessons mom was instilling in me. She would tell me that I didn't have to settle that I could be and do whatever I wanted. She told me I needed to pay attention to my surroundings, that I needed to do the right thing even when no one was looking. She also told me that I had choices, that I needed to make education decisions about the directions I would choose and that I was a role model to my younger brothers and sisters.

    My mom was an educator for 35 years and recognized the power of education, so she pushed me to maximize my potential in the classroom. I knew that if I didn't pass my classes that I would not have any chance to experience sports at the collegiate level. It wasn't until my college days that I fully realized that truly being smart was having a well-rounded education that would give me great opportunity to taste success beyond soccer and beyond college. I realized I was smarter than I thought and I also realized that being armed with a degree was not enough, I had to blend everything that I experienced into creating the guy that I wanted to be. Being smart included my mother's wisdom, my college education, my street smarts and my street credibility. I knew I did not know it all, but the multi-faceted education I had provided me with the confidence that I could learn anything, that my future would be full of new learning experiences, and that I would accomplish good things.

    So here is what I know to be true: being smart is the confidence to dream big and then take the right steps to make those dreams happen. I am proud that I will pass on my knowledge to not only my own children, but the children I come in contact with in my community and my job, in hopes that as many children as possible will raise the bar and have 'a dream'.


    Another Smart Fellow,
    Smitty



    Rob is a father, husband and community leader and advocate. He currently serves as the Philadelphia Union's Vice President of Soccer Development in Chester, PA. He has previously held positions as a coach and administrator for FC DELCO, one of the premiere soccer clubs in the nation, and as an executive for NIKE.