IN THE KNOW — AbOvo Solutions

What Would Bill Do?

If I had a dollar every time I’ve asked myself that over the years …

I was blessed with the greatest father any one could ask for. He has been beside me through everything and always. When I was younger, I may not have always heeded his advice, but as any child learns; the older you become, the more you recognize the wisdom in your parents.

Bill I meet in 1989, and although I can count our encounters on two hands and a foot, his influence on me and the professional I was to become cannot be understated. More than the man, was the reputation and high esteem that his employees, customers and colleagues had for him. Although we lost him several years ago, I think and speak of him often as an influential force on the caliber of business owner I aim to be.

And then there’s Bill … I meet Bill, I think, in 2001. He was detailing and playing superintendent for ACCO, and I was on my first job as a Project Manager with Kinetics. They were doing the HVAC, and we were installing the “shinny stuff.” I think it was our work ethic that brought us together – Seems like we were always having great conversations over a cup of coffee early in morning before anyone was in the office, or over a cup of coffee in the afternoon after everyone had left for the day.

I use these men as my North Star, a beacon that is consistent, a never-failing example.

I will continue ask myself “WWBD?” – It has not failed in its implementation thus far, and for those who have known these men, I am sure you will agree that their examples are ones to follow.

Billy Stephens | William Bianco | Bill Hanson

I first heard the term about three years ago. JoAnn said, “What do you think about AbOvo as a company name?” I thought who would name their company AbOvo? I said, “What the hell is AbOvo?”

The name stuck with me though, I liked the way it sounded. When I decided to jump off this cliff, I spent a lot of time thinking of a name – Stephens’ Consulting? Or after the kids – C&C Consulting? – something that at least says, "who I am" and "what I do".

That’s when it hit me. I’ll name it AbOvo Solutions – Our Moto “Solutions from the Beginning.”

It’s Latin. Meaning from the beginning, the origin, the egg.

In my mind its an idea. An idea that any plan is better than no plan. That hard work in the beginning pays dividends in the end. That to get from point A to point B you need a map, and the better the map the easier the trip. That there is more to being on a team than just saying it. That no matter their job or status, everyone deserves your respect. And that a handshake means what a father taught us it meant.

I was taught these things – by great people – from my first day as a truck driver at Kinetics (Starburst and all), to my last day at UMI, working with the bid team. You taught me my trade and I am forever grateful.

So ... I start a new chapter: Stop by every once in a while – see how it’s going ...