Q&A with ECD Gary Mueller: Why I’m Thankful
Culture & Wellness
BVK has always been proud of not only giving back to our community but also giving back to what makes us tick: our employees.
Our wellness program is just one of many things we do to keep our team members happy while making sure the creative juices keep flowing. But for Executive Creative Director Gary Mueller, the wellness program is much more than just a way to stay fit. For him, it’s a life-changer. We asked him to share a few thoughts on the things for which he is thankful this holiday season.
1.) Why is Thanksgiving a special time for you?
I love Thanksgiving so much because it’s all about spending time with and around your family. Helping make dinner together. Playing old school board games. Talking. Watching football together. It’s one of the few days of the year where no one is in a rush. And other than making sure the turkey isn’t overcooked and keeping your relatives from drinking too much before they start talking politics, it’s a pretty stress-free day.
2.) What are you thankful for in your career?
Wow, where do I start? BVK has given me so much to be thankful for. It’s taken care of my family. Given me the ability to give back to the community through Serve Marketing. It’s given me an absolutely amazing family in my co-workers, all of which I am thankful for. But this Thanksgiving specifically, I am thankful for BVK helping me through one of the toughest times in my life. I’ve faced health problems over the last two years and am battling a rare disease called Transverse Myelitis. The support they’ve given me and my family has kept me going.
3.) How has your illness affected your urge to be thankful?
It’s changed my outlook on almost everything. When you so quickly lose the ability to do so many things you love, you tend to focus on what you’ve lost, not on the gifts and the blessings you still have. It’s definitely made me more thankful now. I appreciate the small daily things I used to take for granted. It doesn’t matter what I can’t do anymore, I thank God every day for everything he has given me and especially for giving me the strength to turn my challenges into blessings that I can share with others.
4.) Is there a message you have for others?
Just be thankful for the things you have every day. Don’t take your friends, your family, your job or your health for granted. We like to think we are in control of our own destiny, but we are not. Any of those things can be taken away at any moment. It doesn’t matter how smart or successful you are. Be kind to everyone. Share what you have. Appreciate the good, the bad and the daily struggles in between. It’s all a part of life. And if you see the good in everything, and are thankful for it all, you’ll have a great life. Happy Thanksgiving!
