02/22/2024
While Mike Cortez is receiving well needed attention for his efforts and contributions to the community during his almost 30 years of service in Law Enforcement, I think it’s important to paint a small picture for who Mike is outside of the uniform as well.
Back in 2021-2022 Mike knew I was an avid woodworker and was interested in starting a side hustle building commissioned pieces. At this time Mike had more access to specialty power tools than I did since he had been woodworking much longer.
Without asking, Mike told me if I needed help with these projects to come over to his shop. I took Mike up on this offer and during that time he asked if he could introduce me to a wood supplier in the area. Mike later on introduced me to a gentleman in the area that supplied hardwoods that were harvested inside of Hancock County, which helped my side hustle greatly.
Mike makes trips to WoodCraft on occasion and always asks if I need him to pick up anything for me. For those of you who don’t know, Woodcraft is about as dangerous for woodworkers as a Hobby Lobby or TJ Maxx is for women who like to decorate. Before Mike retired we continued to share ideas, projects, methods for better woodworking, etc. To this day we still do but he has his hands tied up with other things at the moment!
I felt it valuable to share a few of these stories because his actions are indicative of someone who wants the best for others. Mike would never allow me to pay him for using his tools. Mike didn’t have an ulterior motive for treating me the way he did. I didn’t have anything to offer Mike. I don’t have a last name that runs deep in this community or anything that would assist Mike in his future endeavors. Mike doesn’t earn a referral bonus for introducing me to the people I’ve been introduced to. Mike helped me progress, and continues to do so, without asking for anything in return.
The attribute of helping others succeed without expecting anything in return, I believe, is an attribute of an authentic and honest leader.
Thank you Mike!
"It is literally true that you can succeed best and quickest by helping others to succeed"
- Napoleon Hill