An Open Letter: Inspiring Colorado’s Future
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my desire to spread an infectious passion across the great State of Colorado and beyond: “Breaking Barriers: Barriers Were Made To Be Broken,” is my upcoming platform for inspiring our youth to achieve their very best in life.
For more than 15 years, I have broken many barriers in my 28 years of living to engage billionaire CEOs such as Bill Gates, secure my own press coverage in major newspapers and much more. My life experiences and stories will inspire anyone.
I am eager to launch my project right here in Denver, Colorado — and I don’t expect to be paid a penny. I simply want to share great, inspiring stories with our youth, while hopefully providing an additional push to realize their full potential. Considering the state of our economy and education system, students today need a fresh, youthful and unknown face to drive their imagination wild.
Let’s get the wheels turning on this project.
Kind regards,
Ronald Lewis
Imagineer and Social Media Producer
Denver, Colorado
Let’s Talk About Race (and How To Overcome It)
“Let’s Talk About Race (and How to Overcome It)” is a new project I’ll start work on in the coming weeks.
Specifically, it will become a vehicle to educate the general public about social constructs such as race, its origin and how we can achieve a “race free” society within 100 years.
While others talk about how to reconcile our differences, I want to talk about re-engineering our society to return human beings to a state of innocence where social constructs no longer rule. I believe with great effort, much progress can be made to realize the goal.
If you know of organizations and individuals who would support and underwrite this effort, please let me know. I’ll definitely need financial support to construct a national platform for this social vehicle for change.
Breaking Barriers: How I Engaged Billionaires, Pt. 1
Breaking Barriers is a series of stories about overcoming obstacles, issues and other challenges human beings face in life, business, relationships and more
How did a 13 year old kid from Detroit, Michigan capture the respect and admiration of Billionaire CEOs? It was easy: He sought out positive male role models to fill the void of his father. However, more than just seeking role models, there was a gift to engage people who — for a majority — always seemed to be out of reach.
No human being can ever deny another the right to dream, imagine or succeed. How was I able to connect with these great CEOs and create great relationships with the companies they founded? I’m glad you’d like to know. It all started with a letter, e-mail or relationship …
Johnnie Bryan Hunt, founder and former chairman, J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Mr. Hunt’s name was synonymous with the trucking industry and the spirit of America. It was one of his trucks where I got my first tour of a big rig. Immediately, I was in love with the trucking industry. From that moment on, “J.B. Hunt” inspired me to learn more about the industry — and the man who’s initials — “J.B.” — graced thousands of trucks and trailers throughout the country.
In 1993, Johnnie was the first CEO I’d ever written. Initially, I wasn’t sure of what I’d say, but the final letter articulated everything I desired to know about him and his company. About two weeks later, I received a response via US Mail from the company: A four page letter and tons of company material, plus an invitation to tour the company’s facility in Detroit, Michigan.
The rest is history. I became not only a friend, but a family member as well. I spoke to company execs regularly by phone. I’ve traveled with dozens of the company’s drivers covering thousands of miles across the country. I’d like to even think that I was responsible for them embracing the Internet in 1995 (I pestered their IT exec about launching an official web site for the company).
Today, I am still known as “Little Ron Lewis” at J.B. Hunt’s sprawling campus in Northwest Arkansas. Our relationship is still the same today as it were some 12 years ago.
(Sadly, Mr. Hunt passed away in December 2006. I’m still in disbelief whenever he crosses my mind.)
Next: More Breaking Barriers stories about Bill Gates, Donald Schneider and other great role models
What Would You Do with 10,000 AAdvantage Miles?
I am considering a promotion or contest for my blog and the Interviews Podcast. Why? Because people love free stuff! So, I am willing to part with up to 10,000 of my own miles with American Airlines to make this idea happen.
The only thing is — I’m not sure of what I will do yet. The ultimate goal is to draw more people to this web site and the Interviews Podcast, because after all, the Internet is now my livelihood (barely) at 1.4 years and counting.
“All Roads Intersect At The Internet”
I have been known to make great predictions in the past. In 1989, I envisioned “satellite radio” and many other neat and interesting advancements for humanity. I couldn’t have conjured up these concepts without an imagination, of which I still have today.
Looking back to the first time I used the Internet in 1994, I realized that I’d arrived at the right time. Also, I recognized the potential and capability of this mighty new world of links and ever growing information. Most importantly, I think I’ve always known that the Internet would eventually become the centerpiece of the next few decades of my life’s work and achievements.
When I made the decision in December 2005 to pursue the Internet full-time as an entrepreneur and creative type (social media producer), I knew I was making the right decision. We have more than enough tools today to live out our dreams and ideas. You are only limited by your imagination and ability to dream — the two most important ingredients for success in anything.
I am urging everyone to make a good effort to fully embrace the Internet by 2008. If you do not already own a computer, start saving for one. If you cannot afford one, find one that’s no longer needed. If you feel intimidated by one, take computer classes at a local community center or college.
We are fast approaching what I’ve coined as “Internet Time”. This means that the Internet will become the single most important thread of humanity in the next decade. It will change everything we’ve learned about living, doing business, socializing and so much more. The Internet will become a necessity — a utility that we cannot live without because of our growing dependence on it (which isn’t a bad thing — we need it more than it needs us — it’s part of our evolution as human beings).
The Internet will revolutionize and change so many things we often take for granted. Everything you see, touch or hear will in some way or another be attached to and driven by the Internet. “Internet currency” will eventually rival all world markets and become the standard by which we process the transaction of goods, services and more.
Now is the time to prepare for this incredible shift as it cannot be avoided. We are progressing toward an era that will make the past few centuries of progress a blur. The next decade will be the most important time ever for humanity. Everything changes. Are you prepared?