The Taurus Story- Part 1 of Many

January 11, 2012, News, William McLeroy | Comments (4)

In Northeast Texas, Tyler to be exact, snow would come to visit once or twice a year. Every few years, the ice and snow would be thick enough to create a considerable driving hazard, as most people were ill-equipped and under experienced to drive in those conditions. The town would essentially suspend all activities except for police, fire, and hospital functions (and a few others I would learn about- more on that later). It was during these times that my father's role in the community would change a bit from his accustomed role of high-end office furniture salesman.

When it would snow, my father would achieve minor superhero status, as he was one of the few who had the ability to travel through extreme (for Texas) snow, sleet, and ice. This locomotive power came from his large Chevrolet K-5 four-wheel drive Blazer, which was well-equipped to drive in the heaviest of snow and ice. Somewhere along the journey of his life, he learned how to drive in these conditions. His duty during these icy times was to shuttle essential hospital employees from home to hospital so that they may continue their work, undeterred, while others remained housebound. 

It was around the age of 10 and during one of these snow and ice days that I made the decision to accompany my father on his 'superhero' missions rather than stay at home and play in the snow or read books, as I would normally. I loved the way my town would morph into a completely unfamiliar winter wonderland underneath its new blanket of snow and ice. I enjoyed being in one of the few vehicles that was able to travel these new, strange streets. It was fascinating to learn how many people my father knew in the community and that he knew where everyone lived- we picked up nurses, doctors, and staff and shuttled them to the hospital. My grandmother had been the purchasing agent at the hospital for 30 years, and apparently my dad had been paying attention. When it came time to serve his community, he was familiar with all its residents.

After the hospital staff had been safely transported, my father and I traveled out to a dog kennel that specialized in Field Trial training. This kennel was also the only place in the region that had a specialized dog food that my dad swore was the best around. We were low on dog food, and despite the storm, we needed to pick some up soon. The kennel was fourteen miles outside of Tyler in a town called Flint, fairly close to Lake Palestine. I was enjoying the time with my father and the drive in the country, glistening with snow and ice.

As we pulled up into the driveway, I saw a sign that said "Double M Kennels". I don't think I had ever been to a kennel before then, but it struck me as a very well-cared-for facility. I was fascinated by the dogs, the owner, and the beauty of the property on which the kennel was located. Little did I know that this was the place where, in 4 years' time, I would work and learn the skills that would lead to my future life. A future life as a creator, co-owner, and co-leader of a successful, dynamic, and innovative organization named Taurus Training.

I sometimes fantasize about being able to go back in time to my 10 year old self and that moment where I first saw Double M Kennels. I would tell my young self about our future and how, looking back, it would be ironic that the woman who would become the most important person in his life, Melanie, had the initials 'MM'. Melanie and his future self would create and lead an organization that is very dear to his heart as well as the community and that he will learn many of the skills that are important to his future business at this very spot, this snowy and isolated piece of land in Flint, Texas.

(photo courtesy of Rose Capital Realty in Tyler)