I am very excited to hear John Robinson speak at our Torch Awards luncheon this Tuesday. I had the opportunity to go to breakfast with him a few weeks ago and sure enough, the waitress came over and said “a customer over there asked if you are the John Robinson that coached USC and in the NFL. Are you?” She then did NOT turn to me and ask if I was the President of the BBB. John Robinson is an icon, and I was just some lady out to breakfast with him.

I shared with Coach Robinson my revere for Tom Osborne back in “the day,” and he said “I know Tom.” To me, that’s like saying “I know Governor Schwarzenegger.” Because you see, Coach Osborne became the Governor and then a Senator in Nebraska, THAT’s how powerful college football is there. So I appreciate the icon status that Coach Robinson has achieved. I even more appreciate that he has moved to Encinitas to be closer to family, and looks for ways to give back to the community. So he is “helping” the San Marcos High School football coach with their defense. How would you like to be a high school defensive lineman getting tips from a former NFL and NCAA Championship team coach?

It’s fun to hear about the trials of a sports coach because above all, success at that level requires commitment and passion. Oh, and EVERYONE notices your conduct. Are you doing it right? Well, everyone will have an opinion on that, and everyone will be willing to share it with anyone who will listen. You think you are criticized too much in your business, how would you like to be criticized every day in the press? There is definitely a parallel between running a business and running a sports team. The commitment must be there. The passion must be there. The tenacity must be there. And people will be watching you and judging you. How did Coach Robinson handle it? I hope you will come to our Torch Awards next Tuesday and find out.