Lessons Learned in Locksmithing - Lessons Learned Walking with Jason, a Book by John F. Hunt

There are times in life when we all learn a lesson that we carry with us for forever. That moment in time when a light bulb goes on. The "Aha moment" of sudden realization, inspiration, insight, recognition, comprehension and impact. These are defining moments for all of us. 

I had one such moment years ago while working with a sales rep named John F. Hunt. I was teaching at a PUREAuto seminar provided by Lockmasters, and John was representing Kaba- ILCO at the time. After I had given a fun seminar on marketing tactics to the crowd of professional locksmiths, John had asked me if he could contribute something to help drive some of the points made in the earlier presentation I had given.

In a humorous delivery with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, John taught me a lesson I have never forgotten. He said,

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"I was driving on the interstate one morning when the sportscaster announced that Churchill Downs had approved the use of mini cameras for the jockeys. He gushed that this was a first, a never before event. Thanks to modern technology each jockey would have a small camera on his cap that would transmit live video of the race. We, the fans would be that much closer to the race, we would be in the jockey seat and get to sense the starting gate, the turns, the straightaway, the jockeying for position as never before.

As I drove on the thought hit me that the view would be OK if you were the leader but what if you were in the pack. What was the view from a follower, and others who also ran? Think about it; what do you see?  The backside of the horse with a lot of tail, dirt & mud kicked in your face. It never hurts to be the leader!

Much like his dad, Jason Hunt a young college student became involved in an outreach program to help kids to believe in themselves and to make sure they found themselves at the head of the pack in life. As a wilderness educator, Jason worked with teens learning to believe in themselves while on wilderness expeditions. Tragically, on October 4th, 2001, while climbing in Squamish, BC, Jason suffered traumatic cerebral soft tissue damage from which he never woke. After nine days in intensive care he died on October 13, 2001.

Through outdoor experiential education, his life was pointed on a course that brought hope, self-worth, and direction to the teens at-risk that he met. Jason entered the lives of  teens with needs and focused on helping them realize their potential and worth as individuals.  He was making a measurable difference in each life he touched.  He was making an impact.

John F. Hunt

Walking with Jason is a quest to trace Jason’s brief life as a young man. John, Jason's father,  becomes the youthful adventurer and visits Jason’s world. John seemingly falls through the looking glass and discovers a mysterious and wonderful world inhabited by troubled adolescents, craggy Thru-hikers, idealistic outdoor leaders and others who visit nature’s realm. Ultimately John’s odyssey is a very personal journey of self-discovery and gives us a compass bearing on how to deal with the sudden loss of a child. 

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So to all those locksmiths and manufactures who can, and I know you can! Please take the time to learn a lesson or two by getting out in front of the pack and take a Walk with Jason. Be a leader.

Learn more on how you can help supporting youth with needs through outdoor experiential education by visiting the Jason William Hunt Foundation