A local man’s list of business advice learned from a long life has become a book called “The Rules.”
“I started developing some of these thoughts as grand chapter advisor for my college fraternity (Alpha Sigma Phi at Ohio Wesleyan University),” said Richard L. Jackson. “So I tried some of these things out on the fraternity boys, and I got a lot of nice compliments — that these are nice to know, that nobody tells them those things.”
Jackson has also imparted his wisdom to graduating seniors at OWU’s annual “Munch & Mingle” alumni-student networking event.
“They seemed to be very interested, so I thought maybe this was worthwhile publishing,” he said. “Dorrance Publishing contacted me, and asked to see a copy of my book. I sent it to them, and they said they would accept it, and would be happy to publish it.”
The 17 rules are put in a 36-page book called “The Rules” under the Dorrance imprint RoseDog Books, which has more than 2,000 different titles.
“It’s kind of a way of life — it gets you through some rough spots, and it gives you an opportunity to look at yourself in the mirror in the morning,” Jackson said of “The Rules.” “Particularly that first one — ‘Do the Right Thing.’ Sometimes it’s a little difficult, but it’s easy to know what the right thing is. I’ve kind of wondered over the years why people actually choose to do the wrong thing from time to time. Then a lot of it is simply common sense. Everybody has a job, and they know what that job is, but they really have a secondary job that’s equally important, and that’s to make your boss look good.”
Jackson, who turns 86 next week, said he has learned some of the rules the hard way but, by any measure, he’s had a long, successful career. He has worked for Union Carbide; Rockwell International; Duke University; Winchester Medical Center; and St. John’s Regional Medical Center. He was raised in Delaware, where he has returned; is a World War II veteran; will be married to his wife, Janet, for 65 years; and has five sons, 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Jackson has two degrees; traveled the world; done consulting work for the city, school district and the former Council for Older Adults; and is a church elder.
“It’s kind of a shame I’m not building a resume anymore — I could put ‘author’ down,” Jackson said, jokingly.
“The Rules” can be ordered online at www.rosedogbookstore.com or by calling 1-800-834-1803 or by mailing to: RoseDog Books, Book Order Department, 585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238. The book costs $9, with $3.99 for shipping and handling for one copy ($1 for each additional copy).
