What Matters Most is Now and Every Day That Follows
After nearly five decades in the world of business, it’s natural to start thinking a little differently. Particularly when, with increasing regularity, life events arrive in the form of mortality prompts. A routine physical unearths an angry tumor; dear friends die; a sharp stab of arthritic pain that wasn’t there last night. All taps (or poundings) on the shoulder.
There comes a time when ideas of success shift from the thrill of closing deals, breaking records, increasing earnings, to something more lasting. Something deeper. Thoughts surface, “What will I leave behind when I’m no longer here? How can I have an impact on people, community, and the next generation that will survive me?”
For many this shift in thinking is typically a late game phenomenon – bottom of the eighth, top of the 9th sort of timing. Putting it off is understandable. The pressure of work, family, chasing security, and, well, just life. Understandable, yes, but I don’t believe waiting is the right idea.
From the first inning you should be involved with the total game of life. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Start thinking about legacy – your legacy – as a way of life. Now is the best time to start. Money is never enough, and money won’t save you. You must give back to have a truly meaningful life. Your life is your legacy. It’s what you’re doing now and it’s everything else you’re doing between now and the finish. Plus, it’s so much more fun living the legacy that survives you. And here’s the thing: along the way you’ll be the one who benefits the most. I promise.
From Shoes to Service
My early work life was focused purely on survival. Growing up, my family went through financial collapse when my father’s business failed. We packed our bags and moved overnight to live with my grandmother. From that moment forward, I knew if I wanted anything, I’d have to earn it.
I worked multiple jobs in high school—shining shoes, selling movie tickets, and working in retail. Later, I paid my own way through college at night while working full-time during the day motivating and placing the marginalized on jobs. I learned how to sell, how to build trust, how to serve. That led me to founding Piper-Morgan Associates, a recruiting firm that I ran for 48 years.
It was a business I embraced. It provided financial security and I loved watching a candidate go from unemployed to empowered, seeing a family’s life change because of one opportunity… that’s the kind of return on investment I remember feeling best about.
Mentorship Is a Legacy in Motion
Legacy isn’t just about what you build. It’s about who you build up.
Throughout my career, I’ve mentored people of all ages and backgrounds – many from tough circumstances. I’ve coached them on how to communicate, how to interview, and how to build confidence. The teaching program I used over and over with candidates was one I developed: “Winning the Offer.” It was more than an interview tip—it was a roadmap on how to have their best interview. It gave them a winning mindset going in.
But mentoring isn’t just a professional act. It’s a personal responsibility. Each of us has a chance to be the person we needed when we were younger. You don’t need a title or big checkbook to do that. You just need a little time, some empathy, and a willingness to listen.
Giving Beyond Yourself
I was fortunate to have a mother who taught me this. From my earliest memories she wove into my core that giving back was the way to a worthy life. That anyone of any means could do something meaningful. She taught me that earning a living wasn’t enough—make a difference. These lessons led me into philanthropy, especially for children.
I’ve served on the board of Today’s Harbor for Children, a residential community for neglected and abused kids. From 1998 to 2018, I was deeply involved—not just financially, but with my time and heart. I personally funded the building of a 4,200 sq. ft. home for girls on their campus. Later, I served as the 1st President of their newly formed K-8 Harbor Academy for five years.
Why? Because I believe in the power of stability, education, and love. I’ve seen what happens to kids when those things are missing. And I’ve seen how much a safe place and a caring adult can change a life.
I also created scholarships for students who are attending colleges including Texas Southern, UT Austin, and the University of Arkansas to name a few. If even one student walks through a college door that might’ve been closed to them, it’s worth it.
The Role of Family in Legacy
My legacy isn’t mine alone. I share it with my wife, Deborah, and our children. One of the most meaningful moments in my life came in 2018, when my son, a Certified Speech and Language Pathologist, approached me with an idea to help people living with Parkinson’s disease.
He wanted to develop a free mobile app that helped patients maintain and strengthen their voices. He had vision and heart. He just needed support. I funded the project, and Steven launched Loud and Clear, now used by thousands in over 100 countries: loudandclear.io
That’s the beauty of legacy—it can evolve into something bigger than you, especially when passed to the next generation.
Purpose Doesn’t Retire
Retirement isn’t a finish line for me. It’s simply a time to start new adventures. I may no longer be running a business full-time, but I’m still working—on causes that matter.
I write. I speak. I support nonprofits. I continue to invest in tools and programs that improve lives, especially those of children, veterans, and people living with chronic conditions. My degree is in Economics, but I started off majoring in English and Creative Writing. I’ve resurrected that interest. My first musical drama, This American Family, raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity and honored Gold Star Mothers and first responders.
Your life is your legacy. It’s built in countless moments strung together with consistency, compassion, and courage. The best time to start is now.
The Heart of The Matter
So how do you build a life that outlives your career?
- Lead with values. Success without purpose won’t last. Know what matters most to you and let it guide your actions.
- Mentor someone. You may be the reason they believe in themselves
- Give generously. Time, talent, and treasure—share what you can
- Invest in the next generation. Help someone go further
We can’t take anything with us. But we can leave behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and action – emphasis on action. Tears alone never change a thing.
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that our legacy is defined by so much more than what we’ve achieved in business—it’s defined by how many lives we’ve touched along the way. And if we do it right, that legacy will speak for us long after we’re gone.