The Denver Post - Weil's Words of Wisdom Not Wearing Thin

Weil's words of wisdom not wearing thin

By Penny Parker

Denver Post Columnist

March 20, 2009

Jack A. "Papa Jack" Weil didn't live to see this recession. The Rockmount Ranch Wear founder and world's oldest CEO died in August at age 107.

His grandson and Rockmount honcho Steve Weil has written a love letter to his grandfather in the book "Ask Papa Jack: Wisdom of the World's Oldest CEO," which hits bookshelves today ($15.95, Johnson Books).

The book chronicles the times and trials of a self-confessed workaholic who pioneered the snap-front Western shirt. Scattered throughout the pages are what Steve calls "Papa-isms" — wise words to live by.

The following, which he wrote in 1975, could apply to the country's financial crises today:

"A few of us remember the 1930s, I was there. The world is not coming to its end, we have simply a long-due settling-up of follies and perhaps greed. Evaluate today's conditions sanely: our press reports lay-offs, shutdowns, unemployment, tight money, stock market drops — what have you."

Steve's father, Jack B. Weil, proceeded Jack A. in death. Steve is left to carry on the legacy of the two men who had such a profound influence on his life.

Another Papa-ism: "I was always thinking of something new. But that's me. I'm a dreamer. And I never stopped enjoying myself, not for a minute."

Venga aquí.

In addition to handing out awards to deserving community members during the Denver Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday at the Marriott City Center, chamber CEO Jeff Campos seized the opportunity to promote the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce national convention coming to Denver on Sept. 16-19.

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber gathering will bring 3,500 Latino business owners, entrepreneurs, workshops, business planning and networking opportunities, Campos told the sold-out lunch bunch.

TAG, you're it.

Top toque Troy Guard (nine75, Ocean, Zengo) will open his restaurant TAG (his initials and the name of his bulldog) on Larimer Square for dinner only on May 18. Guard said he'll add lunch to the menu June-ish, with breakfast starting late summer or early fall. The eatery is a joint venture between the chef and the Larimer Group.

Eavesdropping.

A woman referring to a man with a laptop who was blogging at the Fainting Goat: "I'm sorry, but seriously, who's 40 years old and blogs?"

Penny Parker's column appears Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday. Listen to her on the Caplis and Silverman radio show between 4 and 5 p.m. Fridays on KHOW-630 AM. Call her at 303-954-5224 or e-mail pparker@denverpost.com