Even though we are only a few days into the new year, it seems that 2009 has already witnessed some outstanding milestones. The extremely cold temperatures for some of the northern hemisphere, the miraculous landing of US Air flight 1549 in the Hudson River, and the Inauguration of the United States of America's forty-fourth President, Barack Obama. These events have filled the Internet, the television airwaves, newspapers, and magazines with detail overload.
At The Gower Group, Inc. we are very proud to be celebrating our own milestone. This year, 2009, is the 20th Anniversary. Over those twenty years, we have experienced much growth in many areas of our business and our personal lives.
While gathering history for this article, we came across a Stephen Gower quote that seems fitting for this occasion. “Choices create circumstances...confirm circumstances...change circumstances!” This has been true for The Gower Group.
When Stephen was being encouraged to become a “professional speaker,” some of his peers advised him that “it will be impossible to succeed as a speaker in a small rural town.” Living close to his children and his mother was of utmost importance for him. He loves a challenge and he had the confidence and determination to make this situation work from his small hometown. And it did.
Stephen's varied background has played a major role in The Gower Group's growth and success. During high school, he became the announcer for his high school marching band during football half-time shows. He then became a D.J. for a local radio station. Public Speaking was one of his major choices while in college. He continued his education at Emory University in Atlanta studying theology. After several church appointments, he decided to return to Toccoa as a radio personality, an advertising salesman, and general manager. He also taught public speaking at a local college.
Probably, the most important choice was becoming a member of the local Kiwanis Club. Stephen's speaking experience, while in the Kiwanis, propelled his speaking career. He was encouraged to take on leadership roles, rising to the office of Distinguished Lieutenant Governor and being named one of the original five world-wide Certified Kiwanis Trainers.
In 1991, Stephen married Lynne. She took over all of the organizational responsibilities enabling Stephen to concentrate on marketing and his passion, speaking. And The Gower Group took off!
Four years later, we completed the enormous amount of paperwork and information necessary for submission to qualify Stephen to receive his earned Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association.
Over the past fifteen years, we made the choice to hire a plethora of highly gifted high school and college students, along with our three children. These students have made sufficient contributions to our success and we have provided them with a unique work environment. We are grateful for and treasure these amazing relationships.
During this 20 year period, Stephen, with the help of many, has written and published 20 books. In 1998, Lectern Publishing produced The Missing Lynx, a speaking book for high school and college students. The Gower Group, along with 200 area businesses and individuals, provided every Stephens County High School student with a copy of this book. This was a very rewarding experience.
One of Stephen's passions is presenting to high school students, teachers, and teacher associations emphasizing the need for speaking skills no matter what career you choose. Stephen's philosophy is: “We are always learning and hopefully becoming better, but not perfect. We are striving for continuing growth and we are open to change, to meet the needs of our client's.”
Although Stephen speaks for, consults, and trains professionals in a wide variety of fields, he is currently involved in working with Law Enforcement and Fire-Service agencies who want a fresh approach to career and leadership development. At this writing, Stephen has given more than 5,000 presentations, beginning at age 18.
The Gower Group, Inc. remains “client and content driven.” Our success has not been haphazard. Our success has been grounded in one reality: bringing value to the client. Value that is relevant, meaningful, and impactful is our focus.
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