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The Sunday Series (121), with Mark Brodinsky

September 18, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

In life it’s pretty simple, you get out of it what you put into it. If you expect little, you won’t get much. If you expect greatness, then you will have it all.

Remember, or at least realize, it won’t be easy. There will be challenges, some of them you create yourself, others are created for you, perhaps as a test. The journey, the book of your life gets written page-by-page every single day. If you’re lucky your story will change because you will change – such is the drama of life.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (121): Above Average

david-solo

“I think the most important thing is to find out what you are passionate about and go after it. That to me is the single biggest thing to help you be successful in what you do. If you are sort of successful at something and not passionate about it, you will only be mediocre…average. And nobody strives to be average.” – David Manganello

For 50 years now David Manganello has been anything but average and it’s been anything but easy. “I’ve always worked”, says David. “I started working at 14 as a kid and I have not stopped yet, I’m now 64. I will keep going as long as it’s fun and it helps people.”

Having fun and helping people, discipline, hard work and dedication. Growing up in New York, David learned some of these traits as a kid, sitting in the stands and watching some of the best – Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra. A lifelong Yankee fan, David got to see these legends do what they love at the highest level. It might be a game, but baseball is a metaphor for all of life, and only those who beat back failure time and time again earn a spot at the top.

maris-mantle-berra

After only a dozen years in the Big Apple, David’s family moved to Louisiana and eventually David found his way into the furniture business. “I worked for Levitz and Lohan’s and then went into my own business”, says David. “The furniture business was great until they started manufacturing products out of the country…it was very difficult to compete with that, so after the 8th year we got rid of the company and closed down. That’s when I went into insurance.”

Time to start over, after 20 years of selling furniture and at the tender age of 41. As David quickly learned sales is sales is sales and he thrived in the health insurance business as a leader of people. Help people and you win, because they win. Just like baseball, a business is successful when the team wins, and it doesn’t hurt to have some All-Stars to lead the way.  On paper it’s simple, build your team, make your plan and ride the process. But as you know we make plans and God laughs, because often there are other plans in play.

In David’s story, in the midst of his plan, halfway through his insurance career, one of God’s children came calling. Her name is Mother Nature and her angry child – Katrina.

katrina

Living in New Orleans David remembers, though he says he would like to forget: “Katrina was tough. I kind of blocked it out because it was painful, probably the hardest thing to ever come back from as a family. It brought us to our knees. When you walk out of your home and you think it’s the last time you are going to see it it’s pretty painful.”

“It’s the only storm I ever evacuated for, personally we had a lot of damage to our house. We were away from home for about 8 weeks, but it took two years to get it all back together. Worse than that the entire area was devastated for a long time. It took a toll, we couldn’t work in our business because the building we worked in was under water. The insurance schools, (where agents get licensed), closed for six months. Most of my agents didn’t have a home to come back to, so they relocated because it was easier to do business out-of-town then to try and do anything in New Orleans.”

hurricane-katrina

Bit by bit, piece by piece New Orleans was rebuilt, as was David’s health insurance business. “Little by little as the insurance schools re-opened we were able to recruit some people, build the office and continued to build” says David. “There is not any situation you can’t get out of by recruiting. You are always able to get out of it if you recruit. Good people gravitate to good opportunities.”

His focus on rebuilding, just like the city of New Orleans – helped David to recover from the devastation, to come all the way back.

Just like the high-class and sturdy furniture he used to sell – David looks to build solid teams. Post Katrina, and with his current opportunity at USHEALTH Advisors, David is focusing on what he does best, helping and serving.

“When recruiting I look for work ethic”, says David. “I look for what they have done previously and what they are trying to accomplish with a new opportunity – see where they are, where they’ve been and where they want to go. I think you have to find out what inspires people and hold them accountable to it. It’s work and a lot of people don’t like to work, because they are simply trying to pay their bills and that’s hard. So I ask them – if all your bills were paid, what would you want to do for fun for you and your family? Most of them say I would like to travel. I tell them what if I show you a way to pay all your bills and then put 1/12th away each month to go on a trip? Take a picture of the place you want to go, hang it up, show it to those closest to you so they can see what you are trying to do. Then I hold them accountable to that vision, it makes work a lot more fun.”

david-top-10

David has his own vision and goals and though he didn’t simply wish upon a star to make his dreams come true, he did find a great deal of inspiration in the place that does… Disney World.

“My first time to Disney World was with the grand-babies Max and Sophia” (ages 2 and 3), says David. “It was a unique opportunity, it’s like the training place for the human race. Everybody treats everyone else with respect. You can learn a lot from seeing the way people treat each other there, it’s like magic. I felt just like a kid when we went. The grand-babies had a great time and I had a great time!”

david-disney david-at-disney

A little magic can weave its way into all of our lives if we simply follow David’s belief and principles of success, including breaking bad habits: “There is a very fine line between success and failure and that very fine line is difficult to define. People who fail give you all the reasons they can’t do it, people who are successful look for different ways to get it done. Successful people can be modeled, there are certain attributes of successful people that are common denominators. You need to do those things all the time so it becomes a habit and not a chore. It’s kind of like someone suddenly having trouble swinging a bat and hitting a ball. Under stress, people revert to bad habits because it’s comfortable. You have to change and do the right things even if it’s uncomfortable. Practice does not make perfect if you practice the wrong things, only perfect practice of the right things makes perfect. You get out of it what you put into it.”

david-team the-manganello-group

David also believes we need goals in each area of our lives, that there are four segments to happiness: spiritual, physical, emotional and financial. He says if we constantly work on those areas they can improve, you can improve in any area of your life. “You can always get better”, David says. “When you stop improving you die, stay the same or go backwards.” As he leads his team at USHEALTH Advisors he reminds them to stay dedicated. “If you are not dedicated to the highest-paying profession in the world today, then change what you are doing, or change professions. If you are passionate and stay dedicated then you never work another day in your life. I’ve been blessed to find that.”

david-managnello david-with-babies

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark

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USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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