The Southwestern Company Alumni Blog
I truly treasure the life lessons I learned on the bookfield. My mentors at the Southwestern Company inspire me by not only the lessons they teach, but also the way they live their lives. One of the simpliest and greatest lessons that I learned and observed was to “do what you say you are going to do”. This simple practice in business and in life can make a world of difference. I saw this principle practiced by everyone 
at Southwestern from my student manager to the Chairman of the Board, Spencer Hays.
Jerry Heffel, President Emeritus of Southwestern, has always been a man I aspired to model my life after. I have great respect for how he lives his life by sound principles. I’ve had the privilege of talking with many alumni that worked with Jerry throughout his time with Southwestern. It is wonderful to see him through their eyes and understand what a great impact he has had on each of them. You can always count on Jerry to do what he says he is going to do. Because of that I was not surprised when I read the following in the African Leadership newsletter:
Jerry Heffel, Chairman of African Leadership’s Board of Trustees and partner in Oasis Wellness, got more than he bargained for on his second trip to Africa.
While he was visiting a K-6 school in a cramped one room building, a little girl gave him a hand scrawled note. It thanked him for coming and asked if someone would give them desks and two books. “No problem,” Jerry thought. When he spoke, he promised that African Leadership would provide these things.
Afterward, he was puzzled as to why the girl would ask for only two books. He showed the note to Larry Warren, who burst out laughing. The girl had written “blocks,” not “books.” In Africa, “block” means building. Jerry had just promised the people two school buildings!
Jerry called a couple of long time friends who have hearts for Africa. God used their generosity to build the two school buildings Jerry had “accidentally” promised. Recently returning to Africa for his third trip, Jerry and his two friends, Rick Desoto and Keith Holland, had the priviledge of participating in the dedication ceremony. “Every time you go to Africa, it just gets better,” says Jerry.
