Today we got the news that our longtime CEO, friend and mentor Chuck Wilson passed away at home surrounded by friends and family this morning July 29, 2009. His long battle with cancer has given hope and inspiration to many.
As we remember Chuck, his service and his legacy… one thing comes to mind; it is found in Matthew 23:11: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” Among many things Chuck was a servant to all.
Nashville Wraps has been one of the top sponsors of the American Cancer Societies’ Relay for Life event here in Hendersonville, TN. That was a favorite project of Chuck’s over the years and he used it to help us understand what community service is all about. It reminds us here at Nashville Wraps that we have a responsibility to serve others, to share our resources and our time.
In 2008 Chuck was interviewed by the local FOX affiliate WZTV-17 News on his involvement with the American Cancer Society, but mostly for his dedication to survivorship and in helping others overcome the emotional element of their diagnosis. See Chuck’s Excellent Adventure for text and the video interview.
One of Chuck’s goals in becoming CEO was to help Nashville Wraps transition to its future potential. At the time he took over that position, the company was wrestling with many growing pains. We were much smaller then at around 7 million in revenues, but growing at double-digit rates. Today we are a well-established, solid company with deep ties to our community, our employees, our customers and our vendors. Revenues in 2009 are expected to be approximately $40 million with over 100 employees operating from two distribution centers totaling nearly 200,000 sq. ft.
Another of Chuck goals, as he put it, was “To become the best company in the world”; a big challenge no matter where you are starting from. But that is the reason we do what we do, why our customers love us and why our employee turnover rate is practically zero. It is also why our vendors trust us so much and therefore we are able to partner with them in offering the customers of Nashville Wraps so many unique opportunities and products.
I asked a few of our management employees to add their comments to this blog. Although there were many offered, as you can imagine, here are just a few I selected:
He exemplified the term “an officer and a gentleman.” He retained his sense of humor throughout adversity. He was a great advocate for Nashville Wraps and all of its employees AND customers. He always managed to build up, even when he was in the position of having to say no.
Chuck gave so much of himself to others. He not only was a good listener, but he had a way with people that is so hard to find in this day in time. I admired his strength, determination and attitude that he showed us each day that he was here. He was a wonderful example of what a Christian should be.
This was a man who served and loved his country; a man of strong character and will who did not mind showing off Bella (his Shiatsu) in her new lavender gingham dress.
One of my favorite pieces of advice from Chuck: Have vision first. He always had the ability to blend faith and common business sense. That is one thing he strived to teach.
In 2008 Chuck wrote: “After nearly 65 years of living I look back and see that life is a series of adventures. Some are more exciting than others but all offer us the opportunity to learn something valuable, and the most difficult experiences yield the most important lessons. For example, as a 17 year old Midshipman I learned the secrets of leadership: never lie to the troops; always feed the troops first; and never ask someone to do what you haven’t done or wouldn’t be willing to do.”
I was fortunate to visit him yesterday and we had a very good talk. While leaving I stopped and said to him, “See you on the other side,” and he quickly replied, “Yes, indeed you will.” That will remain with me as my last communication with Chuck, but also an invitation. He was good at opening doors, and continues to be even after his trip through the last one.
Robby Meadows, Nashville Wraps
PS: The photo above is of Chuck’s office where he enjoyed many conversations with Nashville Wraps employees, suppliers, friends and associates.
Chuck is my brother……I have always called him Charlie….today, more than a year since his passing, it gives me great comfort in reading your kind words again. God bless you all. I love you Charlie, and I miss you so much. Forever in our hearts, you are now forever in the arms of God.
I knew him as a good man before I met him. When I began working here, he made sure to say “hi” everytime he saw me.
There are many things that Chuck did that made him a good man. One thing that I learned from him was that there is always something we can do to help someone else.
There is one story that so touched my heart, and still does to this day. We had a lady working here who’s son was handicapped. Chuck found out that their vehicle was not handicap accessible, and her son was not able to do many things. Chuck went and found her a van. We all chipped in from our paychecks to help pay for it. I never saw anything so kind, or was able to help someone so needing. The icing on the cake was the photos she sent us all to say thank you. Her son at the park.
Technically Chuck was my boss, but that is not how I will remember him. I will remember him as my mentor, my sounding board, and my counselor among other things. Many evenings after work I would stop to say good-night and 45 minutes later walk out with something new to think about. A month or so ago I sent him an email and told him I really wish he were here because I would love to hear what he had to say about the political environment today.
He was one of only a few people I know who consistently live their faith and are openly religious – although not pushy or pious. We talked about religion and he lent me a Bible he thought would give me some of the answers I was and am seeking.
Cancer has hit our family too. When my husband first got cancer, Chuck called me into his office. I told him that if he would kick me in the shins every day, I would get through it just fine, but not to be nice to me. That request got me nothing but a soggy Kleenex. Following Chuck’s advice we sought a second opinion on Darold’s disease from Chuck’s oncologist. It changed the entire treatment direction and Darold refers to Chuck as his Hero. We got our first Sewn-N-Love quilt at that time and it has become our family cancer quilt. When our daughter-in-law got breast cancer at age 40, we passed it on to her. Chuck told us what to expect when she started chemo and radiation. A few years later our 16 year old granddaughter got acute leukemia and the family quilt went to her (along with a beautiful quilt that Chris’s daughter had made). Again Chuck followed the ups and downs of this cancer and offered support all the way. I think God let Chuck live so long so he could mentor people through cancer experiences. Fortunately all of our family members are now in remission.
Chuck had a wonderful sense of humor and many of us have commented on how we miss that sound coming out of his office and down the hall. I am sure those in Heaven are now the beneficiary of that humor and his wisdom.
I had Cancer visit my family and I know first hand what a rotten stinking devil of a disease it is. First a wonderful Mother in law and then a wife of 36 years. I was not equipped to handle the first visit, what I needed to know and to do for the family was in a fog. It was like I was in a floating bubble with no way to react. I learned a little and was more able to handle it when my wife was stricken. As soon as the word got out that she was ill and the prognosis was not what anyone wanted to hear guess who showed up at my desk to console and pray for me and Deb Chuck. He has been my mentor and Pal and still is despite the fact that he is gone. In the last 23 years here at Wraps I can remember several key moments in my life and the companys. When my friend and Christian Brother Robby ask me to go to work for him was the first in a long list. That list includes being able to work for a company grounded in seeing that the customer is first is every aspect, giving them good value and great customer service no matter what. Treating everyone that works here as an equal no matter what background they come from and seeing that their needs are taken care of. We were struggling with enormus growth and about that time who should walk in the front door Chuck. I knew I was going to like the guy at once, he was a little overweight had on a very nice suit and tie along with the most rediclous outlandish baseball cap ( Mud Hens I think) that I ever saw. He was charming and full of confidance you could just tell that this guy had it all together and dident have a doubt as to what he was all about, he had a way of making you at ease no matter what the case. Along the way he went from consultant to CFO to CEO all in that smooth and confidant stride. He made it a point to inspire us to be what we are today and for those of us who were visited by Cancer (a lot of us here at wraps have been) he taught us all to be supportive with concern, kind words and helpful in anyway possible to each other. I now have a new life partner ( I should say Boss and friend) who just happens to work here at wraps, She went thru cancer with her spouse 6 years ago and was counciled by Chuck with the same conern and good advice that everyone needs at that point. Together Brenda and I have made it a point to go thru life helping others as we go and are thankful that we had the exceptional fortune to work and laugh together with such a man as Chuck Wilson. Gonna miss you my friend.
I want to remember Chuck walking Bella, his beloved Canine Assistant down the hall. Or was it Bella walking Chuck? I want to remember him sitting at his desk, with Bella lying by his feet, guarding her masters territory like all good watch dogs do. I want to remember Chuck for his determination and courage throughout his battle with cancer because he never gave up. He showed us better than he could tell us that we can do what we set our minds to. Just never give up. I want to thank him for allowing me to send the daily scriptures to our NW family. Reading the Word everyday is a privilege we cannot take for granted. Thank you Chuck for allowing this in our work place. It’s hard to look into your office and not see you and Bella but I know one day I will see you again. Thank you Chuck Wilson.
I am Charlie (Chuck) Wilson’s oldest sister and want to tell you that your blog has been a real comfort to me and my family as you have shared your thoughts and remembrances. It is great to know that the brother I have always admired and looked up to touched so many lives. I am thrilled that you knew him as I did and celebrate his life in so many ways. His strength, determination, faith, love, humor, and desire to not only be the best, but encourage those around him to reach beyond themselves and be all that God intended them to be will live on in the lives of so many. Thank you for celebrating the life of Chuck Wilson.
In a previous job, I worked with our Elizabeth Shropshire and she was telling me about Nashville Wraps. She worked two jobs at the time. It was Christmas time, and all we got from this other company was a little tin of peppermints and very little appreciation. She told me how wonderful Nashville Wraps was to work for and how they just had a Christmas luncheon for all the employees. I was intrigued, but what shocked me the most was when she said, “and the CEO even talked about Jesus and the true reason for the season.” I knew right then I had to work for Nashville Wraps. Any company willing to stand by their convictions regardless if they are politically correct in today’s corporate climate is extraordinary in my book. Thank you Chuck for your courage in standing for truth, leading by example and sharing your love for God and this great country.
It’s Thursday. My Outlook reminder just popped up to tell me it’s time for my 10am weekly meeting with Chuck. Even though it had been months since he’d been able to be here on a regular basis I never canceled the reminder…because you never could count him out. Even during some of his toughest treatments he’d show up! When he started those weekly meetings “One on One” I’ll admit I figured they’d last about 2 weeks…Really, the CEO meeting with every supervisor and manager in the company 15 minutes a week, right. RIGHT! He kept this little notebook and every week he’d jot down notes during our meeting. The next week he used them to check our progress. He never lost his place. Sometimes I’d send him an email to say if he felt bad or was busy we could skip my time that week. He’d always reply for me to come on down. We talked about books a lot. We talked about my son, his sons, his grandchildren, our spouses. Food…a lot about food. And we talked about how to make NW the best company in the world. He believed it could happen and he believed that each of us was important to that success. I don’t think I’ll cancel my Outlook reminder. I’ll use it to remember because as long as we remember in our hearts what Chuck planted will always live at Nashville Wraps.
I remember as though it was yesterday. A man came to Wraps in a baseball cap with a laptop disguised as a CONSULTANT who later became the CEO of Nashville Wraps. That day was the beginning of many great days to come. We thank you for what you have done for each and everyone here at Nashville Wraps. We thank you for opening your heart, wisdom,faith & family to us. Most of all thank you for coming into our lives and making such a positive difference. I am very proud and honored to have known you and worked for you. I will never forget you!
Your Number One Fan!!
It has been over a year since I have worked for Nashville Wraps, but I still have many great memories of Chuck. He was probably the most friendly and accessible CEO I’ve ever worked for. At so many other companies, you aren’t even acknowledged by the CEO unless you are one of the elite “inner circle”. Chuck knew everybody’s name and treated everyone with the same respect. He seemed to make time for anybody who needed it – from the warehouse, call center, and everyone else in the building. That’s difficult to find at most companies! He was also one of the smartest people I’ve met – his knowledge of history was AMAZING! So brilliant, so personable…that was Chuck Wilson.
Greg and I met Chuck when he was our Sunday school teacher at First Baptist. He was, of course, the best Sunday school teacher in the world. That he spent hours on the lessons was obvious, and he delivered them with joy, expertise and finesse. God was truly glorified in the way CHuck presented His word. Chuck and Sandy remain dear to us to this day, even though we have not been in class together for many years. An outstanding, awesome man who led an amazing family. We are totally blessed to have walked for a while with him, and to be counted as friends of all of you. Our prayers are with you.
Chuck Wilson was very important to me. He helped me through some very difficult times in my life over the years. He was taking chemo and fighting a battle with Cancer yet he always thought of others. He never stop praying for me and my family. He was one of the best prayer warriors you could have. My life is blessed to have known this man for over 11 years and been able to share my faith with him. I thank his family for the support they gave to others when their hearts were broken. The impact Chuck Wilson made in my life will stay with me forever. I will always smile when I think of Chuck and know he is having a great time talking to our Lord face to face. WOW!!
Usually one would not say they were glad to be at a funeral, but I am so very glad I attended Chuck’s service. Even in death, Chuck inspired us and gave us life lessons to take away. I will try my best to wake up every morning and tell Bill, “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! I love you”. Thank you Chuck, for this and many other life lessons I took home with me Sunday.
Sandy, your family showed us what love and support is all about, I was touched as your sons walked up to speak and to stand by others who were grieving as much as they. My prayers are with you all.
As I sit across the hall from my Dad’s office I see the physical space that has been vacated here at Nashville Wraps by his passing less than one week ago. However, as I look around our company I see his legacy. I see people that have been empowered and encouraged to better themselves, to strive to do well both personally and professionally. I see people that have not only learned a lot from Chuck’s tutelage but in turn have taught others as well. I see employees that strive to provide a WOW experience for our customers each and every time they entrust us with their order. You see it is not one area of a company that does this it is nothing less than a cohesive effort from each and every person in each and every department with the common goal of “Becoming the Best”. That is what Chuck instilled in all of us. Some people that don’t know say “what does that mean? Doesn’t everyone want to be the best?” Sure they do but part of that (as Chuck taught us) was to have a vision not vague but a clear vision of what your goal was. The goal of becoming the best company in the world was and still is multifaceted. It means that we want to become the supplier of choice for our customers, the business partner of choice for our vendors and the employer of choice in the workplace. Each one of these secondary goals acts in concert to facilitate the movement of the company towards the ultimate goal. As Robby said, “a big challenge no matter where you are starting from.” Indeed it is but thanks to the leadership we have had over the years and the leadership that has been developed…..we’ve got a head start. I know that he has helped each of us, in some form or fashion, to become better at what we do. Chuck loved this company and knew that its’ potential is limitless. I am confident in the direction of our future.
I count my conversations with Chuck some of the many blessings in my life. I take comfort to know that I will see him again, and there we will continue them.
Chuck had a beautiful service on Sunday. Several friends and family members had a lot of really touching things to say about him. I am sure everyone could have said something. He will be missed by all.
If you did not know Chuck, you missed out in a very big way and you probably will not believe the things you hear or read. Believe them! By the grace of God this man was gifted in too many ways to list. Chuck did not fail the task of sharing, loving, and giving. “…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Luke 12:48.
There is nothing I can say that has not been said here already. Chuck was truly in every sense one of the best men to ever walk this earth. He was an encourager like I have never known. Although we are sad for our loss, I know heaven in rejoiceing. I love you Chuck.
A truly great leader, Chuck taught many of us valuable lessons about business and about life.
I’m thankful for the faith he shared, for the advice he gave, for the values he instilled. I’ll never forget our time together. I pray God’s peace and comfort be with all his family and friends.
I very much admired Chuck for his good character, wisdom and his ability to inspire us. He was unselfish with us here at Nashville Wraps and with the community, but the thing I admired the most about Chuck was how deeply and dearly he loved his own family. He was so devoted to them…. His face would light up lovingly when talking of his wife and family. That always touched me deeply. I know his love will be with them always.
I would like to take this time and thank Chuck for the example he led and lived by. A wonderful man in Christ. Who believed that everyone in our company made a difference to make Nashville Wraps the best company to buy from and to work for. Thank you Chuck for your love and kindness you have shown me. You will be missed. My prayers are with your family.
Here is a link to his obitituary in The Tennessean Online: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/tennessean/obituary.aspx?n=charles-alden-wilson-chuck&pid=130654192
I had this screen open several minutes trying to think of a condensed version of Chuck. Now all I can think of is one of his phrases, “ain’t gonna happen.” There is no condensed version of Chuck so I’ll simply say, “I miss this wonderful friend. I went to your office yesterday and sat there soemtimes smiling and sometimes crying as I reminisced reliving our business meetings and chats.” My prayers and thoughts are filled with Sandy and her family.
I and others will dearly miss our friend Chuck. I know he hasn’t been at work that much lately but I still keep thinking that I will see coming around the corner with Bella in her dress. He would come through our dept every now and then just to say hi and he would usually have his beloved Bella with him. All my prayers are with Chuck’s family at this sad time in their lives. It gives me comfort to know that he is free of his pain and he is in that beautiful place called heaven now.
Thank you for alowing me this opportunity to share some thoughts about one of the greatest men I have ever met. I met Chuck as his therapist…someone who was there to help him get “back on his feet ” as he put it. But in so doing, I met one of the most beautiful friends I will ever have. Chuck was a man who never stopped giving, never stopped working and never stopped thinking of others. Many times when I would visit with Chuck he would tell me of people he had spoken to since I had seen him last…people all over the world who just needed a little lift… Chuck was there for that. I feel totally blessed to have met this incredible man and to have learned so many valuable lessons from him .. and from his devoted wife and soul mate Sandy. Sandy too has such a giving sprit and has been such an inspiration and helper for so many. Together, they have touched so many lives. Together they were a living testimony of what God, Christ, and the journey are all about. Although my heart is saddened for the tremendous loss this family must endure, at the same time my heart is at peace knowing that heaven now has a beautiful angel and Chuck, I know somewhere up there you are not only walking, but now, my friend, you can run…so run on Chuck….we will stay back until we finish our race. God be with his family and all of you whom had the great advantage of working with such an incredible leader. Stay the course…make him proud. Thanks for the memories Chuck. You truly are “The Champ”.
We were so sorry this morning to hear about Chuck’s passing. What a fine example he set for all of us, and how sorely he will be missed.
The entire Wraps community, Chuck’s family and friends are in our prayers today.
Cece DuBois
DDg
Chuck was a wonderful person and leader…he truly led by example. Even in an executive position, he never hesitated to live, love and laugh with all! Chuck was a loving, giving man who did it all with compassion, understanding and integrity. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends who loved him dearly.
As an Employee of Nashville Wraps there is a family bond here ,as for Chuck Wilson he was so much more than our CEO,I picture him as our Grandfather of Nashville Wraps he had so much wisdom, and you knew no matter if it was bussiness or personal,Chuck Wilson would always take the time to listen.We will truly miss you,till we meet again.
P.S.Chuck could be bribed with a bowl of Chili
Nashville Wraps has lost a very good man, but all of us that knew Chuck have lost a good friend. He was a friend to all.
My first time meeting Chuck is when he spoke a couple of years ago at a Relay meeting. He talked about “creating a culture of giving” at the workplace. Those words will stick with me forever. Chuck may be gone, but his work and his inpiration will remain forever.
What a beautiful tribute to Chuck. I feel so blessed and thankful to have known Chuck. He was a regular reminder of why I do what I do everyday working for the American Cancer Society and why I will, as Chuck would say, “keep up the good fight.” Everyone in the Nashville Wraps family is in my prayers.
I have lost a good friend. Yes, he was also our CEO, but he was our friend too. I could always depend on Chuck for his support and honesty. He made me a believer in making the best out of the cards you are dealt…for he certainly did and he never complained. I will miss him always, but as he often said “it is what it is” and I will cherish the time I knew him. May he and his family find peace in those precious memories.
Chuck will be missed but always remembered and loved dearly by myself & many.