This morning I received an email from a friend and former boss, Jason Flom. His father, the legendary lawyer Joseph Flom just passed away at 87. Prior to starting my custom invitations business, I worked for Jason for 9 years at a his record label, Lava Records, in New York City. While I only met Mr. Flom a few times, and I have not seen Jason in 5 years, I felt profoundly sad with this news.
I began to think about the amazing legacy Mr. Flom was leaving. How much Jason and his siblings looked up to their dad and mentor. How Mr. Flom, along with Jason's late mother Claire Flom, taught their children, and everyone else, that we all have the ability to not just give to others, but to inspire them.
If you do not know who Mr. Flom is, just google his name and you will quickly learn he is both a legal legend and a generous soul. His story of Ellis Island immigrant family to successful business man is inspiring in itself. But his giving spirit and philanthropic endeavors are awe-inspiring. What I love about much of his philanthropy is that Mr. Flom provided opportunities for others to excel.
And that apple did not fall far from the tree. Working for Jason was one of the greatest gifts I have received in my lifetime. Jason's parents taught him to leave the world better than how he found it. Jason in turned passes that on to everyone he meets. He never stops looking for ways to do good, for someone else. The fact that Jason is also crazy successful, and will be a legend in his own right, is not by chance.
But the thing is, we can all be a Flom. We don't have to live in New York City, or have a high profile job, or even a lot of money. We can all be a Flom just by doing one thing everyday to help someone else. Just start right where you are, right now.
Both Jason and his parents are proof that if you look outside of yourself to make the world better, you can and will be a success in your own life.
The depths to which Joe Flom will be missed will unravel in the days ahead, but my hope is that his unending impact on this world will comfort his family and friends.
If we just did one thing every day to help one person, no matter how small, just imagine the legacy we could all leave our children.
That's my green tip on this Wednesday. Go be a Flom.
Rest in peace, Mr. Flom.
Amy DeRouen Nelson
aka Ms. Paperlicious
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