Indy and Roy,

John Marklin from Richmond, Virginia checking in with you with some rather big news. I have decided to retire. There, I said it. Other than my wife and business partner, you are the third and fourth persons to hear it.

I turn 65 this Oct. The daily phone calls about Medicare made me aware of a looming milestone, but I never in my mind ever really contemplated retirement. My business partner and I occasionally spoke of working until 70 in our two very successful grocery stores, but never really made any formal plans. 

But then on March 18, 2020 my 94 year old father and role model died. I miss him dearly and think of him daily.

And then the pandemic hit. Our stores are more profitable than ever, but the masks and social distancing thing has altered my outlook on business.

It is also time to retire due to some personal health issues and five grandchildren that are out of town and growing up way too fast. 

I started and finished in one sitting a book called, “Keys to a Successful Retirement” by Fritz Gilbert. The number one tip he gives is to do adequate planning before making the final step. Nothing worse than retiring without a plan!

I have built an adequate nest egg to carry Debbie and me well through our retirement years. Now I am working on a “Retirement Jar”, where Debbie and I each put in one idea to do in retirement for the next 52 weeks. We will then have 104 ideas to pick from when the time comes.

Roy I feel like you and I have been on similar journeys. I consider my trips to Wizard Academy (about 7 in total) to be one of the top four decisions in my life which has led to my business success. I have considered you a mentor to me from afar, as your Monday Morning Memos, rabbit holes and other publications and videos have always kept me clear on one thing; that marketing and advertising are nothing unless you have a good, sound business model of value to the customer. 

I don’t know exactly the date of retirement, but I can tell you that my mind is clear and my passion is heating up for my next big venture in life.

And by the way, making another trip to Wizard Academy was my first entry in the Retirement Jar!

To the future, my friend,

Sincerely and respectfully,

John

NOTE: Indy Beagle sees the wizard every day and can be reached at indy@wizardofads.com but there is no guarantee he will pass along your message to the wizard. Indy is a one-man dog. – Princess Pennie