"The best thing I've done in my life is be a volunteer." - Mick Howrey

Mick Howrey: volunteer at Carriage Crossing, former CEO facilitator, father and grandfather, youngest of 7. But, that's not all there is to Howrey.

Howrey also started and sold 4 businesses as an entrepreneur, taught as a college professor and a substitute teacher, and works at Eastern Illinois University with the Illinois Small Business Development Center.

Even with all of those accomplishments, it's his work as a volunteer, especially with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, that he is most proud of.

Howrey wanted to talk to us about "seasons" in our life. He defines each season as about 25 years of our life.
- Spring (up to 25 years): Trying to find out what we want to do in life. Soon, we'll decide what type of lifestyle we want - family, career
- Summer (26-50 years): Life stabilizes. We know better who we are, what we want, how to get it. We're probably working a lot.
- Fall (51-75 years): We're enjoying life. Able to do the things we want to do. Our work life is winding down, and we're finding more time for our passions.
- Winter (75+): Mick's not there yet. He'll let us know.

One thing Howrey made clear? "I don't want to be retired." Why? He wants to keep doing, to keep working, to keep pursuing his passions.

Howrey also talked about goals, aspirations and expectations. What are they? How are they different?

"Right now you're looking through the front window of your car and the view is endless." When you're older, the front window view is limited, but there is a wide expanse in the rearview mirror.

And some of the best advice Howrey had for us: "When the student is ready, the teacher miraculously appears." When we're ready, someone will be there to help us learn.

Thank you, Mick Howrey. We're ready.

Howrey had so much he wanted to share with us, but we ran out of time. So, we are going back to see him again next week to hear about the Illinois Small Business Development Center.