“Life is what happens while you’re planning something else.”

In this compelling final episode of the George Nowik series on Good Life Stories, host Tracy Crowley delves into the personal and professional elements that have shaped George’s life and career. The conversation begins with George’s adult diagnosis of ADD, revealing how what many consider a deficit has become his greatest strength. He describes his ability to hyperfocus on tasks he enjoys, such as music and audio production, while acknowledging the challenges with more tedious activities.

The discussion takes a significant turn as George shares the inspiring story of his mother Dorothy’s journey as a businesswoman in the 1970s. Known as “the Ice Queen” for maintaining professional boundaries in an era when such behavior was considered controversial, Dorothy built her medical equipment company from the ground up. The conversation provides a stark reminder of the challenges women faced in business during that era, illustrated by the powerful observation that “harass was two words” at the time.

George details his mother’s remarkable business journey, starting with her expertise in repairing specific medical equipment that no one else in the region could handle. Her approach to business development – asking decision-makers what problems they needed solved and then solving them – became the foundation of their company’s success. The narrative includes both triumphs and challenges, including a lawsuit against a larger company that, despite its loss, demonstrated Dorothy’s determination to fight for what was right.

“She persevered in ways that would have crumbled any other superior human being.”

The conversation explores how Dorothy managed to balance running a growing business while raising a family, often stretching resources through careful budgeting and coupon use. George shares how his mother protected her children from knowing the full extent of their business challenges while ensuring they never went without necessities.

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on their company’s current approach to customer service, maintaining the personal touch that Dorothy established. George emphasizes their commitment to having real people answer phones and provide immediate assistance, contrasting their approach with the automated systems common in larger companies. He passionately discusses their dedication to patient care and supporting overworked healthcare workers, particularly nurses.

The episode takes a touching turn as George describes his mother’s personal qualities, painting a picture of a tenacious, determined woman who is also incredibly generous and loving. He shares heartwarming stories about Dorothy’s special connections with her grandchildren, including her talent for creating personalized songs for each child – a tradition that George has continued with his own children.

Throughout the conversation, themes of authenticity, perseverance, and genuine care for others emerge as central to both personal and business success. The discussion illustrates how challenges and perceived deficits can become strengths when approached with the right mindset and support system.

About George Nowik

After stumbling from a variety of different jobs over the course of the years, George finally made his way back home permanently to the family business of durable medical equipment at Pacific Medical Systems, Inc. now celebrating its 50th year in business.  

In addition to this, he has been running – we use the term loosely because really, nobody likes cardio – his passion business in the field of audio work that covers voiceover, album mixing, session recording, and a variety of other audio odds and ends.  

When not trying to figure out how to squeeze a few extra hours out of the day, he loves driving his family bonkers in public and in private. 

George’s Links

• Website: https://georgenowik.com
• Website: http://www.pacificmsi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nalrogftw/

About Tracy Crowley

Tracy Crowley has always been an entrepreneur. Whether it was making gowns for fellow Army wives, taking portraits in black and white, or working on her other businesses, she is always learning something new.

That passion for learning something new and giving something back collide nicely in this podcast.

Join Tracy for Good Life Stories, where simple curiosity brings out great stories, every single time.

Check out Tracy’s new book! https://tracycrowley.life/