Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth) This week is Butch Bellah

Butch Bellah is the Vice President of Sales for Church Point Wholesale. He has a hearty laugh and a twinkle in his eye that makes people warm to him. I always say that I collect people who love what they do, and Butch is indeed, part of that collection. He probably sell you something, but you’ll be smiling when he does it.

What was your first job?    
Selling Grit Newspapers
Describe a typical day in your life.
Usually up at 4:30 for my quiet time before the family gets up. I use that time to write and work on my blog—I find I’m most creative in the morning.

What advice would you give the younger you?
Hang on to your hair…No, seriously probably learn to relax more. I’m very driven and I’m not sure I ever really learned to relax

What event in your life most shaped who you are now?
I had triple bypass heart surgery three years ago at 43-years old. I’ve used it as a learning experience and have really become more focused on helping others. Whether it’s helping customers’ grow their business, helping other salespeople achieve their goals or whatever. I have a very strong desire be a Difference Maker.

What values do you live by?
Leave it better than you found it.

What do you most appreciate?
My family.

What is your favorite journey?
Probably the one with Steve Perry. Again, seriously I’m always on a journey. This is the only life we get and I try to enjoy every day of it.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
My back patio.

What living figure most inspires you?
Well, I have two. From a personal standpoint: my father-in-law, Malvin Ogden—just a very fine man. He’s a quiet, confident, good Christian leader. From a business standpoint, it would be Zig Ziglar because of a lot of the same qualities.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
My Dad told over 30 years ago: volunteer for the jobs nobody else wants and do more than you are asked to do. I would say it is still pretty applicable today.

What book would you tell everyone to read?
“Getting Everything You Can Out of All You’ve Got” by Jay Abraham.

What is the best thing about where you live?
Ragin’ Cajun sports.

How do you “let the good times roll” ?
I enjoy spending time with my family and sports. I don’t play golf or fish or hunt, so mostly spectator sports.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
I ALWAYS wanted to be a salesman.

What is your motto?
“If you are as good as you’re going to be, life’s as good as it’s going to get!”

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good husband, father, friend and someone who did make a difference.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
If it was easy, everyone would do it.

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Sense of humor, sense of purpose and sense of belonging.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“Let’s talk TO them instead of ABOUT them”

What is your favorite word?
“YES!”

What do you collect?
Golf balls (even thought I don’t play golf I have several hundred logo’d golf balls)

What food could you live on for a month?
Graham crackers.

What would you change about yourself?
Get in better shape. It’s a constant battle.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Easy. John Candy in Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Describe yourself in five words.
“Failure is not an option.”

What is your idea of happiness?
Knowing I did my best at whatever I’m doing.

What is your favorite movie?
Fletch with Chevy Chase.

What music defines who you are?
80’s music.

What do you most regret?
Not spending more time with my parents while they were alive.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
How can you be so good looking?

What would the answer be?
It’s not easy!