Williamson’s First Law*: “Everything is simple when you don’t know a f***ing thing about it.” I learned this lesson early on. One day in the spring of my sixth-grade year, the students were invited to examine various band instruments and encouraged to join the junior high school band. I was initially drawn to the saxophone, but quickly realized the darned thing had more buttons than I had fingers. When I spotted the trumpet, ‘bingo’. Not only was I a fan of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, but the trumpet had just three valves … simple. What I failed to consider was that by using only three valves, I would have to produce many notes, some requiring great effort. I made my decision, however, and the band teacher took it from there.
Mr. Zimmerman, or Mr. Z as he preferred, was one of those young-at-heart teachers that made learning fun, treated students with respect, and had a way of bringing out the best in them. Patience, humor, and a love of music and his students were his trademarks. Due to his expert instruction and encouraging support, I soon became the first-chair trumpet player. And thanks to Mr. Z’s efforts, I became proficient enough in high school to join The School Band of America for a month-long concert tour of Europe. That experience was invaluable in shaping my cosmopolitan view of the world.
What does band experience have to do with the world of investment management? Just like playing the trumpet, things can look simple when they’re not. You need to be aware of everything going on around you. You have to be a good listener. Cooperation with others is essential. There are times when you sit and do nothing, and times when you jump in and participate. Finally, to be effective, you have to immerse yourself in your craft and have a passion for it.
Sadly, the symphony of life sounded its final note for Mr. Z this past June. When I heard the news, long forgotten memories flooded my mind, and I reflected on how much he had enriched my life. In his obituary, it was requested that trees be planted in his memory. This was a striking coincidence, since my note to clients last August (here) discussed legacies, and included the following quote: “A society grows great when old men plant trees, the shade of which they know they shall never sit in.” Keith Zimmerman planted a lot of trees.
August is here. As Mr. Z would say, “Stay cool.”
If you enjoy my monthly missives, share them with a friend. And please let me know what’s on your mind. Thanks for your trust and friendship.
*Williamson, Kevin D. An ‘Ecosocialist’ Heard From. National Review - Oct. 11, 2018
Copyright © 2020 - Any opinions are those of James Aldendifer and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. The information contained in this report does not purport to be a complete description of the securities, markets, or developments referred to in this material. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. The above situation is a hypothetical example for illustration purposes only and does not represent an actual investment. Expressions of opinion as of this date are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that these statements, opinions, or forecasts provided herein will prove to be correct.
