Page 195 - The Way to the Top

Del SMITH

Founder and Chairman of Evergreen International Aviation, Inc.

Soon after my 1930 birth in Seattle, I was placed in the Sacred Heart
orphanage. Mr. and Mrs. Smith adopted me when I was almost two years
old. Tragically, my father died shortly following the adoption, leaving me

and my adoptive mother penniless. As a result, “Grandma Smith,” as I
lovingly called her, raised me on her own. Growing up poor just made me
more ambitious. I used my struggles as a launching pad, building on a
strong religious value system that the devoutly Christian Grandma Smith

instilled in me.

My mother taught me about work ethic, success, honesty, faith,
leadership, and perseverance. Integrity and honesty are so important. I
think you have to be honest with your maker, honest with the people you

deal with, and honest with yourself. Over the years many MBA students
have asked me whether you can be successful in the business world and
still be honest. My response is always the same—you have to be honest or
you won’t make it.

Be honest