Ron Kitchens's Blog

When I was in high school, I worked for a dairy farmer who needed to transition one of his fields from row crops to grass. All winter, we plowed to clear the remnants of the previous crop, what had been good for a season but was no longer what the land needed for the future. We tilled the soil, planted alfalfa seed, fertilized (and if you have ever been on a dairy farm, you know there is plenty of fertilizer), sprayed herbicide to protect against weeds, and prayed for rain, because there is only so much a person can do.

Our efforts paid off. The field came to life, lush and green, ready to be cut and baled. Back then, we worked with fifty-pound square bales. One day, just before harvest, we stood admiring the crop, proud of what we had done. My boss turned to me and said, “Now the hard work begins.”

That surprised me. The months of plowing, planting, and praying had felt like hard work to me. But he explained that harvest requires perfect timing, the right moment in the growing cycle, and weather dry enough to allow the hay to cure properly. If it was baled too wet, it could mold or even combust in the barn. He reminded me that while two people could plant a field, it took a team to harvest it, to cut, bale, haul, and stack. The harvest, he said, was where the real work began. And if everything went right, we could hope for a second or even third harvest from that first investment of labor.

That story has stayed with me all these years because it mirrors what leadership really is. Leaders spend seasons plowing and planting, casting vision, cultivating people, removing what no longer serves, and preparing the ground for what comes next. Those are important, exhausting, and even noble tasks. But the true test of leadership comes in the harvest.

Harvest is when timing, courage, and teamwork are everything. It is when leaders must bring others into the field, trust them to work the plan, and guide them through unpredictable weather, both literal and figurative. It is when decisions must be made with precision and humility.

Leadership, like farming, is never once and done. You cannot assume that what produced results before will continue to do so without care and attention. Great leaders are stewards of growth, they adapt, tend, and innovate. They find ways to do more with the same ground, to waste less, and to invest more wisely.

So wherever you lead, whether an organization, a team, or a family, remember that the harvest is the hard part. But it is also where the joy lives.

Always Forward.
Ron Kitchens

America feels raw right now. The assassination of a man because of his words. Another school shooting, on the very same day. These moments remind us of how fragile our lives, our civility, and our communities truly are. We’re weary. We’re anxious. And whether we admit it or not, we all need a break.

That’s why kindness matters more than ever. Not as a platitude, but as a practice. In a world that rewards shouting, kindness whispers and still changes the room. It’s the reminder that every single person we meet is carrying a story that may be heavier than we can imagine.

Bob Goff says love is never stationary, it moves, it acts, it interrupts. Kindness is love with its sleeves rolled up. It looks like offering your place in line, writing a note that costs nothing but means everything, or pausing to really listen when your instinct is to argue. Small gestures, inconvenient moments, unseen acts, they ripple outward further than we think.

A minister friend once told me that the local church is the hope of the world. I’d add that kindness is the hope of every human exchange. It turns transactions into friendships, conflict into connection, and meetings into ministry. It reminds us that even when we disagree deeply, people are still worth more than positions.

In business, in community, in family life, kindness is not weakness. It’s the very thing that builds trust faster than any contract and repairs bridges stronger than any program. Spreadsheets and strategies will fade, but how we made people feel, that lingers.

So, in these hard days, I want to issue a challenge. Be extravagantly kind this week. Not polite. Not surface-level nice. But the kind of kindness that surprises, disarms, and heals. The kind that interrupts cynicism and writes a better headline than violence or division.

We can’t control the chaos of the world. But we can choose kindness in our corner of it. And if enough of us do, it just might be the break America needs.

Always Forward.
Ron Kitchens

“…We wept and prayed” is a line from It’s a Wonderful Life that describes the collective reaction of a community in a moment of loss. That phrase has always struck me. Tears and prayers are not just private acts, they are a holy reminder of what happens when people come together, shoulder to shoulder, and seek guidance and healing.

The truth is, most of us share more in common than we sometimes realize. Of the world’s 7.3 billion people, 77 percent — about 5.6 billion — follow one of the six major religions. And when you line them up, the central teaching is strikingly the same:

Christianity: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” — Jesus, Matthew 7:12 (NIV)Islam: “None of you [truly] believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.” — The Prophet Muhammad, Hadith an-Nawawi 13Judaism: “What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor: that is the whole Torah; the rest is commentary.” — Hillel, Talmud, Shabbat 31aHinduism: “This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others what would cause you pain if done to you.” — Mahabharata 5:1517Buddhism: “Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” — Udanavarga 5:18Baha’i: “Lay not on any soul a load that you would not wish to be laid upon you, and desire not for anyone the things you would not desire for yourself.” — Baha’u’llah, Gleanings from the Writings of Baha’u’llah

That looks like consensus to me. Different voices, different traditions, yet the same song: treat people the way you want to be treated.

And if we add in the 3.5 billion people who use Google each day — a company whose guiding principle for years was “Don’t be evil” — the case becomes even stronger. Billions of us already agree on the core values of goodness, respect, and care for others.

So why do we so often act as if we are hopelessly divided?

The future belongs to communities that choose to live out this shared belief. Places where neighbors practice listening, respect, and empathy. Places where we begin with the simple rule: Reject evil, love everyone always.

It does not mean we will all agree on policy, politics, or priorities. But it does mean that the foundation of how we treat one another is strong. And from strong foundations, thriving communities are built

When people tell you the world is falling apart, remember this: most of us are already aligned on the most important things. The question is not whether we share the same values — it is whether we are willing to live them out, together.

If we can, our future is not only secure, it is bright.

Always Forward.

I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry.

Then came a letter.

“Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career.”

It was signed, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Think about it, what would the world have lost if Emerson had not taken the time to write that letter? A few sentences changed the trajectory of Whitman’s life and, in turn, American literature. That is what legacy leadership looks like, a simple act of encouragement that transcends time and place.

If I asked you to name a legacy leader, you might think of a president, a philanthropist, or a celebrity with a cause. But you probably would not say Maggie Terry.

Maggie was my mother-in-law. When she passed away a few years ago, we gathered in St. Louis to celebrate her life. I had known Maggie for nearly 25 years. I admired her devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren. What I did not know, until her funeral, was how deeply she had shaped the lives of people far beyond her family.

That day, under the St. Louis sunshine, a woman we had never met approached us. She had flown in from Denver just to say goodbye. Through tears, she told us how Maggie had mentored her for more than a decade, pushing her to set higher goals than she set for herself. That woman is now the provost of a major university.

Then came another story. A man who once taught high school history admitted he had been so unhappy that he planned to quit teaching. But Maggie convinced him to apply to graduate school, at Harvard, no less. Today, he serves as dean of the English department at a prestigious East Coast university. His words still echo, “She believed in me when I did not believe in myself.”

That is legacy leadership. It is not about headlines, titles, or balance sheets. It is about lifting others higher than they could climb on their own.

So here is my challenge to you, take the time today to encourage someone. Write a kind note to an unknown author. Send a message to your child’s teacher. Call your mother-in-law and tell her you love her.

Even if you change no one else’s life, you will change your own.

Always Forward.

Ron

I never set out to be a fan of Walt Whitman, but somewhere along the way, he captured me, and not just because he was the first poet I ever read who wrote about baseball. What drew me in was his persistence. For years, Whitman struggled to find anyone who cared about his poetry.

Then came a letter.

“Dear Sir, I am not blind to the worth of the wonderful gift of Leaves of Grass. I find it the most extraordinary piece of wit and wisdom America has yet contributed. I greet you at the beginning of a great career.”

It was signed, Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Think about it, what would the world have lost if Emerson had not taken the time to write that letter? A few sentences changed the trajectory of Whitman’s life and, in turn, American literature. That is what legacy leadership looks like, a simple act of encouragement that transcends time and place.

If I asked you to name a legacy leader, you might think of a president, a philanthropist, or a celebrity with a cause. But you probably would not say Maggie Terry.

Maggie was my mother-in-law. When she passed away a few years ago, we gathered in St. Louis to celebrate her life. I had known Maggie for nearly 25 years. I admired her devotion to her family, especially her grandchildren. What I did not know, until her funeral, was how deeply she had shaped the lives of people far beyond her family.

That day, under the St. Louis sunshine, a woman we had never met approached us. She had flown in from Denver just to say goodbye. Through tears, she told us how Maggie had mentored her for more than a decade, pushing her to set higher goals than she set for herself. That woman is now the provost of a major university.

Then came another story. A man who once taught high school history admitted he had been so unhappy that he planned to quit teaching. But Maggie convinced him to apply to graduate school, at Harvard, no less. Today, he serves as dean of the English department at a prestigious East Coast university. His words still echo, “She believed in me when I did not believe in myself.”

That is legacy leadership. It is not about headlines, titles, or balance sheets. It is about lifting others higher than they could climb on their own.

So here is my challenge to you, take the time today to encourage someone. Write a kind note to an unknown author. Send a message to your child’s teacher. Call your mother-in-law and tell her you love her.

Even if you change no one else’s life, you will change your own.

Always Forward.

Ron

John Maxwell’s question — “Who do you know that I should know, and will you introduce me?”, is one of the most powerful tools a leader can use. On the surface, it sounds simple. But in practice, it’s a game-changer for communities that want to grow, businesses that want to thrive, and leaders who want to make a real impact.

The truth is, progress never happens in a vacuum. Every breakthrough, every bold idea, and every opportunity comes through relationships. Our biggest wins rarely come from cold calls or chance encounters. They come through trusted connections — the introductions that someone takes the time to make.

When a respected voice says, “You need to meet this person,” doors open. Trust is accelerated. Decisions move faster. Real momentum begins. That’s the power of intentional introductions.

This is why leaders must not only seek out connections but also create them for others. Who do you know that could benefit from meeting someone in your network? Who do you know who could help your community grow? And most importantly — are you willing to make that introduction?

Great communities aren’t built by isolated leaders. They are built by people who freely share their networks, who see introductions not as transactions but as seeds of future growth. Every introduction plants the possibility of a new business, a new collaboration, a new idea that could shape the future.

So here’s my challenge: the next time you’re in a conversation with someone who has vision and drive, don’t just nod in agreement. Ask Maxwell’s question, “Who do you know that I should know?” And then take the extra step: make the call.

Because the right introductions don’t just change conversations. They change futures.

Always Forward.

t was the middle of a scorching Missouri summer, in between two-a-day football practices, when Coach Paul Skeans called me into his office. He shut the door, handed me a book, I Believe by then Baylor Coach Grant Teaff and said, “I just heard him speak. You need to read this.”

He wasn’t just giving me a book. He was giving me a challenge. A challenge to lead, to grow, and to understand that raw talent only takes you so far. Without leadership, it doesn’t matter.

That moment stuck. Since then, I’ve read more than a thousand books on leadership. And I’m still learning. In fact, I recently reread I Believe and was reminded again of how powerful the right message at the right time can be.

But here’s the good news: today we’re not limited to books. Podcasts, videos, blogs, live events, we live in a world overflowing with opportunities to sharpen our leadership skills. The question is, are we taking advantage of them?

That’s the reason we created Leaderfest. It’s more than an event it’s a chance to learn from some of the best minds in leadership, to be challenged, inspired, and equipped. And just like Coach Skeans did for me, it’s a chance to hand someone else a spark that could change their trajectory.

So let me ask you: Who are you learning from? Who’s shaping your leadership journey right now and who do you know that others need to hear?

Always Forward.

Fast Company, in partnership with LinkedIn, just published truly clarifying data on why people select where they live. As you will see from the chart below, the normally assumed number one factor of jobs is number 5 on the list. 

It seems that in today’s market for the talented residents to select a community, quality of life features are the key factors. The data is clear, if a community expects to grow, they must be clean, safe and have diverse and affordable housing with great shopping, before they can expect those who have a true chose to select them as their next home.

What are your thoughts on the list and where we would rake on these eight categories? I would love your input, hit me up on Facebook at the Wichita Falls Chamber or via email at ron@wichitafallschamber.com.

A mentor once told me something that stuck: “Half of success is just showing up. The other half is showing up with purpose.”

Translation? Don’t just drag yourself to the meeting — bring your brain, your heart, and maybe even an extra cup of coffee.

In leadership and community building, showing up isn’t about logging hours or checking boxes. It’s about being present where lives are shaped — in boardrooms and break rooms, classrooms and council chambers. It’s about listening with humility, speaking with courage, and sometimes biting your tongue when the conversation goes sideways.

Over the years, I’ve worked with leaders’ coast to coast. The real game-changers aren’t always the ones with the flashiest titles or the loudest voices. They’re the ones who keep showing up. Rain or shine. Easy or hard. Glamorous or not. They believe progress is possible, and they prove it with their consistency.

People often ask me, “What’s the secret sauce for community success? What’s the magic bullet?” Sure, I could say “Broken Windows Theory”, “Community Capitalism” or “Cluster Analysis” but here’s the truth: as Mark Steyn put it, “The future belongs to those who show up.”

Right now, communities everywhere are buzzing with opportunity — new schools, new companies, big projects, you name it. But momentum doesn’t maintain itself. Like my old rugby coach drilled into us, momentum is mass plus velocity, applied at the point of attack, again and again. (Yes, he yelled it. Yes, I all still remember.)

Here’s the kicker: tailwinds today don’t guarantee smooth sailing tomorrow. The future still belongs to the people willing to show up, consistently, purposefully, and sometimes with duct tape and donuts in hand.

So, wherever you lead a business, a classroom, a nonprofit, or city hall ask yourself: Am I just present, or am I showing up with purpose?

Because when we do, that’s when jobs are created, families are empowered, and communities are transformed.

Always Forward.

As the year draws to a close, I have a tradition that keeps me grounded: I take the quiet weeks of the Christmas season to pause, reflect, and say two simple words that carry extraordinary weight—Thank You.

This practice is not just about politeness; it’s about intentional gratitude. I carve out time to look back at the blessings I’ve received throughout the year and write thank-you notes to the people who made them possible. These notes are personal and specific, honoring the kindness, mentorship, or encouragement that left a mark on my life.

But my gratitude does not stop there. I also reflect on the big decisions I’ve made—both professionally and personally and think about the people in my past whose wisdom and guidance prepared me for those moments. Often, they have no idea how much they influenced me. A simple thank-you note can bridge that gap, reminding them of the lasting impact they have had on my life and of the lives of those I serve.

Finally, I reserve a special stack of note cards for those I admire. These are the people who need to hear the four most powerful words in the English language: I believe in you. Whether it’s someone on the verge of a breakthrough or someone struggling to see their own potential, those words have had the power to transform my own life.

As we close out the year, I find myself deeply grateful, not just for the successes we have achieved or the opportunities ahead, though those are exciting but for the kindness and thoughtfulness shown to me and my team this year. It’s the small acts of humanity that truly leave a lasting impression.

So, as you navigate this precious season, I encourage you to take a moment to express gratitude. Write the note, send the text, make the call, whatever it takes to remind someone that they matter.

Wishing each of you peace, joy, and the blessings of the season.

Always Forward.