John M. Qualy, managing partner of Northwestern Mutual-The Qualy Group in St. Louis, had long wanted to capture his father’s story in a lasting way. Originally from a small town in Wisconsin, Robert B. “RB” Qualy had raised four children, enjoyed a long and successful career at Northwestern Mutual, and played American Seniors golf and International Seniors golf in 27 countries upon his retirement.
Capturing a person’s life story takes keen interviewing skills, listening with the heart, diligence in cross-checking facts within historical context, sharp organizational skills to track thousands of facts and compelling writing. John Qualy turned to the history team at Casey Communications to capture and tell his father’s story through words and photos in a book containing:
• Memories of RB’s parents that express enduring values and character-shaping stories
• Reflections on RB’s life – from growing up to today
• Circumstances and events that most deeply affected RB
• Important milestones and his insights upon reflection
• The source of RB’s deep resolve and inner discipline as well as his energy and spirit
• Photos with descriptive details to illustrate his life story
After a day-and-a-half of face-to-face interviews, videotaped at RB’s home in Florida, and extensive additional research, Casey produced a 15,000-plus-word, 70-page illustrated leather-bound book chronicling RB Qualy’s life and family legacy. John presented the book at RB’s 84th birthday celebration with family and friends to his highly appreciative father.
What is the value of capturing and celebrating a loved one’s life story? From personal experience, John Qualy explains:
My father’s story will touch the lives of future family members, some of whom I’ll never get to meet. I know more about who I am by learning where I came from. The quotes from my father reveal the thinking behind his decisions. Greater self-awareness for me comes from that. It affects my view of the future and what perhaps I want to do differently. Although times change, the basic elements of life don’t. If we don’t pay attention, it’s probably to our detriment.
Click here to watch a short clip of John Qualy discussing the journey of capturing his father’s story.
|