OFF THE WALL: Bucking the Odds

Today’s question comes from Jenn Foit, who bucked the odds and got my attention in much the same a shiny object fascinates my dog. Hey Mike – I have a 1 in 1,443,953 chance of you writing back to me. I am a 27 year old single mom who is about to finally take the step and start in a welding program. I am nervous and would love and appreciate any words of wisdom! Posted by Jenn Foit, 2:14 pm, 7/11/2014 Hi Jenn Most friends of this page know better than to ask me for advice, primarily because I’m known Read More

OFF THE WALL: The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge and Chuck Norris’s Beard

  Many thoughtful comments after yesterdays post. This one for instance, from Steven Oklesh, rose to someplace near the top. “Fact – After reading this post, Chuck Norris’ beard abandoned him and is now en route to attach itself to Mike Rowe’s face.” Crazy thing Steve – you’re right! Chuck Norris’ beard arrived a little after 2 pm yesterday, and gave me quite a start. I kinda like it, but I’m prepared to give it back. But only if Chuck buys a SWEAT Pledge. Speaking of The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge – wow. Lots of question regarding it’s content. This one caught Read More

No Sour Grapes – Go Vote for mrW/UTI Videos

Here’s a picture of me holding a copy of The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. (Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo.) I wrote The Pledge last year for three simple reasons: 1. I believe what it says, and felt strongly the world needs one more acronym. 2. I wanted to raise some money for the scholarship fund. (We sell them for $10, and the money goes to the foundation.) 3. I needed something declarative that everyone must sign who applies for a mikeroweWORKS Scholarship. Something that reflected my own view of work-ethic and personal responsibility. Number 3 is especially relevant to this post, Read More