Who's Your Inspiration?

  Larry Campbell (hi Dad!) dropped out of high school at 15, later serving in the US Coast Guard for 8 years until he was involved in a devastating auto accident.  Instead of saying, "look at what I've lost" he said, "what's the opportunity in this" and began a career as a professional clown and magician; later owning a successful chain of magic stores.  Out of his challenges and difficulties, he also inspired and motivated others to succeed.

One of the many things I admire about my Dad (aka Zeezo the Clown) is that he has already written his eulogy and truly spends each day living up to that image of who he wants to be remembered as.  (see previous post)  Yes, he's made mistakes, been flat broke and definitely had his share of trials.  But an amazing positive attitude and inner confidence brought him through each time to higher ground.  His ability to give joy while selling is truly an example of how to succeed in business.

The clown suit is retired now, but not the performer.  Zeezo regularly does motivational speaking - to motivate, not earn a fee.  He also volunteers his talents for many non-profit organizations and performs magic shows to give back to those around him.  I also know there are thousands and thousands of restaurant and other service professionals around the world that remember the engaging bald man who performed magic and brightened their day.

We have all been influenced by successful people.  Take a look at who has inspired you to be the best you can be and then be your best in their honor.  As I look at my work ethic, drive and passion, I realize that I have been influenced by many people; people that believed in me and encouraged my success while leading by example.  I hope I honor them as I continually striving to be better, serve more and go forward as an example to others.

Disclaimer:  This blog post is not to be interpreted as kissing up.  It truly came from the heart.  Thanks, Dad.  My passion, love of sales and desire to give back are truly a gift from you.

3/16/09 - Over the past 2 years since I wrote this original post, I have had quite a few people contact me about the influence Zeezo had in their lives and wondering how he is doing now.  Many are now entertainers themselves and all have expressed gratitude for Zeezo the Clown.  If you would like to contact Zeezo (a.k.a. Larry Campbell) feel free to email him at czeezo@gmail.com.  Here is an article Richard Haddod recently wrote...

Salesman or cheater, what I learned from an honest clown
 By Richard Haddad

When I was a youn man I worked for a chain of magic and novelty stores called Zeezo's Magic Castle.  The company slogan was, "We Only Sell Fun".

It was a wonderful job for a teenage boy because I was able to learn and perform magic every day after school and earn money from commissions selling the magic tricks and novelties like disappearing ink and squirting cameras.

Zeezo the Clown was the owner of the store chain. His real name was Larry Campbell, and he was not only a successful businessman and entrepreneur, but also a master teacher, seeking to help his employees reach their highest potential.

The magic store and Zeezo's mentoring proved to be the perfect equation for me to achieve success. One day the employees were gathered for an annual event to recognize the top salesperson of the year. It was an honor to learn that I would be named as the leader in sales. I understood there would be a generous bonus check awarded during the ceremony. At 15 years old it was an unprecedented boost to my ego to have outsold seasoned adults.

During the awards presentation Zeezo openly praised me for my ability to gather an audience at the mall storefront and achieve such high sales numbers. With his polished bald head and bright wide smile he continued to address the audience as he slowly lowered a white envelope toward my anticipating hand. But just as my fingers started to close on the envelope Zeezo quickly jerked it upward, snatching it from my grip. Then turning to me, speaking only so that I could hear, he said, You're very good as what you do, but if anyone ever walks out of one of my stores with something they didn't want, you will be out of here.

Turning again to the audience he made the envelope maneuver seem like nothing more than a playful joke, now handing me the check as the audience began to applaud.

Standing there at what should have been a moment of basking glory I felt all pride drain through my shoes and onto the floor. I didn't know it at the time, but I would later be thankful for this enigmatic moment of covert humiliation. Larry Campbell was looking beyond the moment.

He later explained he wanted me to remember that moment because it didn't matter how good a salesman I was, if I sold someone something they didn't want then I was cheating them  and no cheater would work for him.

I know now that he was trying to teach me to put integrity before greed and glory. It's a principle I have never forgotten and have always tried to inculcate in my employees and my own children.

Comments

[Chris Crowe]

Bliss,
This is a great post. It inspires me to be my best in hopes that my daughter feels the same way about me. Thanks for sharing!

[thomas bascio]

I was stationed with your father in Juneau, Ak. My wife and I visited him in manitou springs, co. He is truly a remarkable man. Love his humor and attitude toward life. A complete joy to be in his presence.

[Matt Reynolds]

Bliss,

For some strange reason thoughts of your father came upon me today while I was working. I was stationed at Ft. Carson back in the mid 90's and because of the difficulties I was having in my marriage came to see his wife for her psychic help. Yes, it is true.

Though I remember little about the actual reading, I recall with fond reminiscence your father and I hitting it off like old friends. Of particular interest is his "magic". I remember him showing me the old standby "Scotch and Soda", which immediately had me hooked. We also spoke about sales and marketing, which is what I currently do as a living.

It is because of this chance meeting that I am where I am today. Your father sparked a life-long interest in magic and the variety arts for me. I have since found a wonderful part-time hobby-turned-business performing magic at family and community events, birthday parties, etc. I also became a Professional Clown and am still an active member of SAM and COAI.

I don't know why your dad was on my mind today but I thought I'd "Google" his name, which I never forgot. I don't even know what I planned to do if I found anything.

I guess I just want to say, "Thanks, Zeezo!" for giving a young soldier hope during his most desparate time and for sharing your magic. It is both appreciated and unforgotten.

I'm sure your father no longer remembers who I am or the circumstances of our meeting. However, that single day changed me and has helped me become the person I am today.

If you see him pass the word on. Small things can and do make a difference. At least in my book!

~Matt Reynolds
10 Harrison Avenue
South Glens Falls, NY 12803
518-796-4973

[Matt Reynolds]

Your dad and I just spoke! Thanks for putting us back in touch. Of course, he didn't remember me but I was sure to remind him of his great inspiration. I appreciate your help! Be blessed!

~Matt :)

[FRED BRITO]

A truly inspiring story. I wish now that I had heard this when I was a kid. Maybe then I would not have turned out as I have. But I am on the Road towards Redemption... and God only know where that road may lead me too.

Thanks for this story.

Fred Brito
www.fredbrito.net

Also: See "Salesman or cheater, what I learned from an honest clown"
By Richard Haddad, The Daily Courier. It is Priceless!

[Shannon]

Bliss,

Zeezo the Clown was such a big part of my childhood. He would appear in person at our local Safeway every year.

Whenever I saw his poster advertising his show, I could hardly wait until the big event.

In a child's eyes, he was as legendary and iconic as Elvis or any other superstar of the 70's.

I can remember the thrill of seeing him drive up in his little Model T, the apple balloons for the babies, the rocket balloons for the kids, the pocket changing knives and multiplying rabbit magic tricks, every detail right down to the safety cones placed around the performance area.

In fact now at 43 years of age, I can remember his appearance like it was yesterday.

Larry "ZEEZO" Campbell has been such a big inspiration to me that I ventured into the world of show business as a Ventriloquist. Since then I've traveled the world with my act.

I even tracked down the Model T manufacturer and had them build me a car with the same color scheme as Zeezo. I've driven it on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry many times.

So my hats off to ZEEZO. He inspired me to "manufacture smiles" many years ago and perhaps his appearance at our small town Safeway was just another day at the job, but for me, it changed my life.

Thanks ZEEZO!

Mr. Shannon Schrum

[Hank Fox]

Ha. Weird. I was on vacation in Colorado in about 1972, and my buddies and I got a huge laugh out of a vehicle with a big sign on the side: "Zeezo the Clown." At the time we said, "We'll always remember Zeezo the Clown!" And we did. Interesting to hear there's a story behind that chance encounter.

[James Eggimann]

Bliss,

I cam across this post and I had to comment...

What amazing inspiration I received from my days working at Zeezo's in Ft. Collins. It is easy to reflect back now and realize how much of an impact something makes. Much of what Richie Haddad said is exactly the same for myself! (I went to Poudre HS, and Richie went to Rocky Mouatain...we worked together)I am now a succesful hotel sales manager for a major chain and I would not at all be where I am if it was not for my experience at Zeezo's. My career is based on making sure my clients receive exactly what they expect for thier money. Trust, honesty, respect, and Integrity is what my first job at Zeezo's taught me and I am so blessed to have met Larry on several occasions and even today, as I still dabble as a magician, I am proud to say my multiplying sponge rabbits routine is an homage to Zeezo himself after seeing him perform it countless times. By far my favorite of all he does! Thanks for listening and letting me share back how much I truly appreciated having what even today was the best job I ever had in the world! I miss those days!

[M.J. DENNIS]

Bliss,

Thank you, For this Great and Wonderful post. It brought back some of the joy and love that I had for this warm, gentle and caring person, That, You and Brother called dad. I, was only around Him and his family for a short time span of My life.

Thank You, for sharing the memories with me, once again. My thoughts and prayers go out too You, Him and the rest of the family.

[Dave Cheadle]

Hi... what fun to research all of this! Does anyone know which Denver-area Safeway is pictured behind Zeezo in the above shot? I wonder if it's the old Safeway in Englewood, Colorado... where I live? - Thanks, Dave

[Mike Peterson]

Probably the Safeway at Bonnie Acres in Colorado Springs -- the old North End.