Ceremonial Speech

Each of us used to imagine what we were going to be when we grew up. Some of us met those dreams and some did not. Some, like the person we are here to honor today, accidentally fell into their career and found a passion for it. Some found their career and took it to the sky. The person we are here to honor got into his successful career by accident, and he took that accident to the stars. This man we are here to honor is known by many. His name is Eric McCord!.

I remember playing soccer with Eric for many years when we were younger. He continued to play long after I did. He enjoyed the sport more than any person I had ever seen. He practiced all the time. He had determination to be the best and that determination is what led him to the top. His determination inspired everyone he met. That determination has influenced me greatly as well. He was a great friend to all and he was some one you could truly rely on.

Eric always talked about being many things when he grew up, but he had never expected to be put in the cosmetology class by accident his senior year. That is where he found his passion for his lifelong career. He and I occasionally talked after graduation. However we were unable to talk frequently. We both went to different colleges in different parts of the country. I was going to UAT, and he was going to beauty school. After college he and I stopped talking, not because of a fight or argument. We just both grew apart and did not meet again for several years.

After college Eric started his own barber shop in Indianapolis. He was very proud to see his dream finally come to reality. His barber shop was very profitable but he wanted to think bigger. So he opened his own hair salon. This way he could cut hair for men and women therefore widening his range of customers. His idea proved to be very successful and he was eventually able to open his own chain of hair salons across the west coast.

Soon he grew tired of the same routine, and he wanted to think even bigger. He thought to himself what could he do? He came across the idea one day sitting on a city bench. While thinking about what he should do he looked up. He saw an advertisement on the side of a bus. It was advertising a plastic surgeon that was giving discount face-lifts. From that point on he knew his future. He soon went back to school to become a plastic surgeon. This is when I met back up with Eric. I was at the school doing research on a new game my company was making for the Wii called Plastic Surgeon’s Nightmare. I saw him one day in one of the classes I was attending to learn about different surgeries that plastic surgeons conduct. We stayed in contact with each other from that point on.

Eric later graduated from his second time around at college and started as you all know a very successful and profitable career as a plastic surgeon. His practice has been successful for over 32 years now. He always told me you always throw out something when it becomes old and worn out. He told me this after his divorce with his sixth wife. As you all know, not all of his success was just from his career as a plastic surgeon or barber. Part of his success was because of his favorite hobby of buying small businesses and then selling them to larger businesses and restaurant chains. Speaking of restaurant chains, who could forget his own very successful restaurant chain of Chinese buffets, Eric’s Long Wok?

With all of Eric’s successful businesses and hobbies, it is no wonder that his businesses has earned him over 1.2 billion dollars over the last year. Eric though is not stopping here, even though his practice as a plastic surgeon is ending he does not wish to stop making money. So he is opening his own cruise line business. Each cruise ship will take its passengers to one of Eric’s own private islands that he has purchased. I am sure with as much success he has had with all of his previous businesses that this one will be just as big of a success.

Eric has taught to always think bigger and to always strive to be the best. I am sure this is why he has been such a huge success. We have had many great times in these last 50 years and thinking about the great times he and I had. It is truly hard to see it all come to an end, but I am sure with Eric’s determination it will not end soon.