Kane Is Able: Founders Day

October 14, 2019 -- This is a special day in the history of Kane Is Able. Our founder, Gene Kane Sr. passed away on this day in 2010 at the age of 80. He was a visionary, an excellent leader, and most of all, a thoughtful, compassionate person. He believed it was an honor to provide exceptional logistics to our valued business partners and employ dependable people. 

The KANE Code, Gene’s Code, is our universal how-to manual on treating our customers and fellow associates with respect. We all firmly believe that the Code is what makes KANE different. It’s fitting to reflect on its roots.

Below is the acceptance speech he gave upon being awarded the President's Medal from the University of Scranton in 2008. It’s a terrific reminder that no matter how small a gesture, a smile even, goes a long way to make us all feel like we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

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One of the unspoken perks of being my age is that you get to give people free advice and they usually defer enough to listen. So I have three pieces of advice to leave you all with, but especially the young people here tonight.

1. Be kind.
2. Be careful.
3. Be yourself.

Be kind. Kindness costs us nothing, but enriches others. Each of us has the power to touch the lives of those we meet by treating all with kindness. You do not know if the person ahead of you in line is caring for a sick child or parent, worried about making ends meet, or facing some other challenge. You can be pretty sure however that kindness is the best way to treat that person since it lightens whatever burden they may be carrying. I have found that you cannot give kindness away; it always comes back to you.

Be careful. That is, be full of care, in your relationships to others, and also in the decisions
that you make. By “care”, I do not mean “worry”; in fact, being “careful” allows you to focus on what’s most important and not sweat the small stuff. So my advice to you here is this: Do the right thing always and let God take care of the details.

Be yourself. Think about this: among the 7 billion people alive today and the billions more who have lived before us, you were created to be a unique individual with some specific part to play in God’s plan for the world.

To help you remember this advice, I’ve had it painted on the back of all of Kane’s trailers. Think of it as a 53 foot note to self.