The Essence of George Laurencic

I think I am an extrovert, shy but outgoing.

George and I met at the Sears Store in Square One. At the time, the store was the National prototype for Sears Canada. The staff was the most incredible cast of characters, and they were so closely knit that we developed many lifelong friendships. George is one of six friends that I have highlighted in this book. Each is truly special and has been a fantastic companion on my life’s journey. They have all enriched my life.

George was on the management track, and I was on sales. We were not close friends, but I liked him as he was down-to-earth, funny and very amicable. He was promoted to head office, and I stayed in commission sales. I worked at Sears for ten years and in retail for 25. I had enough of playing store and changed careers to financial planning in 1992. I met George at Toronto City Hall a few years after leaving Sears. After catching up, he pulled his wallet out of his pocket and showed me that he had been carrying my business card in it for a few years and was waiting until he had an opportunity for us to work together. He had my card in his wallet for several years, and when he left Sears, he called me. The great thing about the core of Sears people who became clients is their total faith and trust in me, which made the transition so much simpler. I will always be grateful for the trust and faith shown.

George used his retirement to become more involved in giving back to the community through service clubs. He even joined me on a school-building project with the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation in Jamaica. George loved the School build project so much that he booked a ticket for the 2026 build.

George and his better half, Stephanie, are a wonderful couple who cherish their family and are shining examples of the ultimate in giving themselves for their family.

All the photos are from the Jamaoca school build.

What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

I don’t view challenges as challenges but as opportunities or sometimes obstacles… sort of “Git er Done.” If I can’t convince people to accept my point of view, I push on my own and do it.

At some time, you reached a fork in the road. At that time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a big moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.

This one is easy…It was the day Sears “restructured” me. My career at Sears lasted just shy of 30 years. During this time, I met many amazing people and made lifelong friendships. This experience made me realize that not everything lasts forever, especially careers.

I ran into an ex-Sears executive in New York City before my restructuring moment. He told me the story of a bucket of water. You can put your hand in the bucket and swish, stir, or splash the water around, but as soon as you take your hand out, it will settle down, and eventually, the ripples die down, and then the water becomes still again like it was before you put your hand in. My takeaway was that – You need to be positive and look forward; there is no time to dwell.

Another anecdote about looking forward was from the movie The Gumball Rally. In the scene where an Italian driver gets into his Lamborghini, the first thing he does is rip the mirror off the side. Then, in his Italian accent, he says, “Whatsa behind me? She no matter!”

In The Godfather, as Tessio is escorted to the car to be executed. He asks Tom to tell Michael, “It was only business. I always liked him.”

That is how I now look back at being restructured.