Breakfast with Herb & Mike

Two Carpenters walk into a conversation—one a former police chief, the other a logistics guru—and unpack life lessons, career twists and backward names. Wisdom, wit and wildcards await in this multigenerational heart-to-heart. The journey of Breakfast with Herb and Mike continues...

Mike: Attending the SB reception for this year’s professionals got me to thinking about what you and I had accomplished by that age. How old were you when you became the chief of police in Plattsburgh?

Herb: I was 37, which made me the youngest chief in the state at that time.

Mike: You started as a patrolman when you were 21, became a detective sergeant and then detective lieutenant, all in 16 years. Was your goal to be chief?

Herb: No. Working on high profile cases and interacting with the public was what I loved. The opening for the chief’s position came about unexpectedly. It offered an exciting opportunity so I decided to apply and the rest is history. Remind me about your life during your early years.

Mike: I’d have to say my first 25 years were not a great success. You were there. You remember, but then about the age of 25 I made a radical change in the way I lived life. I learned about the transportation and logistics business from the ground up and I came to work with you at Northeast. What did you learn about yourself early in life?

Herb: I learned that I loved learning. I hated school, dropped out in the eighth grade and joined the Air Force when I turned 17. After basic training I was sent to a nuclear weapons school in Denver and then to an isolated tour of duty in Goose Bay, Labrador. It was there I met a librarian who ignited a thirst for learning in me. With her encouragement I took a class in philosophy. In the beginning I didn’t even know what philosophy was, but once the class progressed, I was hooked. What did you learn about yourself by the time you were in your mid-twenties?

Mike: I learned that my word mattered. I learned that it was critical that what I said and what I did needed to match up. Simple things like if I said I was going to be somewhere, I showed up on time. If I told someone I would do something, I did it, I continue to honor that in my life every day. What habits do you have that have contributed to your success?

Herb: I am able to compartmentalize. Even in the most stressful situations I can dispassionately look at all sides of an issue. What habits work for you?

Mike: I’m just the opposite. I can’t compartmentalize. I’m an emotional guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve and that’s okay for me. One more thing that works for me is my Can’t Fail attitude. I have to continue to push to succeed whether it’s in business, playing sports or doing a crossword puzzle. It’s always about continuous improvement. What advice would you give to someone starting out in their career?

Herb: Choose wisely when you look for a mentor. Find someone who shares your values, your philosophy and then listen carefully and put in the work. That is invaluable to success. What is your advice?

Mike: Take your time to find something you are passionate about. Don’t settle for just a job. It isn’t just about the money. It’s about finding an honorable path in life. If you could start your life over again, what would you do differently?

Herb: Not a thing. I loved my work at the police department. My years on the department defined me. What would you do differently?

Mike: I wouldn’t change a thing either. Even though there have been some rough times, I am totally content with what I have and who I am. Here is a fun question. What is something no one would guess about you?

Herb: I was a licensed pilot and learned to ski when I was 60.

Mike: I have the ability to talk and read backwards as in my name backwards is Ekim Retneprac. I am also able to solve fairly complex math problems in my head without a pen, paper, calculator or computer. How would you like to be remembered?

Herb: As an ethical business person, a good husband, father and grandfather, and a poor kid from Boston who found a wonderful life in his adopted community.

Mike: I would like to be remembered for leaving what I touched better than it was. When we do the 20 under 40 issue, it restores my faith that we are going to be okay. Many of our young people are strong leaders with big hearts and solid work ethics. I believe we are in very capable hands as society continues to grow and change.