We'd like to introduce Scott LaMay, founder of Grand Quest Wisconsin & Fox Valley Singles.

Taking ownership in the community and serving others is Scott's true nature. Scott recalls in his late high school years that he wanted to be a mechanic to help his parents and others save money on car repairs. During his 22 year tenure as an ASE certified auto technician, Scott owned and operated two business's and worked for six other employers. Including three service stations, a major retail tire center, a corporate fleet, and a dealership—gaining a significant amount of knowledge, skill, and insight into the vehicle maintenance industry which he wants to continue using to benefit the community. Asking Scott this question, 'one might think you were a job jumper and could not keep a job?' Speaking modesty he replied, "yes, you may be right about that. My work ethic, attitude and skills were in great demand back then—perhaps more so now. This is the time to really use this knowledge for good. Everything I do is still about people and making a difference."

While Scott was growing up, education was not high on his priority list. How things change! In his new-found passion for education, Scott says, "Gaining wisdom as we age may be attributed through personally attending the school of hard knocks. Most life-changing experiences will always bring us back to some form of self-education—especially so for most of us when we want life to take on a whole new meaning or direction. Learning is life-long and so important in today's fast-pace culture. Most of our education is outward, focusing on career choices and being the best we can be. We tend to look at education as the only means to success, money, power, and placement. Instead, we need to look at education as a means to experience true happiness. Not that which is often distorted by reality shows and advertising campaigns which place unrealistic expectations on ourselves, and in our relationships with others. For change to take place we need to look inward. Motivated by desire. What we really need to learn is rarely taught, and if it is, we're unprepared to relate to it on a heart level. I place a great deal of value in my ongoing education. It has been life changing! The lack of it teaches us how much we need it. When it benefits us, we can't get enough of it. The road to contentment begins at the intersection where desire and education come together—Empowering!"

Career choices sometimes take an unexpected turn, which is what Scott's did. A Green Bay based crane and excavating business needed a technician to maintain their equipment. It wasn't long when Scott found himself at the controls of a crane. He now is employed by Dawes Rigging & Crane Rental and a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139 with CCO certification. When Scott sets out to do something, it's always to the best of his ability. "The older we get, the more value we place on learning. I needed to self-educate myself on many things over the years to get where I am today and where I want to go tomorrow. And I'm glad I did, and will continue to my last breath! Sometimes you have to make an extra effort to make things work out. When stuff happens, it happens for a reason."

Scott, and his ex-wife, enjoyed horseback riding. With that goal in mind, they built their country ranch home together in the Pulaski School District to raise their three boys, Appaloosa horses, and English Springier Spaniels. While enjoying the benefits of country living, Scott became involved in Cub Scouting at Sunnyside School. He recalled his adolescent years as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout which gave him the incentive to give back. "I remember all the fun things I built and did—even the stupid things like taking a sled from another troop at Bear Paw Winter Camp and sledding down the hill by the lake on a pitch-black night amongst trees. That was a really dumb thing to do." Noting the consequences were mighty painful! "One of our scouts broke his leg that night and laid in bed with agonizing pain. He was afraid to tell his dad who was in the other end of the bunk house. The next morning...lets just say, was unforgettable! We all make mistakes and make bad choices. We just need to learn from them and move forward."

During his leadership tenure in Cub Scouting, Scott was awarded the Square Knot Award in 1993, and the District Award of Merit in 1995—the highest award a Scout Leader can achieve. He also served as a Bay Lakes Council District Chairman for the District Derby's held at the East Town Mall in Green Bay. The Derby's gave he and his family the opportunity to put on Pinewood Derby's at area schools and churches, which to this day his children still talk about.

Family and friends have special meaning to Scott. He and his children, now adults, enjoy motocross racing, camping, hunting, fishing, and spending time together every chance they get.

Scott has been an active lay leader at Green Bay Community Church since 2002, facilitating DivorceCare and more recently, dating workshops in the Singles Ministry. He has also served board positions with Newcomers & Neighbors of Green Bay and Central Wisconsin Network, a singles' organization in central Wisconsin.

"These are ways I choose to give back after what the Lord, community and friends brought me back from. My divorce, loss of my sister, Mom and Dad, and the betrayal by a brother was a dark time in my life. Certainly enough to send anyone over the edge—but it didn't. Instead, these experiences have been used for good. People and the church were available to me, but the choice to change and accept the things that were and would be, was mine own. I have seen and experienced the good that comes from the bad stuff that happens in life. Myself, as well as many others, make ourselves available to people facing those dark days too. We help them see the bright-side of life, so they too look forward to those days where the light never ceases to shine. We are people committed to 'quality of life.' If we impact a single life, makes our being vulnerable worth the risk. It's great to be in a position to be there for others when they need someone, but even better when with them when they don't. Every day is a day to celebrate!"

Scott invites you to read his story 'Life After Divorce' which gives a brushed over picture of what his life-changing tragedy was, how he got through it, and the condition of his heart today.