Author, Victors and Victims (2015)
Former Los Angeles Police Officer
Former Marine
Businessman who took over a small company and expanded it into 28 offices with over 250 employees
Under Ken’s leadership, Colliers International Valuation, became the biggest commercial real estate valuation co. in the world
Speaker
Married to Elliette
3 children |
Guest Bio
Be a Victor Instead of a Victim!
CBN.com
–KEN’S CAREER
Ken’s father was a police officer who got shot on duty. His dad moved the family to Portland, Oregon when he was five years old. His dad soon became a Christian and Ken also asked Jesus into his heart. Following in his father’s footsteps, Ken started his career as a Los Angeles Police Officer in the infamous 77th Division of South-Central Los Angeles. He received numerous commendations and awards. Where some saw the streets as chaos, Ken saw freedom where he and his partner could make split decisions that saved and protected lives. One day he and his partner were hauling one arrest to the station, they turned the corner and another gun incident was in progress. Within seconds, they stopped and Ken shot the suspect as the gunman fired at him. An in-depth investigation followed that was exhausting, but Ken was found to be correct in his response. The gunman turned out to be a notorious killer gang leader with the Crisps and many in the community were glad he was gone.
After leaving the LAPD in the 1990’s, Ken went into business where he took over a small company and expanded it into twenty eight offices with over 250 employees in less than six years. During the Great Recession, as other companies decreased their work forces or closed their doors, his company doubled revenues and tripled profits. Under Ken’s leadership, Colliers International Valuation became the biggest commercial real estate valuation company in the world, with global revenues of $500 million.
VICTIMS VS. VICTORS
Rebellion has always been at the heart of Americans. Ken says, “Our nation was founded through revolution. We rejected tyranny by discarding the opinion that some people had a right to rule, and turned to democracy where people had to earn the privilege to lead.” Those who originally populated the continent from Europe were brave pioneers who risked everything to make their own opportunities. These victors created a wonderful country filled with opportunities. We are now at a crossroads, shares Ken, because the victims in this country have seized control.
- Victims demand rights rather than opportunity. They demand those around them make them happy. Victims believe they can’t improve their situation; therefore they become good at blaming others.
- Victors take a proactive approach to life. They always seek ways to improve their situation. Victors accept responsibility and constructive criticism.
The future of our nation does not depend on changing the victims. They will not change. It depends on the reaction of the victors.
COMMUNICATION STYLES
We all have different and distinct styles (Power, Control, Authority, or Influence) of communicating. Ken says when you understand your style, as well as those of the people around you, you can communicate successfully and form powerful relationships filled with joy and promise. How you understand yourself, God, and your style will determine whether you live your life as a victim (always wanting and taking more) or a victor (joyously giving more, thus receiving more). The four styles are:
- Power – People of this style are characterized as diligent, agreeable, and dependable. These people have a hard time saying no to requests as a result they often feel overworked and stressed.
- Control – These individuals are often characterized as being independent or strong-willed. They can be argumentative when others do not see things their way.
- Authority – People of this style dislike waste and sloppiness, and are often characterized as conscientious, disciplined, and serious. These people make other’s ideas better, but have a hard time making decisions.
- Influence – These people are enthusiastic, talkative, and stimulating. These individuals make things up as they go instead of following the rules.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
People who can acknowledge and make choices are successful. Avoiding choice often leads to suffering; making choices often brings pain. Ken gives the example of responding to a domestic abuse call while working as a LAPD officer. The wife said her husband had been beating her. She insisted she did not have a choice but to stay with her abusive spouse because she had nowhere to go even after she was given literature on women’s shelters. She refused to press charges. About an hour later Ken and his partner were called back to the same location however this time the woman was dead. The husband claimed he had no choice but to kill his wife because she had burned his dinner. Victims declare that they have no choices.
Ken tells his employees, “that we make mutual choices about each other every day. They decide to come to work and be an employee of our company, and we decide to employ them.” Too often people come to work claiming they are forced to work in order to pay their bills. As a result they live in resentment and resignation when they come to work. When people realize that it is their choice to work for a company it has a positive effect on morale.
When it came to the issue of internet pornography Ken says he gave his sons a choice. He explained that any involvement in internet pornography was unacceptable in their family. He and his wife were to have access to their computers and phones at all times. If they learned that their sons had viewed pornography in any form, they would immediately forfeit the next sports season. Since they play three sports a year and are top players on their teams this was a heavy responsibility to place on their shoulders. They explained the situation, offered a choice, and held them accountable.
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