11/19/2025
As The Holidays approach, we are all reminded of how wonderful it feels to give gifts. At Thrivent, we work with so many people everyday who make it their life’s mission to “Live Generously.” I’ve found it’s even more rewarding when the place I work also shares in these values. We can give in so many ways. Not just with our own financial gifts, but with our time and with our love and compassion for the people around us.
West Side Tractor Sales Co. is a multi-generational, family owned business in the Chicago Area. Many who know me personally, know that I worked at West Side before moving to Kansas and starting my own family. In my experience, The Benck Family has exemplified loyalty and generosity with everyone they are involved with. From their employees to their customers and community, they lead with these values. Seeing that from a family owned company made quite an impression on me. It’s not because it’s good business. It’s because that’s the tradition that Rich & Mary Benck have passed down to everyone who leads and works for their business. They have been an example for me of what’s possible when we imagine a greater purpose for our professional lives as employees and business owners.
As we look toward 2026, let’s all remember how much we are capable of when we are united, and how great it feels to give to others from the gifts we have been given.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked”