Panel urges people, in time of growth, to be leaders

COEUR d’ALENE — Jennifer Drake said she is constantly trying “weird” and “bizarre” things.

For good reason.

“I have met so many interesting, amazing people just doing random things,” she said Tuesday.

And by being open to new opportunities, she has raised money for nonprofits, created art, and opened a pub in Coeur d’Alene.

“A big part of that is just saying, ‘Yeah I’ll give that a try.’ You never know where that’s going to lead you,” Drake said.

Drake is the owner of The Crown & Thistle in downtown Coeur d’Alene and chair of the Coeur Alene Arts Commission. She was one of four people who spoke on leadership, responsibility and “embracing growth in our community” before about 250 people at the Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce’s Upbeat Breakfast at The Coeur d’Alene Resort.

John Beutler, broker and owner of Century 21 Beutler & Associates, has more than 40 years of real estate experience.

“I feel very lucky to be here,” he said.

Beutler said he was inspired by the “old guard” of Tom Richards, John Richards, Dennis Wheeler and Duane Hagadone for their vision, belief and drive in the 1980s when the economy was struggling and more people were leaving than moving to Coeur d’Alene.

“They laid a heckuva foundation for us 40 years ago,” he said. “They gave us the keys to a really nice car. It’s our job to keep that car shining and running.”

He recalled Hagadone talking about plans to build a world-class resort on Lake Coeur d’Alene about 40 years ago, and “everybody thought he was nuts.”

The energy and innovation of those four men influenced the future and led to the vibrant growth seen today in this area, Beutler said. It led to the kind of thinking that resulted in the new Coeur d’Alene Public Library, McEuen Park, the Salvation Army Kroc Center and the Riverstone development.

“We would not be here if that group of people had not done what they did 40 years ago,” he said.

Beutler urged people to get involved and “do the right thing.”

“Don’t lose sight that we have something really, really special here,” he said.

Rick Rasmussen, CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital in Post Falls, said he delivers a recurring message to employees: Treat people with respect.

“They’re not going to remember your name, they’re not going to remember your title, they may not even remember what you look like,” he said. “But they’re going to remember how they’re treated.”

Rasmussen said leaders have an obligation to pay it forward.

“If we don’t step up, who’s going to do it?” he asked.

And don’t, he added, work only with those who agree with you.

“I want folks who challenge me,” he said.

Laura Rumpler is in charge of communications at North Idaho College. She said “the heart of who we are needs to be about compassion.”

She encouraged people to turn to others for guidance, and to offer it, as well.

“You are never too old, I don’t believe I’m ever too old, to seek out a mentor,” Rumpler said. “I also don’t think you’re ever too young to be a mentor.”

Change, she said, is good.

“Our personal mantra is, we want to be architects for positive change,” Rumpler said.

Drake said that while North Idaho is growing, it’s still tight-knit and the actions of one person are noticed.

“You never know who you’re going to impact and how you’re going to have an impact, unless you get out there and do it,” she said.