A Salesman with a Law Degree
“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.”
John F. Kennedy
The Seventh Floor of the Glass Tower located at 4450 Belden Village St. N.W. at one time housed the Ayers Law Office. That’s right. C. Stephen Ayers Attorney at Law operated a boutique legal operation there where he offered assistance with probate matters, personal injury, divorce among a variety of other law related services.
Facing the northern area of Jackson Township, the corner suite held a commanding view of the surrounding locale.
Any private law practice is essentially a small business.
Ask around the legal profession within the eighty-eight Ohio counties and they will tell you without restraint that the key skill here is the ability to successfully attract and ethically bring in new clients.
Yes, technical expertise is important, but without a base of clients you will struggle to keep the light bill paid.
Dad’s key skill set was highlighted in a conversation with a Marine Corps Recruiter in June of 2003. Having developed friendships with some of the Northeast Ohio USMC Recruiters, Dad enjoyed sharing stories with them.
They in turn would enjoy listening to his stories. During one particular story, The Staff Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Region responded to Dad’s story as “Steve you sound like a salesman”. Dad’s response was “well Gunnery Sergeant all I am is a salesman with a law
degree”.
That really sums it all up.
Dad obtained his law degree at the age of 41.
Before that he served as Field Salesman, Product Director, National Sales Manager, Independent Sales Rep. and Executive Vice President. In all positions, C. Stephen Ayers (1946-2010) was widely known and highly respected as a driving force for new business growth, product innovation, and marketing leadership.
Outside of the business world, he was successfully elected to two four year terms as Jackson Township Trustee (1976-1983) where he served with distinction.
One of the first things he did as Trustee was to make the zoning department professional. His Jackson Township zoning initiatives have stood the test of time. Since 1979, the zoning charters he quarterbacked have played a key role in keeping the value of people’s homes at prosperous levels.
Larry Bird is quoted as saying that he did not play the game to make every shot, but he did play for those times where he took over the game and dominated. There were plenty of times in Dad’s career where he took over and dominated in the public service and business arenas.
As a lawyer, Dad gained experience as Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Massillon. Part of his duties there involved attending City Council meeting on behalf of the Elected Prosecutor.
When it came to building a successful private law practice, Dad was well equipped to the mechanics of “digging in” and attracting a broad based clientele with his experiences in the public and private sectors.
In many instances, he would win the case and then partner with another Lawyer who had superior technical expertise. This arrangement would work beneficially for all parties involved and gave the client another set of eyes for enhanced representation.
There were elements of goodwill to the Ayers Law Practice and the operation had a soul. He would advertise himself as offering “A personable approach”. He built a loyal clientele and would on occasion offer his services at no charge. His clients ranged from all walks of life and covered all areas of the socio-economic spectrum.
He helped a lot of people in his life.
In many instances he worked to help people gain employment. There are numerous examples where people can attribute their employment to his leadership.
My favorite aspect of Dad’s lawyering involved how quick he was on his feet. He told me that the key to any courtroom argument was to stay at least three steps ahead of your opponent.
He allowed me to earn extra money by helping out at the office. On occasion, I would travel to court with him.
On one particular instance, he was representing what seemed to me as a very decent family. It was in the month of December and Dad was wearing a purple felt sport coat with a loud tie. What made matters of fashion less than GQ was that he had yellow socks on with penny loafers.
The mother of this family that Dad was representing cornered me that morning in the Canton Court House and asked me with a look of bewilderment and sincerity if that was the best outfit he could wear that day.
I looked her in the eyes and out of instinct and of having witnessed my Father’s genius at having people miscalculate him a million times responded to her with “Ma’am you have to understand that his outfit is a key part of the gig”.
The nice lady was satisfied with the result of the court case that day. Even though she did not fully get the manner in which Dad packaged himself that day, somewhere sub-consciously I could feel that she appreciated Dad for being a 100% American Original.
Dad was the most colorful person I have ever known. His stories were told with such humor, originality and insight that I could enjoy hearing them retold a million times.
He was a non-conformist who did not buy into the herd mentality. He was an innovator. He was a public servant. His original thinking and ability to see through things and read people were remarkable. I thank God daily he was my Father.
He helped me and loved me in ways that I will always remember. The fun times we shared are numerous and very special to me.
I thank the almighty God that he did so much to invest in me. I am grateful that he and I got to do so many things together such as travel, laugh and get to know and respect each other.
These days, I get a sparkle in my eyes and a smile to my face every time I see the Glass Tower from Interstate 77 in the Canton, Ohio area. It is special to me that the American Flag hangs at the top of the 9 level plus structure.
Dad was a true patriot and he loved America.
Even though it has been quite some time that 4450 Belden Village St. N.W. has held the Ayers Law Office as a tenant, it is important to note that my mind and heart will always safeguard and house the memories of the person who touched my life in such a profound and positive way.
Today January 7th is the Colonel’s birthday. Happy Birthday to Dad. Mizpah.
