The Heart of the Expo:
Why June 6th Was More Than Just a Book Sale
OK, we also had some fun; it wasn’t all work.
June 6 turned out to be an incredible day—the day of the Book Expo in Port Credit. As I reflect on the experience, I am filled with gratitude. In many ways, writing about it feels like giving an acceptance speech, because this project has only been possible through the support, encouragement, and contributions of so many people.
First and foremost, I have to thank my partner in crime, Greg Butrey. Without Greg’s help, there would be no Essence of Judo—perhaps just two or three stories instead of the much larger project it became. His support, enthusiasm, and willingness to jump into the adventure helped transform an idea into reality. More about Greg and his role in this journey later.
Partner in crime, Greg Butrey, the one who made the Essence of Judo become a reality.
A special thank you also goes to my daughter, Tara, and my granddaughter, Ri. Not only did they encourage me to participate in the Expo, but they were also among the very first visitors to stop by and show their support. Seeing familiar faces at the start of the day made the experience even more meaningful.
And then there’s Donna, who has been wonderfully supportive throughout this entire adventure. I suspect she is quite enjoying having a retired husband who has discovered a new passion—one that keeps him busy, engaged, and perhaps just a little bit out of her way.
A massive shout-out is also due to my high-powered marketing department over in Cullen, Scotland. We affectionately call them "BBC Cullen," mostly because of their uncanny ability to produce world-class work and promos that look far more expensive than they actually are.
The operation is headed by our Chief Mischief Officer, Ed Farquharson—a man who never met a deadline or a prank he didn’t like. He is expertly supported by his partner in crime, Dan Bodanis, who steps in as Chief Photographer whenever I’m busy or whenever we need someone who actually knows how to take the lens cap off.
A special shout-out goes to everyone who made the effort to stop by, especially those who already had copies of my first book, Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives. There were far too many of you to mention individually, but please know that every visit, every conversation, and every word of encouragement meant a great deal to me. Your presence truly filled my heart.
One particularly memorable surprise was a visit from Maggie. Her husband, Mark, apparently knew about the event and quietly brought her down without telling either of us. The result was a wonderful reunion, as I hadn't seen Maggie since well before COVID.
Maggie is one of my all-time favourite people. Over the years, she has had a profound influence on my life, not through grand speeches or dramatic gestures, but by consistently demonstrating the importance of helping others, especially those who are struggling or less fortunate. She has a remarkable way of making kindness look effortless, and many of the values I try to live by were reinforced by her example.
Of all the surprises that day, seeing Maggie was one of the very best. And Mark, if you're reading this, well played. Very well played. 😊
Mark and Maggie, what a great surprise!
The day’s on-site sales might not have broken any records, but the universe had a little surprise waiting for the drive home.
Thanks to the email list Greg managed to work his magic on, two notifications popped up, changing the entire mood of the trip. We landed two separate orders for The Essence of Judo—each for six books!
It’s funny how a couple of pings on a smartphone can turn a long day into a massive win. Those "baker's dozen" sales made the trek home feel a whole lot shorter and infinitely more satisfying. It was the perfect reminder that the work we're doing is resonating, even when we aren't standing right in front of the readers.
The truth is that projects like this are never the work of a single person. They are built on encouragement, patience, friendship, and the willingness to believe in an idea. June 6 was a reminder of just how fortunate I am to have so many people in my corner.