PLUM ’ S BART BERKEY AUTHORS AN INSPIRATIONAL BOOK ON HOW TO TAKE IN LIFE AROUND YOU AND ENJOY IT TO THE FULLEST .
Plum native Bart Berkey has been turning pages as an author . His most recent work —“ Most People Don ’ t and Why You Should ”— offers readers inspiration to fully engage in the world around them , offering a unique outlook on how to live life to its fullest .
Berkey , 50 , grew up in the Holiday Park neighborhood of Plum . “ I enjoyed growing up in Plum and the Pittsburgh area , because it instilled in me a terrific work ethic ,” says Berkey . “ We all endured cloudy days and snowy winters — and cheered on our sports teams . In the ‘ 70s , all three professional teams were World Champions . I love going back home to local diners simply to count the number of Steelers , Penguins or Pirates accoutrements that fans are wearing . Typically , it doesn ’ t even matter the season . I often spot as many Steelers jerseys in July as in November .”
Following his graduation from Plum High School , Berkey attended Penn State University and upon graduation entered the hospitality industry . Little did he know his journey would lead him to writing a book . “ The genesis for my book came after a recruitment trip , in which I was interviewing college candidates for direct placement roles within my hotel company ,” explains Berkey . “ I offered a challenge to students attending a networking reception to gather as many business cards from new alumni contacts . As a way to encourage them to network , the four students who gathered the most cards would get a gift card to their favorite restaurant .”
Berkey with his son , Max , and mother , Ellie .
At the end of an hour , no students appeared . The next day , Berkey sat down to interview one of the students who initially accepted the challenge . “ When I asked why she didn ’ t show up , her response was , ‘ I didn ’ t think you were serious .’ Needless to say , we did not hire her ,” he says . “ I walked away realizing most people don ’ t accept challenges , follow up or do what they say they ’ ll do .”
This message has now been shared via Berkey ’ s book and in his speaking engagements to nearly one million individuals . Berkey ’ s aim in authoring “ Most People Don ’ t ” was to share simple , real-life stories that will motivate , nudge or inspire others to go out and “ do ” when “ most people don ’ t .”
“ I ’ ve been fortunate to travel to many destinations and have experienced great examples of people going above and beyond to help each other , to become better as individuals and to make a difference ,” he notes .
The book ’ s stories are short and simple , yet offer memorable moments due to a reader ’ s ability to connect and understand . It provides a realistic approach on how to improve yourself and enhance the lives of others . “ The acronym ‘ MPD ’ is simple and easy to remember ,” says
Berkey . “ The stories are quick , entertaining and applicable . My book shares messages inspired by growing up in Pittsburgh .”
He adds , “ The story ‘ Gift-Wrapped Groceries ’ details when a mother would wrap food items for Christmas so they had more things to open . Another article references my high school volleyball coach , Mike Larko , and the impact he had on me as a person and as a player . His motivation prepared me to play Division I volleyball for Penn State !”
Berkey receives messages almost daily about how people have used MPD thinking to “ do ” things differently . “ A gentleman who owns a juice bar in India reads one story a week to his staff ,” he says . “ A financial broker in Pittsburgh now chooses to walk up stairs when given the choice between this and an escalator , because ‘ Most People Don ’ t ’ focus on their health .
“ Another story entitled , ‘ Daddy , Can I Show You ’ explains my observance of a 9-year-old girl swimming by herself in a resort pool , while the dad paid minimal attention to her poolside as he did work on his computer . She got four seconds of attention every time she asked , ‘ Daddy , can I show you my backstroke ?’ ‘ Sure , Peanut ’… one-thousand one , one-thousand two , one-thousand three , one-thousand four … and back to work . ‘ Most People Don ’ t ’ enjoy the present . He should have put down his laptop and jumped in the pool with his child !”
For more information about “ Most People Don ’ t ” or to purchase a copy , visit bartaberkey . com . To contact Bart Berkey , email bart @ mostpeopledont . com . ■
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