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. ■
PLUM ❘ SPRING 2018 13