SteamPunk Chuck eMag Sept.2015 12-09-2015 | Page 57

Pete Peterson. It's incredible how one moment, one chance encounter, can completely change the course of one's life. Such was the case when Chuck Coleman and Pete Peterson crossed paths one evening in Germany. Most people don't realize that Steampunk Chuck was raised in the midwest city of Guthrie, Oklahoma. Needless to say, this was not a "race friendly" place to grow up. The civil rights movement was being fought, and segregation still existed. Chuck's grandfather had experienced far greater discrimination than one could imagine. For this reason, he frequently spoke with his young grandson about how difficult his life would be. "You will have to work 10 times harder than a white man to make it in this world." In Chuck's mind, having to work 10 times harder meant that he was t0 times less valuable. These words left a lasting impression in the subconscious mind of Chuck. It often replayed throughout his childhood and into his teenage years. Ultimately, it turned into a belief that somewhat defined him. After high school, Chuck decided that he wanted to see the world. And the best way to accomplish this was to join the military. So he did, and before long he found himself in Germany, a long way from Guthrie! A whole new world was about to emerge for Chuck. One evening, this young soldier was on the streets of Germany chatting with a group of girls. Suddenly, a beautiful BMW with nice rims appeared. Behind the wheel was a tall, dark and handsome African American male. He was well dressed and very attractive. So, needless to say, the girls rushed over to his car and left Chuck behind. "What if the possibilities were possible for him too?" To some this may sound like a sad story,. However, this chance encounter would forever alter everything Chuck had believed about being an African American male. The man in the car was none other than Pete Peterson....a young, successful African male who had it ALL! For Chuck, it kind of sucked that he lost the attention of the girls, but he couldn't help but admire Pete. And from that encounter, a new friendship was formed. For the first time in his life, Chuck questioned the beliefs that had been ingrained in him as a young boy. What if he didn't have to work 10 times as hard as a white man to succeed, what if he could achieve what Pete had achieved, what if the possibilities were possible for him too? Fast forward many years later, Chuck and Pete have maintained a close friendship and bond. Chuck refers to Pete as his "guru"! Pete is a very successful business man who still lives in Germany. He continues to impact Chuck's life in a profound way as business strategist and web developer for Steampunk Chuck. Chuck credits Pete for changing his life. And now Chuck pays it forward by catalyzing change in the lives of women. You never know what an impact a single moment can have on the life of another. It is for this reason that the Steampunk Chuck team strives to always plant seeds of hope and positive change. Thank YOU Pete for all you have done and continue to do to make the world a better place! "You will have to work 10 times harder than a white man to make it in this world." 57