We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Adam Maynard a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Adam , appreciate you joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

Absolutely, and I would first like to note how important kindness is during times when we may not be our best.  It’s much more difficult to be gracious when someone is going through a time of growth or challenge, but that’s exactly what a friend did for me.

In the summer of 2001, just a few months before 9/11, I was offered my dream gig, a US tour with a fantastic group of creative musicians called Coincidence Maybe.  This was the era when Dave Matthews band was big, and the music reflected that influence.  I was 20 years old and had just finished up my first year in the OSU School of Music, dreaming about the possibilities, when I met these guys at a local festival and was instantly captivated by both their music and presence.  It was a tough decision to take a year out of school and tour, but I knew if I didn’t do it then, I may not get another chance.  The year that followed would stretch and challenge me in ways I never knew possible and make me face parts of myself I didn’t necessarily want to acknowledge. Ultimately, I would become a better artist and musician, a more responsible human, and smarter businessperson.

None of this would have been the same without Aaron Dean. At just 24 years old, Aaron owned a home, a successful business, multiple vehicles, guitars, a boat, and shared mutual love and respect with his wife.  He also helped out his parents and led a Sunday school class. I had joined his class 2 years prior and we had quickly become friends. It just so happened that Aaron asked me to join his paint crew around the same time the opportunity to tour came up. We worked it out that I would paint while in town and be off for tour dates. Perfect.

The schedule was often grueling, sometimes being up until 1 or 2am rehearsing, then getting up at 5:30am to go paint all day. I don’t recommend it, and I apologize to any drivers whose lanes I swerved into during those wee hours.

One day I was on top of a 24-foot ladder removing a large framed poster from a wall, held on by screws. The drill I was using had been a gift to Aaron from his grandfather that had recently passed, one of his greatest mentors. Struggling to balance the drill while holding this large poster, I remember watching it spiral downward toward the tile floor below as if in slow motion, meeting the floor with a loud “Crack.” The battery went one way and the drill went the other, revealing a newly made spiderweb fissure in the tile.

Aaron’s only immediate response was, “I gotta get outta here.” I stood there in shock for a moment atop the ladder, still holding this poster that was bigger than me. Few times have I experienced such a pit of helpless despair in my stomach.

Our crew leader was able to easily replace the tile (after I received a thorough razzing), but what Aaron did later that day shocked me. Instead of holding it over my head, taking it out of my paycheck, or choosing to stay offended, he chose to forgive. Aaron walked in with the broken drill taped up with electrical tape and handed it to me, saying something along the lines of “I thought you might be able to use one of these.” It was no longer suitable for company use, but still had life in it.  This was grace and mercy in action.

This is only one example of the composure, leadership, and character that Aaron Dean showed me that year. Aaron treated me with grace and kindness (and sometimes tough love) that would shape the way I would do business for years to come. I watched him treat customers with respect and care, insisting on high standards while taking care of his employees. He didn’t pay any mind to criticism or ridicule from those who didn’t understand his methods.

I ended up going back to the OSU school of music 15 months later and completing my degree in 2005. As I prepare now to scale and bring new people into my ventures, I hold these experiences close to my heart. My hope is that my clients and associates feel valued and cared for the way that Aaron demonstrated to me, no matter if I am teaching them to play music, or dance, or painting their house.

Adam, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Sure thing.  For the last 20 years, I have made music and dance teaching and performing my main career.  I received a bachelor of Music Education, cum Laude from The Ohio State University in 2005 and a Master of Dance Degree from Dance Vision International Dance Association in 2015.  I opted to use these skills in the private sector as a studio teacher and performing artist.  You can read more about my company, SoundBody Music and Dance at www.SoundBody.cc.

In the past, I was a competing professional in Ballroom and Latin (American Smooth and Rhythm styles) for over 12 years, a touring musician with Coincidence Maybe, as previously mentioned, and a section member of the Central Ohio Symphony Orchestra.

Currently, I have chosen to stay more local.  Just last year, I was asked to be a worship leader at Grace Central Church and  I just bought a house in Shepard, which I am currently renovating.  What’s really been on my heart lately is to invest my skills and resources in my church, my new community, and in my three kids, ages 14, 11, and 7.

Along with these transitions of late, I have also taken on a new venture in starting a painting company, Our Dwelling Place LLC.  My goal with this is not only to provide quality service, but also to employ and mentor members of our community, especially young people coming up.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I used to think I had to be the most willing and all-in participant in order to be successful. When learning new things, I love to immerse myself in them and get the most out of the experience. I find it hard to pace myself and successively add as I go, but I have learned that this is necessary for longevity.

I realized pretty late that I wanted to be a professional ballroom competitor. I was 27 with a wife and a baby and my family meant the world to me. Things got very difficult at home that first year of his life. I leaned into my dance career hardcore and it became not only an outlet, but an escape and a huge part of my identity. I dare say I listened to the wrong voices at that time and it cost me my family and made my career very difficult.

There is a process and a momentum to building and rather than going for broke and burning out, I now advise younger people embarking on that journey to focus on developing intentional, sustainable habits that lead to success over time.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Absolutely.  As a young man, I used to love studying the book of proverbs, wisdom which is mostly attributed to King Solomon, who reigned during the Golden Age of ancient Israel.  I still love proverbs to this day (chapter 3 is probably my favorite) as guiding principles.

Around 2015/2016 I discovered the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr. Steven Covey. I used to listen to the audio series on loop while driving and it was the start to a major personal development/inner work journey that got me through one of the toughest times of my life and also debunked a lot of limiting beliefs/habits.  This is also what taught me the difference between proactive responsibility and blame/fault.

At the same time, I would be remiss in not mentioning “Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul” by John Eldredge.  In our culture, we love to call out “toxic masculinity”, and rightfully so.  But, what does healthy masculinity look like?  This book was pivotal in helping me discover that.  One exercise I found most helpful was to go out into nature early in the morning and to ask God, “who am I?”  Then wait in silence for the answer.  I did this practice for multiple days on end and it changed the entire way I looked at myself.  I encourage anyone struggling with identity or self-esteem to try this with an open heart and an open mind.

And for anyone who wants to meet and talk more about this, I will gladly buy them a cup of coffee.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.soundbody.cc

• Instagram: @soundbodyllc

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soundbodyllc

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-maynard-846829a5/

• Twitter: @soundbodyllc1

• Youtube: @soundbodymusicanddance6374

• Yelp: SoundBody Music and Dance

Image Credits
Benjamin Derkin, Tom Wehrung, Ryan Kenner, Panthea Maynard
Benjamin Derkin of Derk’s Works.