I MET A WISE MAN ON ROUTE 66 WHO CAN TEACH US ALL

If you ever plan to motor west
Travel my way, the highway that’s the best.
Get your kicks on Route 66!

Song by Bobby Troup

I had the most amazing experience while travelling on Route 66.  Route 66 is the historic United States highway that stretches from Chicago to Los Angeles.  Established in 1926, the road is peppered with charming shops and restaurants that reclaim its historic heritage.  My husband and I took a ride through the town of Seligman, Arizona, which sits on Route 66.  We just had to stop and walk through the delightful shops.  We wondered into the Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop.  It was filled with kitchy and historic memories of Route 66.  I had no idea that I was about to meet an American hero.

I overheard a gentleman saying to a dignified older man, “I have come in three times, hoping to finally meet you!”  Of course, I just had to eavesdrop.  I stood nearby and listened.  It wasn’t long before I was frantically grabbing my Iphone for my video camera.  I am glad that I did!

I was meeting Angel Delgadillo, the Angel of Route 66. Born in 1927 in Seligman, Arizona, he had witnessed the history of America pass by his front door as people chased the American Dream from coast to coast.  Angel followed in his father’s footsteps and became a barber in 1950 and continued cutting hair through today.  In 1978, the Interstate Highway system replaced Route 66 as the main thoroughfare to the Western United States.  The towns along the route, including Seligman, began to die.  Most businesses and people along the route were forced to move.

Angel would not accept his fate and was convinced that Americans wanted to see and experience their heritage.  He was determined to bring Route 66 back to all of us.  In 1987, Angel and his brother, Juan, successfully lobbied the Arizona Legislature and preserved the historic Route 66.  The efforts of the Delgadillo brothers encouraged the remaining 7 states to do the same:  resulting in the charming and delightful trip through Route 66 that we all enjoy today.

Angel Delgadillo is a hero and a true leader.  I was blessed that he was willing to share his life’s wisdom with me.  His teachings are applicable to our businesses, our lives and our families.  He told me:

• Live in the now and enjoy each moment of your life while you are in it
• Your glass is always half full
• You have the power to go after what you want and do not let anyone tell you differently.  Angel was passionate about his quest for Route 66 and he said that everyone told him that he could not revitalize the route.  He even emphasized that people would often try to discourage him. Continue to pursue your dreams.  Do not wait for others! You can do it!
• The American Dream is alive, although we all do not seem to appreciate it.  He questioned whether we need another Depression that would teach us how to appreciate what we have.
• Our freedom is precious.
• We all must be accountable for our actions

Wise words from a wise man.  His beautiful energy as he talked about his life, family, town and country was palpable.  If you have the opportunity to travel to Seligman, Arizona, please treat yourself to a visit to Delgadillo’s Route 66 Gift Shop, as well as the family’s restaurant, The Snow Cap.  By the way, he gives a mean shave and haircut!  My husband was so honored!