ABC-SEMI Issue 1, 2019

Southeast Michigan Contractors  Issue 1 2019 17 come back to camp empty handed and say it was a great hunt—it is all about the experience and moments shared.” According to Perry Merlo, ABC SEMI Board member, if you’re not a deer hunter, you might not even understand this notion of “fun.” He would venture to guess most people wanting to enjoy themselves and not have to work to have fun would find deer hunting too tiresome. But for a small percentage of us (hunters), we cherish this fun as much as some do a day at the baseball game. “Hunting deer can take a boat load of work,” said Merlo. “I think sometimes that work might not be the most fun in the moment, but through blood, sweat, and accomplishment, those hard times can be special when you look back upon those moments. I know that the times I spend in the outdoors, especially with family and friends hunting are the most exhausting but absolutely rewarding times of my life. Not one of them would I trade for anything.” Tom Campbell, ABC SEMI Board Member and owner of Campbell Industrial Contractors, has had a love affair with hunting spanning over four decades and across the globe. Campbell a member of Safari International has hunted near and far but always with the singular reason in mind—to share the experience. On most if not all of his trips he brings his wife and family along to create those memories. “I have seen some incredible sites in my adventures hunting,” said Campbell. “But it wouldn’t mean nearly as much to me if I did not have someone there to share it with. My wife and family enjoy our trips to Africa and we really get to experience life and the culture there—not just the hunt. True hunters respect the animals they hunt and give thanks for the ability and right to hunt them. I know each mount I have or animal I harvested is a special moment for me and a reminder of the great experiences I have had with family I will never forget.”