Freddie Rick possesses most of the core values you would expect from someone who was raised in a small town. He believes in many of the traits that helped make America a great country, one that has emerged as the leader of the free world.

"I believe you should make a commitment to the process and do more than you get paid for," Freddie says.

Among his core values are:

• Respect: Treat everyone with the sort of respect you want yourself to receive. Do not be disrespectful of others, particularly those you feel perform jobs that you may consider to be menial. These people deserve to be respected, just as you do.
• Confidence: Have confidence in your abilities and strive to be the best at whatever you do. Let your confidence show to other people, but don't be cocky. Your confidence will be passed along to others, who will see your ability. You will have more confidence in yourself and others will have more confidence in you.
• Responsibility: Too many people these days want to reap the benefits from their lives, but they don't want to accept the responsibilities that come along with it. If you mess up, take the responsibility. Remember: People will respect you for owning up and not trying to hide.
• Perseverance: To get things done, you've got to stick with a project. You can't give up if you don't immediately succeed. It's important to stay after the task and continue to get better and better. Winners never quit and quitters never win.
• Courtesy: Our society has lost the sense of common courtesy. We should all be good listeners and show good manners. It doesn't take any additional effort to be courteous. And people who are courteous stand out above the others.
• Judgment: Think before you act. The effects of your decisions don't stop with you. It will also impact those closest to you, your family members, and your colleagues at work. Don't do anything that will hurt another person.
• Honesty and integrity: Abraham Lincoln has been dead for nearly 150 years, but he's still known for his honesty. People appreciate honesty; it's a trait that is so overlooked these days. Make sure your word is your bond.