Who could imagine that one challenge would come so far?
In the June 6-12 edition of Crain’s Detroit Business, local business owner Bill Langdon, Jr., Langdon Capital Management, Inc., was named one of the ?50 Fittest CEOs for 2005,? from 152 competitors vying for the title.
During the competition, Langdon earned 47 points from a possible 50. He placed seventh among men 50 and under, and was in the top three for his specific age group.
Funny how a friend’s challenge can spur someone on to a great accomplishment, but Langdon’s entry began right here in Clarkston with a challenge that goes back almost a year.
Langdon and Luc Poirier, of Slick and Bubba’s Elite and Expeditious Websites, are co-founders of the Clarkston Philanthropic Endeavor (CPE) ? a non-profit, grassroots organization currently working to put readily-accessible AED (automated external defibrillator) units throughout the community.
The AED drive began with a challenge: Langdon Capital Management would purchase two AED units if Slick and Bubba’s did the same. The two men accepted, and even took things a bit farther, each earned their CPR and AED certifications.
So, how does all this lead to Bill Langdon’s entry into Crain’s ?50 Fittest CEO? competition? The challenge took another step forward.
‘Luc challenged me to enter this competition,? explained Langdon. ‘I was curious to see where I fit in terms of my peers, but also we want to make sure we’re practicing what we’re preaching.?
Poirier agreed.
‘I heard a radio spot on one of the morning shows about the contest,? he explained. ‘It seemed to make sense because of what we’re doing with the CPE and the AED drive. I thought it made sense to lead by example.?
Langdon accepted the challenge, ‘We want the AED to be a last resort, and the only way to make that possible is to lead a heart-smart lifestyle. We want to practice and promote a healthy lifestyle ourselves.?
The two businessmen entered the competition in February. Due to a family emergency, Poirier was unable to compete; however, Langdon underwent the qualification trials in April at the Oakland Athletic Club in Birmingham.
The competition tested body fat percentage, sit-and-reach flexibility, number of sit-ups and number of push-ups. Each participant also did a three-minute step test to measure how hard their hearts had to work during exercise. All of the tests were standardized in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine.
Langdon received perfect scores in three of the five categories. His lowest category was in flexibility.
‘It’s so cool that he did so well. I’m really proud of him,? said Poirier. ‘He’s talking the talk and walking the walk ? he’s living the lifestyle we’re promoting for our hearts.?
‘Really, being healthy translates into more productivity in the workforce,? said Langdon. ‘People who feel better, work better. The AEDs are an important step in saving lives, but they’re a step. Living a healthy life is what’s important.?
For more information on the CPE or the AED drive, please go online to www.clarkstonaed.org.