What are you passionate about? I mean, something that really stokes your fire to the point where everything else fades into a quiet background.

Do you have that kind of passion for your work?

I wish I demonstrated that kind of emotion. For years, the emotion I most exhibited was frustration, but I’m improving.

I am fascinated by those so passionate about their job, hobby, task, or life that we get swept up in the overflow of their joy. It is truly inspirational to be in the presence of people who exhibit such cascading bliss.

Artists seem to have an exceptional talent for sharing their passions in contagious ways. Sculptors unveil hidden beauty. Ballerinas stir the souls of audiences. Painters bring visions to life.

A hard-working example of consistently displaying passion in action is King Braswell.

One of my earliest memories of King was watching him plant a tree.

What’s so memorable about watching someone plant a tree? I’m glad you asked.

Passion doesn’t have to be loud and grandstanding. King approached planting that tree like Michelangelo carving the Statue of David. He gracefully bounded in and out of the freshly dug hole like Baryshnikov. He examined the tree from every angle like da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa. Undeterred by his growing audience, in perfect Spanish, he precisely directed his team to place the tree in its final growing place. Over twelve years later, that beautiful tree reminds me of King's sense of excellence each time I pass by.

As inspirational as it is to witness him plant a tree, you should visit him at his place of business. He’s like a kid at Christmas showing off his favorite new toy. Each time I ask about what’s new, he exclaims, "Hey, you gotta come see this!"

What King and his wife, Stacy, have created in the Opelika/Auburn, AL area is remarkable. Botanic is not just a great restaurant or a place to explore and purchase beautiful landscaping. It’s not just a place to celebrate, grab a treat or a gift, or hang out. Along with probably being my wife’s favorite place in Alabama, Botanic is an unforgettable experience.

While I am a fan of Botanic, my favorite thing about the immaculate place is not the food, flowers, or fun; it’s King.

Every time Leslie and I visit Botanic, watching King light up with enthusiasm is exciting and motivating. I love getting the behind-the-scenes tours as King reveals, “Y’all will love this! Let me show you what we’re going to do next.” King’s love for what he does and his desire to serve others is an artful display of being a Sharper Leader.  

It has been such a blessing to see his visions come to fruition so many times over the years. King’s passion for his work is contagious. His sense of hospitality and perfection inspires me to be a Sharper Leader.