The North Carolina Mason

A t its core, Freemasonry is a celebration of giving back. Through our degrees, we're taught the only treasures worthwhile in this life are friendship, an upright life, and love. Anything beyond that should be paid forward. For Chuck Olson, those lessons form the central thread through which his life's story is told. Born into modest beginnings, Olson spent his childhood living in a basement where daylight scarcely pierced the narrow slitted windows that dotted the walls. It was here, in the shadowy confines beneath a rooming house, where Olson learned the value of hard work and responsibility, tasked with keeping the furnace stoked and the premises clean. The work was often grueling and dirty. Yet, Olson possessed something many of the children we support do not have – a loving mother. Firm but caring, Olson's mother made sure "quit" was not a word found in his vocabulary, and diligence reaped reward. Diligence and perseverance pay off, and in time the Olson clan found their way out of the basement and into a home opposite the athletic fields of the University of Michigan. This front row seat to competition and raw commitment to success made an impact on young Olson. The cheers of the fans at a football game echoed in his ears across the street. The crack of a baseball bat signified success. And the grunts of the wrestling team proved all the while that physical and mental strength win the day. After years of watching the student athletes traverse the fields, Olson's journey took an exciting turn. At age 14 he landed a job cleaning the University of Michigan locker rooms, embedding him further into the world he admired from afar. His own participation in the years to come endeared him to those who would become his fellow athletes, and his agility and skill caught the eye of a scout from the Boston Red Sox. Yet, sometimes the Great Architect has other plans, and Olson declined the offer to remain with his family. Still, where one door closes another one opens, and his athleticism was the boon of his military career in the United States Air Force. Almost all of a sudden, he was a player, a coach, and game official. His knowledge of sports ushered him to the door of the military newspaper, where he became Sports Editor. It was during his stint as an editor and in the service that he first made his trek to North Carolina – stationed on the coast during Hurricane Hazel in 1954. Like a good coach, Chuck supported and guided his fellow soldiers and colleagues. His air of concern for people and belief in his product launched him into an entrepreneurial career in sales following his honorable career in service. His consideration for people – employees and customers – made Olson a commodity himself, and he participated in more than 20 business over his career. Of course, he was not in it alone. His wife, Liz, was his constant support and financial strategist. Olson's business acumen shone when he clinched the title of top Giving Back: Humble Beginnings to Masonic Philanthropist By Alvin Billings, Senior Grand Steward, and Don Butto 24 | T H E M A S O N M AGA Z I N E

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