He’s unique. Simply one of a kind. I’ve known him for over twenty years. Have sat in the first row watching him take on all comers while “in the arena.” He’s invited me in. Into his life. His passions. His intimate, so intimate love of his family. That’s him above with his son, Omar Andres. Family will always be the center of who he is. I admire this about him … above all else.
But this is only the beginning. Of my knowing an expansive life lived well. With a boundary less capacity to reach out to others … on so many levels.
Omar Haedo has been immensely “successful.” You know. On a money, wealth dimension. This has given him the resources to serve his God in very special ways. Loving others. From a far reaching ministry serving immigrants, to consoling a young lady in distress needing emotional support. You will usually find my friend there. Present. All in, every time.

I don’t pretend to know the full dimension of Omar’s generosity. We talk every Wednesday morning. He normally opens with this, “Let’s talk pictures.” Omar’s pictures reveal his values. His spirituality. His faith. Oh, he has a plane, a beautiful boat … plays the piano too. But these take a back seat to his commitment to serve his God.

Ok … it’s not all “sugar.” Omar is sensitive. Needy. Tells me often, “Bob, they all want Omar.” Sensitive, needy. Get it?

He’s tough. There are few problems he won’t take on. Requires intense effort. Omar often tells me he is tired. That’s because he leaves it all “on the field.” Has got innumerable supporters. But detractors too. I always say there is a fine line between passion and anger with him. You want to know how Omar feels about something? Duck. His truth is coming your way. But interpreting whether he’s passionate or angry about something? Can sometimes be a tough call.

Be ready to defend your position when you engage with this guy. He’s brilliant. Courageous. Says he sees “around corners.” Means he’s usually ahead of the crowd. Which he usually is. At age 56 he’s on his fourth business. Omar doesn’t build small. He only knows large. His fourth business is expansive.

His material success allows him to live high. Moved his family a number of years ago from his native Puerto Rico to Miami. Now get this. An example of his “boundary lessness.” High living? It’s Wednesday. “Bob, I think I’m going to put the family on the plane Friday and fly to Atlanta for the weekend.” Family knows. Their leader moves fast. Atlanta in 24 hours. Be ready.

I love Omar Haedo. Our weekly calls last about an hour. We could talk for three. I learn so much from him. Tell him so, even though technically I’m the “coach.” Relationships are our primary focus. Omar is a mentor. Especially to his two boys. His employees. Really anyone who … “wants Omar.” Thus we share this. A passion for people. The Lord’s work. Helping others.

Don’t know how long our Wednesday’s will last. We’ll always be part of one another though. Moving together down our respective paths. Both dedicated to serving God’s purpose. The true, unending connection between us.