Warren Mack has been growing orchids for 35 years, which began when he received an orchid as a gift when he was a young lawyer. When it bloomed, he became fascinated with it and thus started his decades of study into orchid cultivation and genetics. Warren and his wife, Linda, built a greenhouse onto their home to let more light in during the winter, and it was soon filled with his growing orchid collection. As his interest in orchids blossomed, he became involved in the Minnesota Orchid Society and eventually served as its president. Over the years, Warren’s collection grew to include more than 500 different varieties, he participated in orchid shows throughout the United States, and he even pursued orchid varieties internationally. While on a trip in Paris, he missed the typical tourist attractions to spend time hunting down a rare species.
Warren says, “Orchids are a wonderful foil to the practice of law; it’s a non-verbal activity, highly visual, and it’s all about appreciating beauty and aesthetics. Growing orchids requires full concentration from the non-verbal side of the brain, which is quite different from the analytical, verbal skills I use as a lawyer. However, I find that I derive similar satisfaction with my clients as I do from orchids: I want to see them thrive and grow, and I’m a tenacious representative on their behalf.”
Warren finds that when you approach your profession with zeal, your outside passion keeps you balanced, which enables you to be successful in all areas. Warren’s orchids help refresh him so he can look at legal issues more clearly: “You must also have a passion for the law and your clients’ success.”