Warren R. Abbott was born in Washington, D.C., and learned early that effort and responsibility shape both character and opportunity. By age eight, he was running a paper route through apartment buildings and Fort Myer Army Base. As a child, he sold repurposed pocket books, donuts, and lightbulbs to fund trips, projects, and lessons that stayed with him for life. Those early experiences built a habit of showing up, working steadily, and learning from each stage of the process.
His professional life spans more than fifty years and includes ten years at the Smithsonian Institution, where he earned Employee of the Year recognition three times, fourteen years as Product Development Manager at Kencraft Candy during a period of major company growth, and leadership roles at Walmart and WINCO Foods. At seventy-five, he continues working at Selmet Titanium, producing jet-aircraft parts. Each role added to his understanding of discipline, teamwork, and the value of everyday contribution.
Warren’s path has been shaped by curiosity rather than titles. He earned degrees in Arts and Horticulture and spent his career working alongside hundreds of people in both entry-level and management positions. Those experiences reinforced a simple truth he returns to often: real progress depends on consistent effort from many hands, not just those at the top.
For more than fifty-five years, Warren collected quotes, stories, and lessons from work, faith, history, and daily life. These reflections became the foundation of The Art of BECOMING, written as a conversation rather than instruction. His writing reflects gratitude, honesty, and a belief that lasting change grows from what you choose to think, feel, and do today.