In celebration of our 15th anniversary, I want to dedicate this year’s entries to all the people who have shaped and influenced our business and, ultimately, my life. To maintain confidentiality, I will change their names; however, I hope their stories and lives will inspire and challenge you as much as they have me.
I can’t think of a better place to start than my parents. They have been so much more than loving, supportive role models for me. They have unconditionally believed, sometimes even to my amazement, that I can do anything.
When it came to my choice for self employment, they were the first in line to support me. It’s interesting as I reflect back on it all: they were self employed most of their lives and struggled to make it. The easy road would have been to encourage me in another direction. I’m sure I would have listened. But they knew more than I. They saw something in me that I didn’t even realize: I could do it.
Looking back, it’s inspiring to have people whom you love and admire so much believe you are unstoppable. I think it was some of their mistakes in life that led to this unwavering belief that I was the most beautiful, intelligent, hardworking, and giving person they’d ever met. It’s true that the good does stick to us over time. Whether or not I’ve lived up to all of their expectations is still a work in progress, as they continue to have the very highest of expectations for me. But regardless, thanks mom and dad for everything… the road less traveled has been a wonderful adventure.
