As I reflect on our ten-year milestone, I keep coming back to one decision:
Do we start our own firm, or walk away and find stable jobs?
Back then, our old firm was unraveling. Over breakfast one morning, Jared and I made the call — we believed we could build something better. Different. Ours.
It hasn’t always been easy. There were moments I questioned if we made the right move. But now, ten years later, I know we did. Neither of us were built for clock-in, clock-out careers. Building something special? That’s way more fun.
Somewhere along the journey, I came across Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” speech. It stuck with me. The credit belongs to those in the arena — the ones willing to show up, take hits, fail, and keep going.
It’s messy. It’s uncertain. But I’d never trade it for the safety of standing on the sidelines and working for someone else. I’ll take the dirt and sweat over comfort any day.
If you’re in the arena too, keep going. You’re in good company.
Until next time,
Bill
