Something I Gotta Say

A few weeks ago I wrote about making ourselves uncomfortable to drive forward.  It was an attempt to shed light on my thought process for the big decision I recently made.  Since then I have been asked a lot of questions by the keen observers and inquiring minds.  So that the record is clear, I will discuss the subject plainly and with transparency.

For the past 13 years I have been working as a Sales Rep, then Sales Manager, then VP of Sales for AddVenture Products, an apparel marketing agency specializing in the CompressT and other innovative promotional products.  During that time I learned more about business than I could imagine, achieved success, and grew as a professional.  I built strong, lasting relationships.  I tried weird things, I failed, I learned, I tried again.  We produced t-shirts for everything you can imagine – some that I was particularly fond of, like The Hangover Movie, Snoop Dogg, The Simpsons, NASCAR, The Office, Family Guy, Batman, Alice In Chains, True Blood, etc, etc, etc.

In the past year I started writing this blog.  It has helped me establish myself as somewhat of an expert in my industry.  I won some awards, and I’ve been asked to participate in committees, magazines, and webinars.  I certainly don’t know everything – far from it, but there are some things I know well, and I have been sought out in that regard.  The attention has made me feel a bit guilty, humbled, and embarrassed – I have also felt empowered and proud.  My network has grown and I have increased my exposure within the industry where I earn a living.

Along with this new recognition came job offers – really interesting ones too.  Some were tough to ignore, even tougher to turn down, and one in particular was impossible to overlook.  Along with that great opportunity comes a great disturbance to my life and my family.  In these situations you want to investigate and be sure – “look before you leap,” right?  Sometimes damnit, you just gotta leap!  So that’s what I did.

I have joined Boundless Network as the VP of Sales.  My family and I are moving to Austin, Texas.  To anyone reading this that has no knowledge of the promotional products industry, this means very little – I’m just a guy changing jobs, moving to a new town, and taking way too long to explain.  But to my colleagues, clients, family and friends, it is kind of a big deal.

Am I nervous?  Scared?  Doubting myself?  Questioning whether or not I will suck???  Sure.  Am I excited?  More excited than I can measure.  Am I sad to leave my town, friends, and a company I genuinely love?  Of course.  But life is change, and no reward comes without risk.

I will continue writing the blog.  I am going to let it evolve naturally, mirroring my own path.  I love – seriously – love the ride I’ve been on.  Now it’s time for a change in direction.  Am I going to make mistakes as I progress?  Yep.  Am I going to look back?  No way.

There is a large group of people that have touched my life.

• I am grateful for the kindness and support I have been shown these past years. 
• I appreciate the knowledge and honesty I have received from my valued mentors.
• I am honored by the people that have chosen to learn from me.
• I greatly respect the people that were unafraid to tell me when I was wrong.

And now I move forward, as do you.  Happy New Year everybody.  May we all kick some serious butt next year.  Thanks for listening, thanks for participating.  This is only the beginning…