Playing the Game

I spend a lot of time thinking about why I do the things I do. Maybe it's a form of therapy — a way to process and assess the utilization of my time and determine what my future should look like.

Currently, I am involved with 56 different investments. Some of these are large stakes with majority control, but most are LP interests in either real estate deals or early stage tech companies. To some this may seem insignificant, and to others it may seem extremely overwhelming. For me, it's just what it is.

Part of it is a lack of focus and a clear thesis for my life. The other part is just learning and finding out what I'm passionate about and interested in.

The conclusion of these thoughts is: It's all a big game.

What the Game Actually Is

I think about business like playing games with family and friends. At the end of the game, we are still family and friends — and that should never change. There may be some trash talking, frustration, and excitement throughout, but in the end, it's just a game. And what matters most are the relationships.

I have often gotten frustrated with the phrase, "It's just business." That attitude alone makes me want to leave business entirely. It's NOT just business — it's people. And if you believe there's something more after this life, your actions matter eternally. "It's just business" is not an excuse.

What Winning Means to Me

I love the game. I love playing it. But what I love more than the game is playing it with great people. Business should be like a board game around the table with people you love. Some people are far more competitive and always want to win — but as you mature, you start to want the people around you to win too. You realize this is a participation game where everyone can get a trophy.

When I think about why I make the next deal or invest in the next business, it's because I love playing. Winning, to me, means more opportunities to keep playing — and to get more people involved. Inviting others to sit at the table and watching them participate has been the most rewarding experience of my career.

When I Walk Away

Because I see it as a game, when people want to be nasty or play dirty — I'm out. Not because I'm a quitter, but because it's not worth it. When people say "let's go to war," I laugh. It's only a game, and I don't want to go to war over a game.

I'm looking for new people to come to the table and play alongside me. I don't look at it as playing against you — we are playing the game together.

So, have a good game.

My Why

I want to partner with great people and help them become more. I want to help them make more money than they ever have before, so they can live a more fulfilling life — and be a better spouse, a better parent, a better community member, and hopefully a better disciple of Jesus Christ.