When you’re 17 and running a business out of your parent’s house in small-town Louisiana…
It’s lonely.
No team.
No mentors.
Just a clunky desktop and a kid figuring it out.
Fast forward 26 years.
I sold that business and started several more, invested in a private company, explored alternative industries, and learned from so many talented people.
I'm feeling nostalgic because today is 9/8 Central’s 13th birthday.
Now, I’m surrounded by an incredible team who make this place what it is.
With a business built on lessons, failures, successes, and a lot of stories (most of them true!).
Here’s what I’ve learned after 26 years:
You can’t do it alone.
You need people around you who work alongside you, challenge you, and believe in the mission and values.
You need clients who trust you and mentors who guide you.
And most importantly, friends who remind you why you started in the first place.
Speaking of friends, I’m still friends with the first-ever client of my first-ever business. That feels pretty good.
So to everyone who’s been part of 9/8 Central’s journey, thank you.
I'm grateful for the opportunity God has given to use my abilities to hopefully make the world a little better while also paying the bills. And that's a gift.
Here’s to 13 more years.
Hope I survive it.