Life Lessons From 2019

Another one bites the dust. But not just a year, an entire decade! That means it’s time for the fourth installment in my “life lessons” blog series - where I reflect on what life taught me over the past year.

Lessons Learned At Work

Relationships are everything.

2019 was another record-breaking year here at Techvera. We took a new approach to hiring and welcomed in some stellar people who brought good vibes and great work with them.

Our leadership team continues to evolve, allowing us to manage growth effectively.

Because of our vendor relationships, we’re able to do some really cool stuff. Like host client appreciation parties and networking events. More of these to come in 2020.

Because of our approach to client relationships, we’ve aligned with organizations that understand the value of our services. We turn them into champions, and they refer us to like-minded businesses so we can continue to help more companies succeed in the age of technology.

Because we’ve developed those relationships, we’re known in the industry. I’ve been able to build a brand and speaking tour around hacking the channel, providing my peers with tips and tricks on how to grow their own managed IT service businesses.

Techvera’s success story translated into valuable marketing mojo for our vendors. I recognized that and have been able to transform our achievement into a one of a kind sponsorship deal that will be announced soon. I must say, I’m proud of this deal. It’s a game changer. Stay tuned.

Lessons Learned At Home

I’d like to break down the home front life lessons by the most important people in my life – my wife and kids.

From Jordan – This woman teaches me things every day. Having three little ones is a tall order. There are easy days, and there are hard days. And through all of it she displays patience, empathy, and perseverance. She always makes me proud. The kids are attached (sometimes literally) to her and it’s easy to see why. She’s the best mom our kids could ask for and empowers me to be a better husband, father, and entrepreneur.

From Henry – My oldest, Henry, has taught me to embrace change. Henry is a lot like me, and doesn’t like to be pushed outside his comfort zone. It's something we get to work on together. This year brought about a ton of change for him – including starting pre-K. I’m extremely proud of my little guy for all the progress he’s made this year.

From Aria – Aria, or “PJ” as we call her for short, has taught me the importance of happiness. Both my boys have a bit of a serious side to them. But not my sweet little girl! She’s the happiest, most carefree little angel you could ever ask for. Her cheerful attitude and bright smile make my day. I can always count on her to be in a great mood and to make us laugh. Things may get tough, but she reminds me to look for the silver lining and find the humor in every situation.

From Anderson – He’s teaching me how precious time can be. Our newest addition came into this world in July. Anderson Palermo Ormand has been the sweetest and easiest little baby. He’s tracking to be a giant like his dad.

Seeing how quickly this boy is growing has made me reflect on how fast time is passing, and how important it is to savor every moment with my family. Slow down, baby giant!

Final Thoughts

2019 came and went, but left me a better person with another sweet baby. Things may be a whirlwind sometimes (actually, most of the time) but I wouldn't have it any other way. My work and my family bring joy and purpose to life.

To bring this all to some eloquent conclusion, my team knows that I love quotes - every meeting we have begins and ends with one. I value these little snippets of wisdom from people who have walked before me. Here's my favorite from this year:

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"

- Seneca, Roman philosopher

I definitely consider myself lucky, but I know that luck doesn't happen all by itself. It's about being perceptive and open to new opportunities, listening to your gut, taking chances, having a positive attitude, and rolling with the punches. It's easy to feel like some people have all the good fortune. But we don't often see the preparation, hard work, and failures that come before a victory.

Make the most out of whatever life throws at you in 2020, and create your own luck. Happy new year!

-RO