Mark a Trail

Stoic Quote of the Week

It is a rough road that leads to the heights of greatness.

-Seneca

What I learned this week:

Whiskey Words

I spent some time at the ranch last weekend working on a trail to the North Valley. I love going to that area of the ranch because there are no roads and no other visible signs of civilization. It is difficult to get there because it is a steep drop from the ridgeline into the valley. To add to the difficulty, the steep slope is north facing, which means that the vegetation is very thick. On this piece of the ranch, it is mainly scrub oak. Scrub oak is a mini oak bush that only grows to about eight feet in height in this environment and is about as wide as it is high. The scrub oak entangles with oak scrubs when it grows. It reminds me of mesquite trees in North Texas, minus the thorns. Of course, because it is an oak, it is very strong and stiff. All this factors into a difficult path to get from the top of the ridgeline into the valley. I wanted to cut a trail through this area to make it easier for me and anyone else to access the North Valley. Last weekend, Ms. Suzanne and I tackled that task and even put up some markers to make the trail easier to follow. That several hour project got me thinking about the trails we mark for others to follow. One of my passions is sharing what I've learned with others. I've had such amazing opportunities in my life to experience so many different things, from cultures to business to relationships to fitness. If I am not sharing that, I am a selfish son of a bitch. I'm cutting a trail for others to follow so they can accelerate their happiness and success. You don't have to follow that trail to the beautiful North Valley on the ranch. You are more than welcome to push your way through the rough steepness and scrub oaks. I reckon you'll enjoy following a known path so you can enjoy your time in the valley. What trails are you marking for others to follow in your life?

Planning thought of the week:

The military planning process is so refined and tested, that I use it for every plan I create. It's simple, tested, and proven. I even taught it for a master's level course at Fairleigh Dickinson University. Here it is: 1) Situation; 2) Mission; 3) Execution; 4) Admin & Logistics; 5) Command & Signal. If you aren't familiar with this process and want to learn it, give me a shout. I've taught it to hundreds of people around the world.

Business idea I heard about or thought of:

After the great success of my Trojan Spirits bourbon that I make with my good friend and master distiller, Bobby Jackson, at Black Bear Distillery, I think there is a side business for all the micro-breweries and micro-distilleries. Those stills and kettles sit idle quite a bit because their production demand doesn't make sense to run them all the time like the big distilleries and breweries. It's time to open it up to the novices for a little special brew. There can be all kinds of levels, from a done for you run to fill a barrel to a bring your grand-pappy Willie's original recipe and make it. I know several distilleries that do barrel picks, like my other friend at Art of the Spirit distillery. That's a unique experience. Now, here's the downside. If you're going to make a whiskey or even a rum, you have to be patient. Bourbon has to sit in the barrel for three years, minimum. You better do some thinking ahead if you want to make a special anniversary batch.

Veteran opportunity of the week:

Everyone in the Colorado Springs area, you are in for a treat. My fellow veteran friend Anthony Perez is hosting a book signing launch party tomorrow, 7 Nov, at 1800. Here's a note from Anthony:

Just dropping a note on my upcoming book signing launch party, I would really appreciate?your support in attending and sharing on social media. 20% of all book proceeds?will go to support the amazing work that we all know Mt.Carmel does everyday to improve and support the lives of our service members?and their families. We will be having a networking happy hour, you will hear from Col. McLaughlin as he shares what Mt.Carmel has planned?to support service members?during the holidays and in 2024, and how you can help.

Here is the link to sign up Professional Durability Book Launch

Someone I met this week:

I started a Veteran Business Leader Mastermind (VBLM) over four years ago. I wanted to help our Veteran Tribe differently than I had seen anyone else do. We've been meeting twice a month since August 2019. It's hard to believe we've been meeting that long. A few folks have been part of the VBLM tribe since the beginning. Some have come and stayed for a while and moved on. Others have stopped in and said, "Hi" then left. Last night, we had our 82d call, and it was just as fulfilling as the first one. I want to give a shout out to my VBLM Tribe members and thank them for their dedication to each other and the tribe. Without their dedication, VBLM would not have lasted as long as it has. This is a small select group of veterans, and it isn't a fit for everyone. I wanted to offer to my Monday Moments Tribe the opportunity to join the VBLM Tribe. We only have three seats open today. If you believe you would be a good fit to join the VBLM Tribe, give me a shout.

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