Thank you to these amazing women!

Today is International Women's Day and as I think about all the tremendous partners and clients I have in business, it made me thankful for all the ones in my family!

This picture is my world and represents three generations of amazing women in my family that have impacted me so much.

First is my Mom. She just recently retired from being a speech pathologist for over 40 years. She managed to have a great career and always be there for us. She held me accountable at an early age and taught me the difference between right and wrong, how to treat others, and many of the soft skills I possess today from what I learned from her over the years.

Next is my sister, Alison Mount. We lost our father too early in life, but she has been such a role model even before he passed. I sometimes joke that she is often the female version of my father. She is fearless, will take on any challenge and an incredible professional in the business world. I honestly didn't ever think I could find someone I held in higher regard than my father when it came to business, but I believe he would agree with me if he were here today. She has far surpassed him with what she has already accomplished.  She works in one of the most challenging fields and became a partner in her Mid-30s while raising her daughter on her own. If you want someone to look to as a woman in business, there is nowhere else to look! I can't tell you how proud we all are of her.

Unfortunately, she is not in this picture but has been so important is my mother-in-law, Diana. I have known her for almost half my life now. She has been so supportive of our family and me throughout the years. Not everyone loves their in-laws, but I am fortunate because they have made me feel like their son and part of the family from day 1.

My wife, Leslie, I know what I am about to write will never do justice for what she means to our family and me. We will have been together for 16 years this April.  Some people say that your significant other brings out the best in you. However, I continued to become a better version of myself every day because of her. She is my rock and there is so much I admire. She is an incredible mother and the rock that our entire family counts on. I had some success in my professional career, but honestly, not one accolade should be given just to me because, without her, I would not have accomplished any of it. She has so many outstanding qualities, but the one superpower she possesses is that anyone she has a relationship with makes them a better person. Thank you for letting me always be me!

Last but definitely not least are my two amazing daughters, Bella and Finley. Becoming a parent is something you can't explain until you become one and once you do, it will change your life forever.

I had Bella when I was 24 years old and it was a life-changing moment. It is crazy to think that she will be going off to college in a few short years. My Dad's goal in life was to make sure that his kids became a better version of him and my Mom. I already know Bella is and will continue to make her Mom and me proud. She is beautiful, a fantastic student and reminds me of my overachieving sister, as mentioned above??. She handles everything with grace and I love all the conversation we have about life. I truly can talk to her for hours and love all the moments we get to share, from our love of music to her interest in becoming a successful woman in business.  

Finley melts my heart and breaks it as she is growing up way too fast. She always has a smile on her face and has such a big personality. Following the trend of all the amazing women in my life, she excels in everything she does. She thrives in school and is one of the most caring people I have ever met. She has a love for animals that needs to stop or end up having to live on a farm before too long. She is currently trying to convince me we need a horse??.

I am glad there is a day to create awareness for all the amazing women in our lives but let's not make it a day. I feel so fortunate to be blessed by the women above that I will pledge to do whatever I can to give back as much as they have given to me and all the other people they impact daily.