Who am I? Why do I do this

Writing would be easier if I weren't thinking, "What should I share about myself, and what shouldn't I share?" If we're going on this ride together, you should know me, where I come from, and not just that I'm an executive recruiter. And... I shouldn't hold back.

Over the last 20 years, I've likely spoken or had coffee/lunch with you. Perhaps I've found you an opportunity.? I hope, in some small way, the opportunity was life-changing or career-defining. ?If we haven't worked together, please know that it’s my privilege to experience the magic that happens when bringing a new and positive life-changing opportunity to someone in my network. I love nothing more, and this fuels my passion for this business.

To know me, you must know my father. ?His story is one of wonder, disbelief, love, pain, addiction, and perseverance. In many ways, his story is my story. Isn't that how things work? He and I have significant differences, but we’re ultimately more alike than different. My father grew up on the Iron Range in Minnesota, a tough place that challenges the human spirit. He loved his family and gave me hugs as a kid and told me he loved me every day without fail, but he also had a raging temper; I've yet to witness one as bad firsthand since. Over my youth, he went to every sporting event and practice of mine, minus less than a handful due to emergencies. ?So he was always present, good or bad. Mostly good. My father was one of the country's top recruiters and fully retired at 48 years old. He grew up with alcoholic parents; his mom died when I was six months old from liver failure - she only held me in her arms once. This woman graduated from Macalester College in the 1920s, one of the finest liberal arts institutions in the country. Neither his mom nor his dad ever attended one of his baseball games or sporting events as a child, NOT ONE, and they divorced when he was 12 years old. He ended up at Red Wing Juvenile facility as a 15-year-old because he spray-painted some windows in his school. In the late 50s, if you lived in a small town, your parents were divorced, and you were a town juvenile delinquent, the local judge could send you away. After leaving Red Wing, he ended up......

To be continued next Tuesday AM. I hit my roughly 400-character limit.

Please note: In future publications, I'll discuss personal and business topics, including a strong view of the market and how things are evolving in the business world, for better or worse.

A common theme for me is I try to remove myself from the equation and remember how I can provide value to others. ?So... How can I help you? ?How can we get to know each other better? Something to think about, you know where to find me. Until next week! Peace out! Bryan