“You are who you chose to be” -Iron Giant Hogarth Hughes

As I was reading Warren Buffet’s shareholder letter, it really hit me that there is such a shortage of strong, compassionate, and wise leaders in this world. All too often leaders/ owners carry a “me first” mentality and struggle with transparency, communication, and empathy. It is amazing how quickly an organization can decline with distracted and weak leadership.

Many of you have heard me say “if you’re not growing your dying”. It might be the closest thing I have to a rally cry. This mentality has always been at the core of who I am for as long as I can remember.

“Businessmen go down with their businesses because they like the old way so well they cannot bring themselves to change.” —Henry Ford

I feel like Henry Ford was prophetically talking about our industry with this quote. It seems like every week there is a new announcement of a mortgage company merger/acquisition or a company tapping out.

Ironically on a day where we are being sold everything from Doritos to car insurance or BMW’s, I’m thinking about the exact opposite. How do we live our life feeling like we have enough?

As we break into February, past the dry January and into second quarter…. How are you doing on your New Year’s Resolutions or your goals for 2024? Are you performing like a Formula 1 race car or more like a Honda Civic? (And yes, for all you F1 fans, I am rethinking my Ferrari Fan choice)

“Do what I can when I can” is the new motto of a friend of mine who is working to defeat cancer. When he said those words, they really resonated with me.

David Steven’s a mortgage banker who formerly led both the Federal Housing Agency and the Mortgage Bankers Association died at the age of 66 this past week.

I’m in Park City with the wind blowing a crazy blizzard outside my office window. This weather is a perfect reminder of how quickly things can quickly change.

And so, closes the first week of the year. One quick blink and we are off to the races into the depths of 2024.

"Sometimes you never know the value of something, until it becomes a memory" - Dr. Suess

"It only takes five minutes to break the cycle. Five minutes of exercise and you are back on the path. Five minutes of writing and the manuscript is moving forward again. Five minutes of conversation and the relationship is restored. It doesn't take much to feel good again." - James Clear

“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.” – Molière.

I’ve said it a few times in my weekly snippets. I am a control freak. I am not a recovering control freak; I am a full blown, bonafide, always got to make things best for everyone, control freak.

Sam Altman was fired last week. You may not recognize that name but most if not all of you have heard of his company, Open ai or it’s byproduct ChatGPT. Even if you don’t know who he is, after last week’s events, I think you should know his story.

It’s not the joy that brings the gratitude, it’s the gratitude that brings the joy.

A grateful thought is the most powerful weapon against fear, anxiety, and anger.

“It’s not about intensity, it’s about consistency…. if all you do is go to the dentist twice a year, your teeth will fall out. You have to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes…” Simon Sinek

Is market gravity pulling you down? Dealing with negativity can be part of the human experience but too much for too long can really begin to drag you down.

Massive change and challenging times can create a mountain of thoughts, pressures and to do lists that all need focus to help transition your business or organization in the right direction.

Feed the cows or they will die… feed your dreams or they will die too