Hello from Italy!
I’ve had a wonderful time thus far and I’m really enjoying my time here.
I have many things I can share about Italy, but what’s going on stateside is what’s currently on my mind.
Does that mean it’s taking away from my trip? Well, that depends on what you mean by taking away. I think this is part of my life, and I don’t mind having things to tend to.
It’s part of my purpose.
Is it more than I would have thought a few months back? Yes.
But, we’re surrounded with opportunity and we have some seriously good news that came in this past week. Still, amongst that, there’s nothing certain yet.
One thing that is ultra exciting is the deadline we have for October 9th. We have to “land” three more stores with a certain manufacturer before the end of the week and if we do, we can get into their program.
If we don’t, we have to wait a year.
This week I will be out again so it’s completely up to our sales team and Philski who is backing them up.
Am I nervous? Sure.
Do I think we’re gonna get it? I do.
My palms are getting a little sweaty on my keyboard as I type about it. This is the shit we live for.
My nervousness comes more from leaving this in other peoples hands over anything else. That’s not a shot at our team, but my body responding to a lack of control.
That’s ok. I need to allow them to fly.
What a great opportunity for them to win and build confidence.
It’s great to have Philski alongside them and I must say it’s my perception that he realizes what needs to be done and desires to me a force in getting this over the finish line.
Now, with the other manufacturer I had mentioned… They extended the current program until the end of 2026.
A huge win for us.
We also moved another step closer in contract negotiations. We’re moving along and the universe is doing its thing.
Another shoutout goes to Emiliano at Accounting Labs. He is taking big steps to verticalize our firm and take it to the next level.
He is following the exact path that Fountain Forward took when it doubled in size twice over three years. Keep going, partner!
Now, back to Italy.
Enjoying the trip while also deepening my relationship with Elizabeth.
How do you deepen relationships most of the time? You fight a little bit.
It’s not pretty, but as long as we’re both dedicated to each other and finding our center then we’ll be great.
Great, together.
“Holding your partner accountable to achieving their full potential is the deepest form of love.”
She holds me accountable and I her. I’m appreciative of every battle we have.
We’re doing our absolute best.
Our time exploring together has been beyond fun. We’ve had so many fun memories already and we still have nine days left.
Rome was INCREDIBLE and again, we were so present together.
Elizabeth’s beauty has really shined like never before. Something about her smile is just different than normal.
I love seeing her smile. It makes me really happy.
I’m writing to you from one of the most beautiful hotels on planet earth. It’s 75 degrees and sunny here early in the morning.
We’re going on a boat for the entire day, just her and I.
It’s been good to spend some of the money I’ve worked so hard for. I can’t take it with me!
I’ll leave you with a note from an incredible conversation I had on our train from Rome to Napoli.
His name is Theodore “Ted” Laguna. He is from Jersey.
He was born in 1932 and played AA baseball for the 1956 Austin Senators, a farm team for YOUR MILWAUKEE BRAVES!
Amongst a wonderful conversation during our trip were his closing words to me.
“When I’m in Houston, I’ll look you up!
But, you know… I’m on the back nine. (for those that aren’t golfers he means he is nearing the end of his life) (I told him he is on an emergency nine lol)
Stephen, I have a very religious friend that told me when things are tough I can always pray. I told her, I can’t do that. God has already given me too much. He needs to give to others.”
He said this as tears slowly overtook his 94 year old eyes.
I will never forget that conversation, Ted. You’re a good man.
Cheers with my full heart here on the Amalfi Coast.
I wish you a fruitful week.
Chin up, shoulders back.
– SJ