09/02/2026
The older I get the more I realize every person, every event, almost every detail of our life is all intertwined and there for a reason. The good, the bad, and the okay.
While getting my hair cut today a gentleman came in for his hair cut and it ended up being the 2nd customer I ever had way back in 2016 when I hadn't quite left my job and went off on my own. We were hired to build a huge wrap around deck and one other unusual request; a self supporting tree house. I'll admit it wasn't a tough request but for one of your first few jobs it was a little off the beaten path.
And before anyone comes and says that'll never last, the tree needs room to grow, those supports won't stay, and whatever other words of encouragement the peanut gallery has. The tree house is still standing, has not been modified as far as I can tell, and doesn't appear to be falling over. It's been through 3 different property owners since it was built And still looks as good as it did in 2016.
So what does this have to do with my first statement? I know we live in small North Iowa where everyone knows everything and nothing goes unnoticed. So the likelihood of running into a former client isn't unusual. But I have honestly not run into this one customer for quite some time. We chatted about the current build and how it's crazy to think what started as a deck build and a simple tree house has turned into building custom homes for people in North Iowa. I still look back on the evening I met with him to discuss following your dreams and goals. About taking the leap to leave my comfortable job and do something that terrified me. Part of my payment for that job that I received that night was a bottle of Jameson. A bottle I kept and is still sitting on my shop cabinets as a reminder. A reminder that no matter what happens in life. No matter where you start. Your dreams aren't unattainable. That sometimes it just takes a little push to get you going. And sometimes a little liquid courage in the form of Irish whiskey never hurts either 😆.
