It’s Always Been About People

As I get closer to 20 years in business, I’ve found myself reflecting on the path that brought me here.

Like many people, my career didn’t follow a straight line.

I spent time working at McDonald’s, a place that taught me more than I probably realized at the time. I worked in retail, spent a short time with an engineering firm on the Salmon River 401 Bridge Project, an experience I’m still grateful for today, and held positions that were much closer to what I studied in college as a Programmer Analyst (nerd).

Then, in June of 2006, I took a leap.

Leaving a steady paycheck wasn’t easy. Looking back, it was absolutely worth it, but I’m not sure everyone around me felt the same at the time. When someone takes a chance on themselves, the people closest to them often take that leap too.

My journey started with Clarica. Along the way I met incredible people, many of whom I still call friends today. Shortly thereafter, an acquisition happened and life became better under the Sun.

Early in my career, I was encouraged to get involved in networking groups and build relationships. Thanks, Angela. It turned out to be some of the best advice I ever received because relationships have shaped almost everything that followed.

One of those relationships was with Brian Patterson (the Napanee Brian Patterson, not the former Kingston mayor). Brian had been in the industry for years, had a wealth of business experience, and was always approachable. After several conversations, a new chapter began. We built a partnership with a long-term succession plan in mind, and nearly twenty years later, that vision has been successfully executed.

People often ask what it’s like to be a business owner.

The truth is, it hasn’t always been easy.

I’ve experienced frustration, overwhelm, self-doubt, loneliness, and fear at different points along the journey. Most business owners have. When I step back and look at the bigger picture, they’re first-world problems, but they still feel very real when you’re carrying them.

Looking back, though, I’m grateful for all of it.

I’m grateful for Brian seeing something in me before I fully saw it in myself.

I’m grateful for friendships that have stood the test of time. People like Will Brittain, whose self-awareness, perspective, and ability to communicate and read a room I’ve always admired.

I’m grateful for the strategic partners who have helped shape our business. The team at Johnston Group deserves special recognition. The people they bring together, the relationships they’ve fostered, and the support they’ve provided have had a meaningful impact on both our business and our lives.

To Brett, Peter, Matt, Stephanie, Heather, Michelle, Dean, Rod, the Mott’s, the Hunton’s, and so many others I’ve had the privilege of learning from, laughing with, being challenged by, and being supported by over the years, thank you. There are far too many people to mention, but please know I’ve appreciated every conversation, every lesson, and every friendship.

Most importantly, I’m grateful to the clients who trusted us.

Thank you for your trust.

Thank you for your friendship.

Thank you for allowing us to play a small part in your story over the years.

And I’m grateful to my family.

To my parents, who somehow managed to instill both confidence and just enough crazy to believe that if I wanted something badly enough, I could figure it out.

To my kids, who have given me some of my strongest reasons to keep going.

And to Michelle, who has been beside me through all of it. The wins, the uncertainty, the risks, and the moments when neither of us knew exactly what came next.

Not that long ago, I found myself asking a different question.

Not whether I was successful.

Whether I was fulfilled.

That question led to some important reflection and a few small shifts.

We simplified and sharpened our focus at FlexBEN. In doing so, we believe we’ve created a better experience for our clients while creating space for work that is also deeply meaningful to me through Inside Out.

Helping business owners get back to what they love.

Helping leaders build businesses that support the life they want.

Helping create workplaces where people enjoy showing up, feel connected to a purpose, and genuinely value the people they work alongside.

Creating more exciting Mondays.

At the end of the day, I’ve learned that business has never really been about benefits, insurance, consulting, or coaching.

It’s always been about people.

Twenty years later, I’m still learning.

Still growing.

Still making mistakes.

Still betting on people.

If these last twenty years have taught me anything, it’s that success is rarely built alone. It’s built through relationships, trust, community, and a lot of people who choose to believe in you along the way.

For all of you who have been part of that journey, thank you.