Things We Think, But Do Not Say. An Honest Reflection on Business & Relationships
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An ode to Cameron Crowe’s Jerry Maguire’s quote, “the things we think, but do not say”. This epilogue helped Tom Cruise rise above himself and become something more. In theatrics. 20 years later I recently saw this movie again, for the enteenth time, and it hit me. Let's not be silent any longer.
Writing this, suddenly, I’m my parents’ daughter, my brother’s sister. The next generation of a family-owned business – owned, operated, loved, and argued over. I remember the wise advice heard unequivocally since childhood, “relationships matter most”. This mantra became a significant part of my and Paul’s DNA, not simply a line in a script of an Oscar-worthy movie. We mirrored our parents and reveled in their lifelong childhood connections, which they held so close. Yet we also saw this way of life and philosophy carried out in their professional careers. Our beloved mother was a paralegal who was equal parts wise, witty, and a forceful, duty-bound woman standing for what was right. Yet the epitome of feminine finesse. Our father instilled a determination, like that of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame, which was a significant part of our upbringing. He worked in industrial sales and engineering, a man characterized by integrity and an endless desire to connect, empower, and be the stalwart—the captain of his own ship.
Today, I recall the life lessons I've learned, as well as the simple pleasures that come with this career.
The receipt of ‘that’ order from a client we’ve been waiting on. Hearing clients complement our team for going above. The cheers and high-five emojis we make internally on our Water Cooler channel to celebrate a remarkable moment, such as building a business plan and seeing it come to fruition, or a rebrand that our clients have wholeheartedly and gracefully embraced. Solving problems and innovating something never before realized.
Yet I cannot escape this thought—the goal. It is not to strive to be all things to all people. Because when we do, and when people/clients depend on this omnipresent way of being in the world, which always falls out of harmony … we will inevitably disappoint. When we feel that we can answer all questions and be the ultimate authority, albeit with a false sense of domination, we become disillusioned. Ladies and gentlemen, 2025 taught me a great deal. It’s the quality – never the quantity. Relationships do matter most, but they must be in harmony, and it begins with each of us, understanding our own sense of ownership in a partnership.
I cannot escape this. It’s not about trying to serve all clients, but about being the absolute best for the clients we have. Whilst being open to those that are yet to come. Striving for growth and improvement consistently. This is what is real, unconditional. No longer allowing nor subscribing to self-serving behavior and egos. Exponential growth through truth and consciousness is the only footpath. And it required a substantial shift in thinking, a profound loss, and a blessed gain to comprehend this invaluable lesson. The path forward now for our brand and corporation is a pure and diligent honouring of ourselves as a team and our incredible clients. An infallible dedication to the change we wish to see in this world. Taking great care of each other, our second family, and our clients, who entrust their business to us with great confidence. All else fails to the waist side.
The pleasure of this career is uplifting our clients who understand this manifesto and our wholehearted team members who can stick with it. Because when you can’t or won’t – there is no room. Relationships are everything. Commitment is paramount. But most importantly, relationships are to be reciprocated. Respected. Harmonious.
A family business should represent a higher way of existence, one that transcends. The accumulation of synergistic talent among team members who embody the company’s values, morals, and philosophy. A deep rapport, a client intimacy that shows WE care and are here for the long, dependable road ahead. It’s legacy, and anyone attached to this journey should represent the same to a degree, which then ripples through to our industry, organically—a force of nature.
Cheers to our silver jubilee in 2026. It’s been an honour to support you, to represent, and shoulder the innovation with you. Thank you for walking this discerning journey with us. Nothing stands in our way of being here for you. Because of the trust and belief of our team, partners, clients, families, and unwavering faith, all things are possible.
From our family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
