Thanks for the kind words, guys. It means a lot, more than you can ever imagine, especially to hear it on the days when I'm gone from home, leaving Mrs. Fin to tend to so many things, worrying about keeping the operation afloat, etc. These kind of comments are even more gratifying, and motivating, on the days when critics are grinding on me to a point where it causes a person to wonder why the hell you even bother.
I am blessed with so many things. My wife, son, family, and friends are beyond what I could ever dare ask for. The supporters of these platforms have made them what they are and continue to impress the companies that financially support our efforts. I am just the lucky guy, who by some divine hand, gets to be the mouth piece for the self-guided public land story I am so passionate about.
This might sound strange, but sometimes a life event is also a blessing. Many know I have a rare liver condition, which I now see was another blessing in my life. Before the condition was properly diagnosed, and for a couple years of recovery, I was convinced my hunting days were done, maybe even my breathing days. Months of recovering on the couch that sits about four feet from where I am typing this, I spent a lot of time making promises to myself. One of those promises was that I would not take a single day for granted. I would tell my wife and son that I loved them every time I talked to them. I would take advantage of every hunt I could physically do and use those stories to tell about what hunting means to me. I would take advantage of the many relationships and opportunities my advocacy efforts had created and leverage those to become a louder advocate for the things I loved, mostly public lands and a future in America where anyone who so desires can be a hunter. If I could make even a small difference it would be worthwhile and fulfilling.
It is during that time when this idea was crafted. It was in that time, probably the darkest time of my life, when I realized who and what meant most to me. The Mayo Clinic docs had told me the CPA career would be short-lived and I had best start thinking of ways to occupy my time and energy. With the support of my wife, son, family, a few close friends who wanted to be minority investors in this crazy idea, and all of you who watch, listen, and support our sponsors, this is where I find myself twelve years later.
Some of you who have hunted with me know that I often proclaim to be the luckiest many alive. I strongly feel that is true. Not many people have a medical event force them to do something they always dreamed of, learning a lot about yourself along the way. Not many people have the support to follow their dreams as I have at home.
This is my passion in life. It is what I do out of love for hunting. It is something my wife and son are heavily invested in, both financially and emotionally. To hear the kind words from all of you have special meaning beyond what any "job" could provide.
Thanks for saying so and thanks for the support you give these platforms.
