Reflections on Relationships, Determination, and Unexpected Inspiration
Things had been steady, but I found myself in a bit of a lull—not in work, but in energy.
I had just ome off a near-miss on an opportunity I was excited about, and I was looking for a reset. Not a vacation, just something to shake the snow globe and remind me why I love what I do.
Then I got a call from my longtime friend, the marketing “Wizard”, Pat Sitkins. He said, “I’ll be in Carlisle, PA for a few days. You should come up. I’ve invited a few folks—some you know, some you don’t. Just a good group of people, nothing formal.”
Now, I’ve learned to trust my gut on these things. And I’ve learned to trust Pat. So I went.
The details were vague. I knew we’d be attending a medical sales event, and that Shawn French—Pat’s partner and the force behind one of the Top Podcasts in the U.S., The Determined Society—was speaking. I didn’t know much beyond that, except that it felt like something I shouldn’t miss.
“When the Wizard tells you to be in Carlisle, you follow the yellow brick road.”
That line kept playing in my head as I drove in. I didn’t know why yet, but I knew enough to say “yes”.
Enter the Vault
The first night, we walked down a small-town street to an unmarked building. Inside: a vault door. Yes, a literal vault door—open wide to reveal a stage, a crowd, and energy you could feel in your chest.
Our group rolled in, took our seats near the front, and before I could fully process what was happening, a senior executive took the mic to introduce their keynote speaker:
Rob Gronkowski.
AKA: Gronk.
In case you are unfamiliar with him, Rob is a four-time Super Bowl Champion and one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history. After a legendary career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he’s transitioned into a new chapter as a media personality, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. Gronk is now focused on inspiring others through his story—blending humor, resilience, and a relentless drive to win on and off the field.
Wow, but that was just the beginning. It turns out, this wasn’t just a corporate event—it was the kickoff to something much bigger. And our group was invited behind the scenes, straight through that vault door into a private studio where Shawn was set to interview Gronk for The Determined Society. We were the only invited guests. Front-row seats to a conversation most people will only hear through earbuds.
The Real Takeaway?
Yes, we met Gronk and be part of one of the biggest shows in the Country right now. Yes, we were treated like family by a truly innovative, Christian-led medical device company. Yes, the food, the music, the people—it was all world-class.
But the real takeaway for me?
It was the reminder that who you surround yourself with matters. That energy is contagious. And that sometimes, the clarity you’ve been looking for doesn’t come in a spreadsheet or an industry update… it comes in a room full of good people who remind you what momentum feels like.
By the end of those few days, I felt recharged. Not just professionally—but personally, spiritually, energetically.
I had new connections, new ideas, and a renewed sense of what matters.
To My Fellow Agency Owners:
I know that feeling when business slows down. When the next move isn’t obvious. When you wonder if you’ve got another big push in you.
And sometimes, what you need isn’t a new tactic or a better tool.
Sometimes, you need the right room. The right people. The right reminder.
We talk a lot about market readiness, succession, and legacy. But even when things are going well, there are moments when you question the plan—or yourself. And in the harder seasons, determination becomes less of a buzzword and more of a lifeline.
As Pat says:
“Determination isn’t about powering through—it’s about remembering why you started when everything around you says quit.”
That kind of clarity? It changes everything.
This experience did that for me.
And as we head into summer, I hope you find a few moments like that too. Moments that wake something up in you.
Because sometimes… you have to believe it before you see it.