Just Cured - Experience Fine Foods

Traditionally, the New Year is a time to look forward, to make resolutions, to plan for a better future. In its most essential sense, this blog is about just those things. On this first day of the blog, the new year and my new career, however, I want to look back and recognize few of the people I may have forgotten to say something important to:

• My family — Your immediate and enthusiastic adoption of my business adventure brightened the days when I was having second thoughts and self-doubt. Keep the ideas and suggestions coming; there are certainly a few more dark days ahead. I don’t say it often enough — I love each and every one of you.
• My former clients — Thank you for the privilege of serving you and your businesses. You gave me the opportunity to see first-hand how excellent businesses are built. I hope I added half as much value to your businesses as working with you enriched my knowledge, skill and understanding.
• My lawyer, investment banker and other professional counterparts — Over the many years, I learned more about problem solving from watching you deal with your clients, my clients and me than from any other source. I cannot express how much I appreciate the professional relationships we developed.
• My young friends — You are all young enough to be the children I never had. When I spend time with you, I don’t feel old. Rather, I feel young enough to take on a challenge more appropriate for a much younger man.
• A new acquaintance — In our very first conversation, you told me a story about your father. He abandoned a hobby about which he was passionate. Years later, he explained that when he worked, he thought about the other passion; and when engaged in his other passion, he thought about work. He knew one of them had to go and only the work had the prospects for paying the rent. That story crystallized my thoughts that perhaps my other passion could pay the rent.
• A special young colleague — One of my great joys of the last year or so has been to watch you grow in both knowledge and confidence. I am saddened that I will no longer see your continued development on a daily basis nor participate directly in it. Understand, however, that I will know instantly each time you are tempted to violate Rule 1 of Strunk and White.
• The few friends with whom I shared early glimpses — You could have called me crazy. But you didn’t.
• My two pseudo big sisters — You adopted me and I you, one many years ago and the other more recently. You are so different from one another, yet your similarities are often shocking to me. In the coming year, I wish you both continued professional satisfaction and personal happiness. Know that I will be along for the journey, if only in spirit.
• Jean-Robert — Your passion for life and and everything in life is contagious. Thank you for infecting me. I could say much more, but that would be too much like us.
• My wife — You were my mentor then closest friend before we ever fell in love. Your support and encouragement have been unfailing for more than thirty years. None of what I have accomplished would have been possible without you. Thank you for loving me.

Happy New Year!