I love this time of year, when we take moments to count our blessings, be charitable, and look to the future. I have been doing my job for almost ten years. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have supported more than 130 people in starting their own businesses and assisting more than 150 others in growing theirs. These people are amazing! The mere fact that they risk it all to open a business and then expand it is the great American dream come true.

We have so much to be grateful for and that includes the ability to pursue our dreams and to achieve them! Owning a business is something every one of us can do either as a full-time business owner or as a side gig. There are more than 32 million businesses in our nation today. The American dream is alive and well. It may be challenging; however, we will overcome and prosper.

As we count our blessings, please remember those who are less fortunate. This time of year, especially as temperatures drop, those who lack suffer depression and loss. We are surrounded by those who have needs we don’t even know about at this time. 

We have seen challenging times before and it seems that the best way to face them is with an attitude that overcomes and that spreads joy to those around us. We can all learn from Paul and Silas who although chained in the darkest jail sang praises and the results were amazing (Acts 16). Fear not what the future can bring. Do what is right and good and you will get through even the toughest challenges.

Finally, as we look forward to the coming new year and all the hopes we have for it, remember to carry forward that attitude of gratitude and giving. I am hoping for all of us that we are a blessing to those who we deal with family, friends, customers, vendors, and just people in general. If we do that, we can at least change our little corner of the world. It will be important to your success as we move forward.

Wishing you the greatest success,

Todd Rausch