What Does Success Look Like to You?

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes a life truly successful? For me, it all comes back to three key ideas: growth, happiness, and a relentless drive to improve. But one thing I've learned along the way is that success isn't a straight path. It's messy. It's full of twists, turns, risks, and a lot of reflection.

Growing up in a small town of just 1,500 people taught me an important lesson early on: sometimes you have to figure it out yourself if you want something done. I still remember wrecking my car as a teenager. I couldn't just hand it off to someone else to fix. So, I turned to a family friend who worked on cars in his garage. But instead of just asking him to solve my problem, I asked him to teach me. That experience didn't just get my car back on the road—it sparked something much bigger. I learned the value of mastering a skill, solving problems, and seeing tangible results from hard work.

Fast forward a few decades, and those early lessons are still guiding me today—not just in my career in collision repair, but in life itself.

This past year was a transformative one for Crash Champions. In a challenging market, we achieved what many thought was impossible. We successfully refinanced the business and integrated two companies, massive undertakings that set the stage for something even more exciting: growth.

Growth is a concept I live for. It brings energy, opportunity, and momentum. And when a company is growing, it's contagious. The people within it see possibilities for themselves. They feel like they're part of something bigger—and they're winning. And let's face it, who doesn't love to win?

Looking back, from fixing that first car in a small-town garage to leading a growing company, one thing is clear: success isn't about avoiding risks or regrets. It's about embracing them. It's about building something meaningful—not just for yourself, but for those around you. For me, that means my team, my family, and the next generation.

At its core, a successful life is a happy one. But happiness isn't a destination. It's a journey—a daily pursuit. It's about finding joy in the process, in the ups and downs, and in the constant drive to become better than you were yesterday.

So here's my takeaway: embrace the unknown, take the risk, and never stop growing. The best things in life aren't handed to you. They're built—piece by piece—with grit, passion, and a willingness to keep moving forward.

What about you? What does success look like in your life? How are you embracing growth in your own journey? I'd love to hear your thoughts—let's start the conversation.

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