A dad's advice to himself and his kids.

So we’ve had lists.  Loads of lists about the most influential people in this or that industry in 2009.  Influential Real Estate Agents, Social Media Buffoons, Influential this and that.  None of those lists are my world.  The stuff I’ve learned this year has been amazing, and the people that helped me I’ve loved.

SO I compiled a list of the most influential people of 2009.  Most influential…to me.

I have your back, and I am here to help.  Late night phone calls, being bailed out of jail, name it and it’s yours.

Friends (in order that they are on skype, with many possible omissions)

Fernando Labastida: Man, you were one of the first truebelievers.  And I’m loving watching you flourish on your own.  I’m loving watching you get going.  I hope that we can continue to have a relationship and continue to have a blast.
Dan Green: You, more than anyone (though they all did) put up with my cryptic gibberish on Twitter.  Thanks for that, thanks for believing, referring and encouraging.  Thanks for last year, saying what I was doing wasn’t stupid.  I can’t wait to bring the blog.
Jason Rink:  Nice getting to watch you make the great leap from a dude that’s family fortune is sujbect to the vagaries of the banking industry to a dude that’s responsible for his family.  You set a good example for a well grounded Christian Libertarian Patriot.
Brian Brady: Watching you metamorphisize from a Republican to something that can only be called a libertarian has been inspiring to me.  Maybe you’ve always been one, but I dig you very much, and I’ve loved the focus you’ve shown.

Ravi Jayagopal Ican’t wait to watch Dap knock over the competition.  You’re like the indie band that I knew when you were little.

Nametag Scott: Been amazing getting to know you this year.  I’m honored to call you a friend, and I’m honored by your commitment to being great, keeping boundaries, and being the same guy through and through.You better be great in 2010

Phil Gerb:  Another dude that is leaving the rat race for something better.  I love that story, and I love the fact that you’re open and honest and earnest.  You and me have big things to do together this year, and I’m looking forward to working with you on somethin’ cool in 2010.
Robert Owens: I never said enough to thank you for including me in the campaign a few years ago.  I love your generosity, your aspirations, your personal commitment.  I hope and pray that you continue to grow in connections, effectiveness and stature.
Ryan Hartman: No idea is too zany.  Nothing is too out there, and I love that about you, so much.  Your energy and enthusiasm has been great.  Not always on the same page about stuff, but I appreciate your friendship, and I have your back.
Jesse Petersen: I’ve loved watching your business grow.  I’ve loved watching your skills grow, and the whole of your story inspires me.  Next year is going to be great for you my friend.
Jeremiah Arn: You’re as sphinxlike as ever, but I love the connections you’ve shared and the time we’ve spent.  Le’ts find more time in 2010.
Marlowe:  Ftherapy isn’t quite dead yet, when there’s time we’ll make it work and make it right.  The time, however isn’t when the IRS sends notice of intent to levy.  That is nearly behind me and my time and efforts will be turned towards that flight of fancy in the spring.

Mentors, Inspirations,  Guideposts & God

Greg Swann: Oglilvy wishes he had such a killer poet.  I don’t think I care to be a writer. I don’t want to put the time in that it will take to have the flourish that you do.  So I’ll focus on my turf–squeeze pages and silly ads.
Hugh MacLeod: I was searching when I wrote http://ftherapybook.com for what you said in half the words and five times the power in Ignore Everybody.  God bless you man and I hope that you keep having the pain that causes you to write.
Jesus Christ: Fear and trembling, man.  Rough year, was it not?  Been blessed, and been hoping that my faith increases.  I love grace, man, and I hope that you can help me increase my faith enough to show more to others.
Tim & Julie: Knowing you two has been giant to me.  I’ve been honored by your friendship, your patience trust.  I look forward to 2010, the year that we completely, permanently and decisively annihilate the competition in this space.
Sonia Simone: Systems. Rock. Hard

Brian Clark: If I were to give advice to anyone entering busienss for themselves, I’d say “buy freelance x factor, stay close to what BC does.”

Randy Pausch: Godspeed to you man, but thank you for setting a good example that I can
Scott Adams: Here’s hoping I can do a good enough job for our project to become reality, and here’s hoping we can work together on this or something.  What Would Scott Adams Think is the idea to follow.

Partners

Johnny B. Truant: When I started working with you my project became a business, man.  All should be wary, because we built an extraordinary machine that is going to kick ass.  And you soon won’t be doing free blogs.
Ian Greenleigh: When you showed up and came aboard we started an empire. It’s an inspiration that you’re here and working with me because I have to stay good, and stay good enough to keep you.

Jason Moore: Dude, you handled a bad situation for us both in the best way possible.  A living example of grace, patience and excellence.  Your work is amazing as ever, and I pray that there’s a long future of happy projects for us.

Dixie Vogel: You are the best value on the whole internet.  You have the ability to make water to wine, lead to gold, and you can afford to be generous enough to lend your talent to our team.  I am grateful, amazed, blessed and happy to know you.
Kasey Kelly: More than anyone, you’ve helped my business.  By having rock solid design, flexibility and the “I’ll take care of it” attitude all year, you’ve saved my ass.  I couldn’t be more proud of someone that I’m working with.
Michael Martine: Do you feel it?  We are what’s next.  We will widen the gap and become uncatchable this year.
Pam Weir: You are an absolute rock.  We’ve misscommunicated our share of stuff, but you are reliablity in a space full of crazy opportunists.  I’d trust you with anything.

Clients

My clients are my backbone.  They are why I’m around and why I’m doing great business.  And I’m thankful for every one of them, but a few always stand out because of what they’ve meant to me.

Phil Hodgen:  Man, you’ve honored me. Have appreciated the referrals, the access, the endorsement and the belief.
Mark Shandrow 2010 is going to be a fabo year for us, man, and I love the fact that you crush your goals.  Kick it in the ass.

Bawld Guy Love you man.  Love working with you and I can’t wait till all markets considered rules the free world.  You set a sweet example, you’re a sweet soul.

Anthony Crecco if everyone had your enthusiasm and joy, the world would be a better place.  Bless you, man, and thanks for spreading good news wherever you go.

Cautionary Tales, Burnt Bridges & Mea Culpas

I try to be happy when people come into my life and jerk me around.  There’s always good in every bad situation.  I’ve privately tried to make amends to people that had to endure a blast from my mouth cannon this year.  That said, here are some folks that I hope for better days.

Larry Baisden: Man, I’m not happy to hear that you’re not doing well.  You are my mentor-cum-cautionary tale, and I think about the hope that I had when I went to work for you 9(!) years ago.  I think about the halcyon days of the industry, and I hope that the rumors I’ve heard aren’t true.  Lying and ego cancer everything that happens.

Thanks To My Family

My family isn’t last for any reason–except that people will stop reading after their names, or search the list for their own names.  So here’s my family.

Mon and Dad: You know, I don’t often enough say how appreciative I am of you guys.  I know that I’m intense, and I know that since the IRS pushed me around I was more intense.  And not in a good way.  But your intent to be good to my family and to Jack and Ruby has been great.  You’ve been steady, and I love you very much.  I hope that we can continue to spend time together in 2010 and beyond.
Jack and Ruby: They say being a dad changes you, and it does.  Jack, from when you were a tiny six month old child till today, I’ve loved every second of watching your personality be peeled back.  I’ve loved your enthusiasm and zeal for life.  I love your happiness and your eagerness to figure out the real score.   Ruby.  Baby Girl.you’re amazing to me.  So different and so much personality.  I love your expressiveness and I love your sweetness.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.  Best. Movie. Ever.
Craig & Beth: I get that I’m a hard dude to know, and a little hard on you guys.  You’ve been a fantastic set of inlaws, and grandparents.   You’ve shared love and kindness to Heather, and I get where you want to put your heart.  I approve of you guys.
Bob & Ellie: Hopefully we’ll be able to stay in touch in 2010 a little bit.  Hopefully the condo board approves an addion onto your condo so your sanity remains intact.
Dave: You’ve been a great uncle to Jack and Ruby.  I don’t know you as well as I would like to, and I sure as hell don’t think I’ll ever get what makes you tick.  But you can be one of the sweetest people alive, and I will always love you.
Misc. Cousins:  2010 Is The Year That That Changes.  I don’t know the names of many of my first cousins because my father didn’t have the scratch to visit as a child.  That’s too bad, and I’ll try to sort this out a little bit this year.
Heather:  Have we made it over the hump?  The last few months have been as peaceful as we’ve had since before the babies showed up to bless us.  I appreciate the effort you’ve made to try and understand me.  You’re a good mother to Jack and Ruby, and I admire the dedication you’ve shown to your work.  I’m proud of you and I’m glad we are together!