Personally, I have never operated, worked at or even wanted to open a restaurant, but I have had businesses fail (yes more than one) and it’s tough. It’s tough on your pride, your wallet and your confidence. I recognize a business closing isn’t life or death, but I do think we as customers forget how much it takes to provide a great meal, service or product, so support the ones you truly like.

For those of you who prefer to read, click below to see the primary points in text.

Here’s the top three things I think we could all do to support our favorite restaurants.

1. Tell them they’re your favorite – I know running a business is tough and from what I hear running a restaurant takes an extreme amount of hours, so let them know their hard work is paying off.
2. Put your money where your mouth is – Its quite cachet to say this is my favorite restaurant, but the reality is sometimes we talk more about having a favorite spot than actually patronizing the business with our pocketbook.
3. Bring, not tell a friend – Sure, it’s great to spread the good word about a business, but its even better to help reinforce #2 by introducing your network to the business.

This question is easy for me to answer, but not in a short manner… so my best bet for brevity is to use categories.

1. Family – I feel blessed to have two loving parents who raised me in a Christian home. I’m especially fortunate to have parents who have lived their lives as an example for me and others to follow. I didn’t grow up wanting to own a business, but I was told I could accomplish my goals and was encouraged to pursue them. As an entrepreneur, every decision always wasn’t successful but I was never discouraged to try again. I know how lucky I am to be loved by my parents, siblings and other relatives. At times, they struggle to explain what “I do”, so I appreciate their understanding and support.
2. Nikki – At the time of this post, I’ve dated the same girl for over seven years. Yes, I can see the raised eye brows through your browser, but it’s true. I’m in a strong relationship with a very beautiful, incredibly intelligent, funny, loving and very, very driven lady. I have the best support system in Nikki. She’s known me for a very long time and there have been many times she’s given me the necessary boost I’ve needed personally, professionally, emotionally and spiritually. She sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, she’s that and much more. I’m overly grateful for her love.
3. Fraternity – I know what many think of “frat boys”, but my social fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha had a very positive impact on me. My management and leadership skills blossomed within that group of 100 young men. There were many brothers (members) like David Russell, Philip Dockery, Greg Williams (Coach), Shawn Smee, Chad Lewis and many others who guided me and led me down paths that have made me a better person and leader.
4. Mentors – Again, I feel so grateful that several people with much more experience and knowledge have taken me “under their wing” both professionally and personally. I’ve learned from some of the best in several industries and have tried to make them “look good” for taking a chance on a young guy like me.While some have one person they see as their mentor, I’ve been blessed with many. I list these in no particular order, I’ve been mentored by great folks like Sid Easley, Brenda Bryant, David Laird, Jim Hill, Steve Williams, Dr. Kern Alexander, Harold and Greg McReynolds, Joe Reagan and Tab Brockman. If you don’t have or haven’t had a mentor, I’m sorry, but I suggest you don’t force it. Let the relationship happen naturally, you’ll know when it’s there.
5. Business Partners – As I mentioned earlier, not all of my ventures have been successful and neither have my professional partnerships. Sometimes personalities, work styles and circumstances don’t make for good partners. That being said, I’ve had great luck with others. People like Rob May, Rick Tur, Kevin Lowe and my brother, Scott have worked with me through peaks and valleys with understanding and class. Now the team of Daily Idea is entering that phase of finding its stride and I hope these partners can be like the ones I’ve named.

My last year in college, I sent an email to 20+ friends asking them what they were most thankful for? The response was astounding. Even college-age kids were touched that I would care to ask and the stories they shared were touching. I’m grateful Kami gave many of us this nice reminder to think hard and then give thanks.

How does one wrap up such an emotional and introspective post? By saying thank you one more time. Those who I’ve highlighted and others who I’ve accidentally omitted, I appreciate the positive impact and uplifting power of friendship, love and care you’ve given me.