From early career lessons to business owner ups and downs, here’s what I’ve found to be fundamental.

I feel like I grew up in the business-purpose lending world. In 2014, I was on the ground floor of an exciting and fast-moving organization called Civic Financial Services. I was 25 years old with no wife or kids, no mortgage, no real responsibilities—except working my ass off and chasing success with our new business.

We found success by scaling the company, selling it, and ultimately originating approximately $10 billion worth of loans from 2014 through 2022. During that period, our industry matured, and I matured alongside it. I got married, had two kids, got two dogs, took on that mortgage, and gained a bunch of responsibilities. In 2023, I started a new lending company called Consistent Capital, based out of Charleston, South Carolina.

I’ll be the first to tell you that I don’t know everything—not even close. But through this roller coaster of maturation, I have learned some valuable lessons. What’s most important, you ask?

Relationships.

If I hadn’t focused on developing key relationships throughout my life and career, there’s no way I would have had the confidence to forge my own path.

Relationships with Your Team

Take the time to understand the members of your team. When you genuinely care about their well-being, their families, and so on, you’ll build an unshakable loyalty.

Treat those leaving your organization with the same respect you give to those joining it. And, if you’re the one leaving or being let go, be respectful.

Relationships with Your Competitors

Build relationships with the people you compete with every day. It can be tough when you feel like you’re constantly engaged in hand-to-hand combat, but that competitor may be a future employee, employer, referral, capital source, strategic partner, etc. There’s plenty of business to go around, so be kind and respectful. It’s a very small world, and your reputation in the industry is incredibly important if you want to stick around and be successful.

Industry Relationships

Get to know industry vendors, service providers, and others. You never know when you might need their help or services. The AAPL Conference is a great place to start this!

Relationships with Friends and Family

Your friends and family should be your greatest support system. They are the reason we do what we do. Celebrate your wins with them and seek support during your losses. 

Relationship with Yourself

This business has its ups and downs. One day you feel invincible; another day, you feel like you just went five rounds with Mike Tyson. Remember not to align your self-worth with the cycles of your business.

Create separation between work and home. Find a way to recharge your batteries. Know your limitations, and surround yourself with people who are better than you.

The relationships we build and the resilience we foster ultimately define our success. We can navigate the ups and downs with confidence and purpose by staying grounded, focusing on what truly matters, and continuously learning.