I Am A Mom and Pop

I remember waking up that early morning September 11, 2001 and finding this note from my wife. Normally we call each other in the morning to chat but I waited because I wanted to give her time to get in the office before I bugged her. I tried calling her at 8:50 am and it went straight to voicemail. I thought it was odd and went about my morning routine and turned on the news. As I walked into the other room I heard the news start talking about a plane hitting the trade center and my heart dropped. They hit at 8:45 am and tried calling at 8:50. I knew immediately she was gone and that’s why she didn’t answer her phone. I fell to my knees and from that day my life was forever changed.

I worked in the city in a large advertising firm and loved what I did but always had the dream of starting my own business. My wife Kelly always told me I should just go for it and start my own thing. She believed in me. After everything that happened with 9/11 and losing my wife I knew I needed a change. In 2003 I moved out of the city to pursue a longtime dream of starting a business despite the down economy. One of my partners at the firm was tired of the hustle and bustle so he decided to join me on this unknown journey I was about to get myself into. We moved to Savannah, GA since I had some family in that area it made the most sense to flock there. There are days I miss the big apple but to be honest with you I love the southern feel and it’s helped me greatly in healing from the loss of my wife on that tragic day. Do I wish I would have done this before 9/11 and moved to Savannah? Of course I do but I can’t change a thing even as badly as I want to.

My advice to you:

Don’t waste time on doing something that is “comfortable” to you.
Fight for what you want.
Don’t listen to others when they tell it can’t be done.
Don’t think for one second that living in small town means you can’t have an incredible life and business.
Don’t let tragedies consume you and change who you are.
Be thankful for what you have and each day you get to breathe.
If you want to be a business owner then work hard and don’t let up for one second because it’s ultimately worth it in the end.
Hard work pays off.

To all of those who lost someone on September 11, 2001 you’re in my thoughts and prayers constantly. I feel your pain and we will never forget. Don’t let the darkness consume you, good things can happen despite when the walls fall down around us.

I keep this note with me everywhere I go not only to remind me of my wife but also that she believed in me enough to go after my dream.

I Am A Mom and Pop.

- Brandon