so something else I haven’t shared yet is my love for genealogy and history I had a 2nd cousin whom was a paid genealogist and we lost her years ago, but she handed her work down to my grandmother whom handed it down to me and I took over. Ive been digging and learning for 16 years. Cause of this Ive been able to trace my roots back to my 15th and 16th great grandparents. It’s taken hundreds of years and hundreds of relationships for me to be here right now and to be the gentleman that i am. It’s taken me learning of wars, love, hate, hangings, slavery , things that should have ended my family generations ago but God turned it a different way and expanded the family instead. It’s taken me to want to be extremely different from the things I’ve come to learn and be different from generations of family before me that were not gentleman and not not good women either. That being said there were some amazing family members that did exceptional things that idk if I’ll be able to live up to their standards and accomplishments I take one day at a time and only try and become better. I am scotch Irish, Jewish, welsh, German, Quaker, creek Indian, French, English, Swedish. All of that mixed to make a strong gentleman Gents you need to know where you came from to know where your going !!

OK, so by introducing yourself you are guaranteed to get to level 2 - it's really that easy and I LOVE learning more about the cool people in this group. Feel free to share where you're from, why you're here, what you do for a living, and what you like about style. Are you a watch guy, suit guy, fragrance guy, or maybe just getting started? Have fun here!

I stepped up to the plate after being a little lazy this morning, sleep was rough last night as I never got comfortable with the shoulder. It’s a cold one on the bayou, 50 but winds have it feeling in the 30s. Have a couple of errands and a trip to the barber so she can trim up the beard, I can shave with the left hand but the trimming and real grooming is out of my realm right now. Plus I get to enjoy my vests and in the mind of the five year old in me be Han Solo again. The shirt, Vince The vest, Brooks Brothers The pants, Bonobos The boots, Johnston and Murphy Chelsea The scent, Sauvage Elxir by Dior The watch, AVI-8 The hair, by me The photobomb, by Angel Make it a good day.

So while on that void of Christmas and New Year’s where it’s a crap shoot as to who is working, open, etc., we’re down to the final day. Been catching up on housekeeping and fielding a few calls, got a couple of deals, and having some conversations with myself about the coming year as far as goals, personal quotas, and the like. So in all this, admittedly I had a rough night of it with the shoulder, just never could get the right position, I was in my PJs doing this. As I’m back and forth between work and scrolling the various groups I thought to myself why haven’t I started to focus on “my” goals for 2026 and what can I start doing to continue this journey over the past 18 months through weight loss and the last five being part of this overall community. It starts with mindset and it starts now I said to myself. Yes the closet/clothes are still a work in progress, yes there will be days that I will be in jeans, boots, and work polos, yes there will be days where the heat will cook an egg on the sidewalk, but that’s OK. As I try to do everyday at work, I can try to do everyday with my personal style and that is simply do my best. So I did just that today and for the rest of today which will consist of a few errands and a visit to my barber so she can clean up my beard, I’m going to look better and feel better doing it because I’m not 100% satisfied with my work year, even with the challenges that tariffs placed on my industry, I should finish about 8% below my budget, better than the company as a whole and, sadly(because we’re in the negative) in the top fifth overall against budget and I’m not 100% satisfied with my development. Next year, I will be better and I thank each and every one of you as y’all have become daily reminders and motivators to become a better person, not on just how I dress or smell, but in how I act, carry myself, interact with others, and most importantly how I feel about myself. As I see my brothers and sisters posting their possible good byes as there is uncertainty about how the groups will be moving forward, I want to say it’s an honor to be amongst like minded individuals who want to better themselves and are willing to help others on their journeys as well. Yes it was a series of videos that brought me here, but it’s each and every one of you who keep me coming back everyday and make me have the “a-ha” moments like this morning that keeps me on my toes as I continue to mold myself into something new and better. If this is your ride off into the sunset, Godspeed on your journey as it has been an honor to interact with you! I know it’s a day early, but Happy New Years to you all and my you grab life by the reins and enjoy the ride!

You ever notice that the finish line almost always is the same spot as the Starting line??? While 2025 is nearing a close, that finish line is immediately greeted but the Starting line of 2026! While most think of the end of the year as something to be sad about, I look at it as a time to reflect on my goals and how I met them. I never worry about getting older because another year went by. I worry more about not being able to see another year. All of my wrinkles, aches and pains have come from a life that has been lived. and a LOT of lessons learned along the way and a desire to keep living and learning. I have always lived my life to make sure that if today is my last on earth, I didn't waste a single minute. and everyone in my life knows how I feel about them. It would make me sad to think that I didn't do my very best everyday! So as 2025 is coming tomorrow and end. I am grateful for all of it. The good, the bad and the lessons learned. I look at 2026 full of wonder and amazement like a little kid looking at all the gifts under the tree. The opportunity that is front of me (and ALL OF US) is truly wondrous and exciting! I cherish all of you in these communities and want nothing but the best for you all! Finish 2025 like you started it. Full of energy and excitement. and Start 2026 even more energized for the future!! Today's outfit puts me in exactly that frame of mind!! Happy New Year!!