As an owner I’m driven by our values and mission, but this wasn’t always the case. When I started the business I did my best, but truthfully I had no idea what I was doing. My strategy was to copy competitors and do all I could to make enough money to survive. Needless to say, the first 3 years were very hard. At one point a few years in, I realized that I didn’t like the business and I even contemplated quitting. I felt empty with no vision or purpose and I’m sure the people I employed at that time could feel it. I was missing an opportunity that was staring me right in the face. What if I was looking at my business the wrong way? What if my mission was actually people?

From that point on I made my focus helping people above everything else. Immediately things started changing. I started to see Golden Standard through a different lens. After all, if your mission is people, I could argue there is not a greater business in the world. It took a while, but slowly over time we began to establish words that represented who we are and what we stand for. At the heart of our values is the word STRETCH. I love this word because it exemplifies our focus on personal and professional growth. Stretching yourself is uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth. As I look back over the past 18 years I’m very grateful God has used this business as a tool to grow and refine me, my marriage, my family, and my relationships. I’m so thankful I didn’t give up and quit so early on. In many ways, Golden Standard is just getting started. If you’re reading this, my heart is for you to feel honored and appreciated. My hope is that this company can be a catalyst to help you reach your full potential. Whatever that looks like to you, don’t give up because your breakthrough could be just around the corner.