What does walking the walk mean to you? For myself, it is the feeling of fulfilling a commitment, whether it be one I made to myself, or one that was made to others. It feels good….. I think most of us recognize when we do not fulfill that commitment, and whether we like it or not or make excuses, deep down inside, we know fact from fiction.
Do you ever hear that phrase, “Money isn’t everything…. but people only say that when they don’t have it?” It is true that people who have money problems tend to be stressed or even end up with a divided family. I believe most want to be comfortable and no stress about finances. For our family, the change from the corporate world to the small business world has been eye opening. Would we take it back? NO.
We purchased Bottle Breacher from Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, and Navy Seal Eli Crane and his wife Jen back in April of 2022. We went all-in. For those who don’t know us, my wife Amber was a Director for a major retailer and led 200 people at a given time, and I was a Director for a regional commercial bank. We were doing well, but we were both tired of the corporate world. In looking back at the decision, and the world around us, it has provided us with a great deal of perspective. We were not rich before, and we are certainly not rich today…. but we are rich…..in freedom.
We are parents and patriots first, and are grateful for this opportunity to provide for our staff, and for our three children. More importantly, we are grateful to be able to raise our kids with our values, and not those of others, who attempt to impose their ideas and values through the workplace.
Furthermore, we look at Eli and Jen with great respect given their path. For one, Eli joined the Navy and became a Navy Seal right after 9-11, as he wanted to fight for our liberties and freedom. He did just that, and I know Jen was the support that held the family together. They have been on a wild ride, and although they had already contributed a great deal to this country, the Cranes realized they wanted to serve a higher purpose. Eli ran for Congress and now represents District 2 of Arizona in D.C. The Cranes are a prime example of a family who want to be a part of something bigger than the status quo.
So, the message is; regardless of whether you are Republican or Democrat, Red or Blue, Black or White, Gay or Straight, Christian or Muslim, etc. etc., standing up for your values and standing up for what you believe in, what you live by, is what America is all about.
Whatever your beliefs, values, or political stance, live your life how you want to live it. Walk your walk. We are the home of the free, because of the brave.
-Mike Wall