There was a time—years ago now—when I was just getting started as a young entrepreneur. I was in my early 20s, recently married, expecting my first child, and working harder than I’d ever worked in my life. My business was taking off. I was booking jobs, building a team, and gaining momentum. It felt good. It felt earned. Then, someone said something that made me pause. It was an offhand moment and comment, really. The person barely knew me, and yet, without hesitation, in their moment of trying to stick it to me, they referred to me as “just a kid with a monster truck.”
Now, the context of that statement I know remains vague. But in all honesty the was a person who was very good at making assumptions and judgements. (And still does) At this time, I asked myself:
“Maybe it was a misunderstanding.”
“Maybe it was the 15-year age gap between us.”
“Maybe it was jealousy.”
Whatever the reason, the comment stuck with me—not because it was true, but because of how wrong it was. At the time, I was running a legitimate business. I was supporting my growing family, showing up every day to do tough, unforgiving work, and carrying the weight of responsibility most people associate with middle age. And here was this person—older, more formally educated, likely with more “life experience”—making a snap judgment based on age and appearances.
Here’s the kicker: that monster truck he mocked? I didn’t even buy it. I didn’t want it. It wasn’t some flashy, ego-driven purchase. It was payment. Years ago, at the start of my business, I took on a massive $75,000+ job where unexpected flooding caused extensive damage to a family’s home. Despite all the work and effort, their insurance refused to cover the cost of rising water damage. As a young entrepreneur, I was crushed—it had drained my time, resources, and energy. The family, unable to pay the full amount out of pocket, tried to find a solution. In the end, they offered a small payment along with something deeply meaningful to them—their late son’s monster truck. So when that middle aged man called me “a kid with a monster truck,” what he didn’t realize is that truck wasn’t mine. I had no desire to put thousands of dollars into a flashy truck or spend hours building it—it was a payment rooted in principle and necessity. It came from a painful, emotional situation that ultimately taught me more about integrity, humility, and human connection than any paycheck ever could.
And that monster truck, you ask? It became my youngest son’s iconic piece in our family treasures. Today, it’s wrapped in All Nation Restoration logos and proudly features as our company mascot. Do I really care about having a monster truck? Absolutely not. But in the end, it reminds me how wrong people can be about someone—and how monster trucks can actually bring some happiness.
Now, over a decade later, I’m no longer “the kid.” I’m a seasoned business owner, a father of 3 children, a husband, and a mentor. And when younger entrepreneurs or really anyone younger reaches out for guidance, I always think back to that moment. I think about how that comment made me feel and how wrong it was. And I think about how I never want to make someone feel that way. And I don’t ever want to come across that arrogant.
Because in a world full of storms, sometimes you just need to be someone’s calm harbor. And after over 18,000 hours of doing this work, I’ve learned—that kind of steady presence is what really builds something that lasts.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: tearing people down—especially those who are young, curious, motivated, and doing the work—is a reflection of our own insecurities, not theirs. The truly successful people I know have one thing in common: they support others, no matter what stage, age or perspective. They respect the hustle, regardless of age. And they sure as hell don’t use these types of low blow comments to make themselves feel better. And honestly, the man who said this to me, has never really done anything with himself of notoriety and I think everyone probably knows why.
If you’ve been around the block, especially in service-based industries like mine (All Nation Restoration), you know that success rarely comes wrapped in degrees, age, or credentials. It comes from long hours, honest work, relentless perseverance, and the humility to keep learning. So, to the next generation of business owners: don’t let someone else’s insecurity make you question your own worth. And if you’re someone with years under your belt, take it from the guy who once got paid in a monster truck— and can come up with 18,000 different ways responding to others, don’t tear down the kid who’s building something great. Help them build it better.
Stay Strong, Stay Focused, Stay in Business
