When I started All Nation Restoration in Austin, Texas, I was just 18 years old—driven, determined, and absolutely convinced that with enough hard work, discipline, and relentless energy, I could move any mountain. I believed I could fix anything, overcome any setback, and shift any outcome, simply by showing up first and giving it my all.
That mindset helped me tremendously in business. The “I can” and “I will” attitude? It moves the needle. If you pour in the hours, show up when no one else does, and give your work everything you’ve got—it pays off. Over and over again, that approach has delivered results, built trust, and grown my company.
But here’s the truth I wish I had learned much earlier: you can’t apply the same formula to relationships.
In the early years, I spent a lot of time and energy trying to “save” people. If someone was struggling—addiction, laziness, chaos—I believed that if I just stood in the gap for them, promoted positive behavior, and modeled consistency and care, they’d change. I thought I could pull people out of the ditch the same way I pulled deals out of the fire: by pushing harder.
And sometimes, it did help. But most of the time, I poured irreplaceable energy into people who had no intention of changing. People who didn’t want what I wanted for them.
Looking back, I realize I was throwing away something incredibly valuable: time and effort that should’ve been spent on me. On growing, maturing, sharpening my skills, and building a platform strong enough to help people at scale—people who were ready, willing, and looking for change.
This isn’t about regretting the desire to help. I still believe in lifting others up. But in those early years, I didn’t have the bandwidth to be everybody’s savior. I had enough on my plate: I was proving to the world—and to myself—that I wasn’t just a reckless teenager. I was building a company from scratch, fighting for credibility, learning to lead, and trying to win customer trust.
What I should have done is focused on being the example, not forcing the change. Lead with my life. Build something strong, visible, and valuable. Let the resume of my work speak louder than my words.
If I could go back, I’d tell that 18-year-old: “You don’t have to save everyone. Save yourself. Build something worth following. The right people will see it—and they’ll want in.”
So to anyone in those early stages of business: focus up. Spend your energy wisely. Don’t get pulled into emotional whirlpools trying to change people who aren’t ready. Instead, build the platform that allows you to make an even bigger impact—later, and for the people who actually want it.
Stay strong. Stay focused. Stay in business.
