The other day I found the original business plan for Backwoods Promotions and read over it for the first time in years. At the time, I was diving into unknown waters. I didn’t have experience starting or running a business, but I had drive and ambition, and those two things carried me forward on this amazing adventure. I remember meeting my lawyer back in 2012 and handing him my business plan. I had included a picture and logo on the front page, and he immediately told me I couldn’t use it because it was trademarked. Well good to know, I thought to myself. The next eight years have been filled with those types of learnings. With each new lesson I learned, I changed, and adapted to accommodate an ever changing industry. That’s one of the most important takeaways I can offer to anyone starting their own business: change and adapt. That, and work harder than you’ve ever worked before. It will pay off. And it did.

I gave myself five years. If this business wasn’t turning a profit by then, I would bow my head and retreat. Fortunately, I didn’t have to do that. With each client, came new business. With each new staff  member we hired, came new referrals and positive reviews. We were clearly doing something right. Some of our clients we have worked with since the beginning. The relationships we’ve built have been solid and unwavering to an ever changing industry and for that I am incredibly grateful.

Just as our staff and clients have watched us grow, we’ve also watched them grow too, whether moving up the ladder in their respective jobs, growing their families, or at times, changing career paths entirely. And yet, we’ve kept in touch along this crazy journey. You see, this company, this business we’re in, is more than just a single or series of events we attend. It’s personal beyond anything I can even explain. There are times I hear from a staff member how working for our company has changed their life, whether it was a confidence boost they needed, a lifelong friend they met, or a complete 360 career change. The stories keep coming, the affirmations continue, and each time I’m bewildered at what I’ve created because, let me tell you, I didn’t have a clue 8 years ago what this would look like today. I had a dream, and a vision, and I didn’t let up for even just a minute. Of course there are challenges, but each challenge fuels us to become better. For me, the challenges are my motivation to continue to strive for the best.  

This past year was one of incredible growth, with the addition of new team members to our management team, and ongoing expansion of our client base. We continue to conduct business with heart and hustle, providing personalized service to staff and clients alike. Our mandate to hire Enthusiasts First ® , and encourage staff to Promote What You Love ®, have become everyday words in our vocabulary. We as a company encourage our staff to enjoy a strong work-life balance, sharing their passions so we can match them with our clients who share their same passion. I say this as I get ready to head out for a motorcycle ride to unwind after a long day in the office!  

To my core team and staff -  thank you for your hard work, energy and commitment to ensuring each and every event is a success. I couldn’t do this without you all. To our staff who rock it in everyday life, whether as parents, in their careers or at school, or as athletes or racers, you all inspire me each and every day as well. That finish line, checkered flag, degree or goal is the ultimate goal and I commend you all and wish you the best of luck with your futures as well.

To our clients -  you’re more than just a client to us. Thank you for seeing the difference, for giving us a chance. We look forward to continuing this relationship for years to come.

To my family - you all have been there through it all, you see each and every day the hard work that goes into running a company. Thanks for the leftovers, the conversations, hugs, and high fives (not in that particular order haha). You all are my rock and I am so thankful I have you all.

So as we get back to business, we look forward to rockin’ it for many more years to come. Year ten is going to be epic and I can’t wait to get to that big 1-0 anniversary celebration.

With gratitude,