What did I learn in 2024? I learned that for every item I check off my to-do list, several more get added—so I might as well relax. The job will never truly be done.
I gave 2024 everything I had and was running on fumes by the last weeks of the year. If “running on empty” was a person…
Still, I managed to ride my Peloton every single day, unless I was traveling. I’m at the stage in life where daily stretching is non-negotiable—skip a day, and my body lets me know. Health is wealth, and flexibility is a big part of that. As you age, you can’t keep treating yourself, in any area of life, like you did when you were a teenager. Most of us, unfortunately, never realize this – or do realize it and don’t build the discipline to make changes – and pay dearly for it. I refuse to get old and decrepit.
This also has a lot to do with being constantly curious. I’ve learned to feed my curiosity by diving into new experiences and taking on big challenges. This all makes life worth living. Reading fiction helps too, but more on that later.
Also in 2024, we closed on another building, quadrupling down on our commitment to the Historic Vistula District waterfront. These construction and business projects have been among the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. I’ve learned to never let a contractor go on a break (you’ll never get them back), and to stop relying so heavily on my own cash to finance projects. While it feels great knowing something is paid for outright, it can wreak havoc on your cash flow.
I was blessed to keep doing what I love at AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money, and I wrapped up my 8.5-year term on the University of Toledo Board of Trustees, leaving as Chair. TolHouse celebrated its 3rd anniversary, and my bond with some of the guys closest to me was solidified.
I travelled, ate amazing food, laughed more than I probably ever have, celebrated milestones with my wife, finally learned how to grill properly (don’t judge me), and the stages I was blessed to host got bigger, the opportunities I received, more rewarding.
Here’s a quick photographic recap of my 2024.
Two really great books I’ve read this year that have been helpful in my business journey and have accelerated some of my growth are Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell and Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy.
I also read a lot of fiction, as it helps me stay curious and think about things from fresh perspectives. Particularly, I’m interested in near-future science fiction, and I finished a couple of good books this past year:
- The Family Experiment by John Marrs
- Big Time by Ben Winters
- One Second After by William Forstchen
- Lock In by John Scalzi
- The Pines Trilogy by Blake Crouch: Pines, Wayward, and The Last Town, and
- First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
I’m entering 2025 refreshed, ready, and excited. I laid a lot of groundwork in 2024 for what’s ahead this year.
For 2025, here’s where my focus will be:
- Invest more in my personal brand
- Hit 2,500 subscribers on my YouTube channel
- Host a stage or event internationally
- Complete all major construction on our properties, and open 3 of the concepts
Why is my YouTube channel so important to me? I’ve built a great career by gleaning insights from others, and I absolutely love that work. It aligns perfectly with my life plan, allowing me to engage with some of the most brilliant minds out there. But here’s the thing—I have a lot to say, and it’s not always tech-related.
You can still count on me through AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money for the latest in AI, wealth creation for Black techies and entrepreneurs, and founder stories. But my channel is different—it’s a space for my thoughts, learnings, and perspectives on a variety of interests: building wealth and companies in overlooked regions, running a private social club, leadership insights, behind-the-scenes adventures of launching new concepts, and, of course, entrepreneurial content—because that’s just who I am.
You might even see videos on some of my random interests, like cigars, why I wear so much Carhartt (brand partnership, anyone?), reviews of all sorts, and more. This channel is about sharing more of me, beyond the usual platforms, and I can’t wait to bring you along for the journey.
Note: I copy/pasted the conclusion below from my posts from the last few years. It’s still applicable, so why rewrite it?
There are other goals that include those in the financial, spiritual, and relationship spaces that I’ve decided to keep to myself. This list encompasses about 70% of the overall themes of my goals, so I’m a work in progress. I also have more detail in my personal journal regarding each goal in the list above and the ones I kept to myself. I always aim to keep my goals measurable and specific.
I’d love to hear your thoughts, comments, or ideas on things you’re working on!