Almost a year…

Almost a year ago – November 21st to be exact – I said, “It is my belief that being a passionate voice in brand experience and digital creative makes a difference in people’s lives… I am convinced that having integrity, a daring sense of adventure, and trust in one’s beliefs can change the world.” I left my previous employment and set out for the future.

Almost a year ago, Substance was simply an idea, a figment of the imagination. Instead of writing a business plan, there was a declaration. There were no clients, no revenue, no employees… no company. But there was a belief. The belief that “digital brand” means something, the belief that people can have conversations and relationships with the brands they care about, and the belief that we can do better. But who was going to change the world? Almost a year ago, we took up this challenge. Substance would be the one who believes. Substance would do better.

Almost a year ago, as we celebrated Thanksgiving, I had a lot to be thankful for. My family, my friends, my health, and the potential of what the future held. And now, I’ve got new things to be thankful for. Of course, I’m still thankful for my family, friends, and my health. Thankful for the amazing business partners and people I get to work with. Thankful for the fantastic clients who have come to us to conceptualize and establish their digital brand. Thankful for a peer group of smart, generous, encouraging leaders. Thankful for the conversations we’ve started with so many different people. But really, it all means I’m thankful for Substance.

Almost a year ago. Doesn’t seem like that much time. And look how far we’ve come. A pretty incredible year. Thanks, everyone. To you and yours, have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving, if you celebrate that kind of thing. And if you don’t, here’s to happiness and health. And here’s to believing.

p.s. The Substance “Cavalcade of Awesomeness Song and Dance Extravaganza, Featuring Your Favorite All-Star Substance Characters From Past, Present and Future” One Year Anniversary Kick-Ass Festival Birthday Gala Celebration happens in about two months… mid-January. When the time comes, you’ll hear about it. (Can we possibly live up to this kind of hype? Time will tell…)