people you’d buy stock in
I spent the last few days with people I’d invest in, buy stock in their future potential, if that was possible. As I thought more about the concept, I realized that I have surrounded my Self with people I’d go long in (finance talk for invest in) if I could.
If you follow me on social media, you know that I spent a few days in New York City for what will certainly be a core memory and an important experience in my oldest son, Roman’s Pursuit. Thanks to one of my closest friends, and someone I would buy stock in if I could, Nas, Roman had the opportunity to participate in three training sessions with one of the top incoming freshmen in the country, another person I’d buy stock in, with one of the world’s best basketball trainers Chris Brickley, yet another person I’d buy stock in (I felt this way when I started following him years ago–you can check social media for receipts).
After the final training on Thursday, Roman, Nas, and I visited the Rally Rd. Museum and got to spend some time with one of the co-founders of Rally, Rob Petrozzo, the final person I was around who I’d buy stock in (once again, you can check the receipts on my willingness to be long Rob–if only I would have been in a position to invest in Rally when I first heard him “pitch” the company at Howard Lindzon’s Stocktoberfest East conference back in the day).
When I say I would buy stock in these individuals, what I really mean is I am extremely optimistic and bullish on what they will do in the future—I actually would never want to capitalize monetarily on these individuals' futures, but what I want to do is be able to support them in any way I can to do my part in helping them achieve what I see as possible for them. Me saying I’d buy stock in them is just my way of letting them know I am a huge fan of what they do, and more importantly, WHO they are, and that I have unlimited confidence in them.
And here’s the important thing…
I’m optimistic about them not just because of their talents, current success, or potential—don’t get me wrong, those are all important—but because of the people they are.
I wholeheartedly believe they are where they are because of who they are—how they treat people, their work ethic, their outlook on life, and they are all following their passions are just a few examples of what I mean by “who they are.”
A couple of examples of what “who they are” looks like:
Nas arranged for Roman to join in on the workout with the young man who Chris Brickley invited to the trainings when he did not have to do that. As a father, seeing a friend look out for my kids almost as if they are their own is an amazing quality to have in a friend. And Nas has an unlimited list of other examples that make me so excited for what the future holds for him—the creation and development of Philly Phinancial Literacy Week is just one of these.
Obviously, being one of the top freshmen in the country and being looked at as a future lottery pick in the NBA is a reason to be bullish on the young man Roman worked out with, but that’s not why I have him in the group of people I’d invest in. Watching him take Roman under his wing and obviously allowing him to join in on the workouts is a level of maturity and humility that most freshmen don’t have. Combine that with incredible skills on the court, a tireless work ethic, and having his head straight on his shoulders, there’s no doubt you’ll see him dominating on the courts this season, in the pros before long, and doing big things in his second career—whatever that may be post hoops.
Chris Brickley, as I mentioned, is one of the best trainers in the world and is probably the most well-known. Name your favorite NBA player—he’s trained him. Name your favorite WNBS player–he’s trained her. Up-and-coming players—he trained them. During the workouts, what impressed me the most (and remember, I’ve been a long-time fan of Chris) is that he gave Roman the same energy and attention that he gave the 5-Star freshman. At the end of every workout, players must end with a three-pointer that is a swish. In the second workout, which was ending close to 11:00, Roman made a three that barely grazed the rim; when I say barely, the average person would have said it was a swish, and Chris said, “Nope, gotta end the right way.” What I haven’t told you is Chris started the day in Paris at the Olympics, flew back to the States, had multiple workouts throughout the day, and still made Roman end the right way when I’m sure he was ready to get rest, but instead, he gave Roman everything he gave all of the players he trains.
I sent Rob Petrozzo as DM on IG a couple of days before we left for NYC. I always try to stop by Rally whenever I’m in the city because I love the company, and being around Rob always leaves me inspired. I know he’s busy as Rally continues to grow like crazy, but he still takes time out of his day to see me when I’m in town, and on this trip, like has in the past, puts together a gift bag of Rally swag, which he knows I’m happy to purchase on my own—as I have many times before. On this trip not only did he take care of me, but he had something from Roman, Nas, and our star basketball player. It would have been easy for Rob to just say hi, give us a quick tour of the Museum, and send us off on our way, but instead, he told us stories about the assets in the museum, insights on what they have in store for future assets, and shared pictures and examples of some of the cool and obscure assets that are presented to them.
There are others in the world with similar skills, talents, and success as these four individuals, but what separates them is the quality of person they are—that’s what makes them someone I’d invest in if possible, but since it’s not, I’ll throw my full support behind them and do anything I can to help them out.
I’m lucky to have many more people in my life who I’d invest in if I could, which makes me believe you should strive to surround your Self with people you’d invest in if you could.
How many of the people you are surrounded by would you invest in?
And maybe more importantly, are YOU someone others would invest in, if possible?
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
