Much of my life has been based on split-second decisions. Looking back, I can clearly say that my best and worst decisions often occurred in a split second. While many, or maybe even most people, don’t relish the idea of having to make quick decisions, there are those of us that thrive by living on the edge. Some think of us as thrill seekers; others call us adrenaline junkies. Personally, I just don’t like to be bored. A fast-paced lifestyle suits me best, and I like the challenge of making decisions while on the move.
The more logically minded of you may think of this behavior as reckless. Why not, you say, take your time and carefully evaluate the best course of action? Granted, that is prudent in some situations, but I think that I would have missed a lot, if not all, of my life’s best opportunities, had I insisted on having more time to think. And to your point, a few of my decisions made in haste haven’t worked out, but the experience I gained from moving forward before the opportunity passed has been priceless.
Almost 22 years ago, I decided to buy Cityview Magazine. It wasn’t long after making that life-changing decision that I learned how difficult owning and running a publication can be. Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to work out. I called my dear friend Johnny Pirkle—the only person I knew that was in the media—and asked him for help. Pirkle told me not to worry and that it would only take about six years before advertisers would trust my media judgment enough to place ads in the publication. Then the orders will flow, and it will all be okay, he said.
I wouldn’t say I liked that answer at all. What I needed was a six-month plan. I doubled down and decided to do what was necessary to make it work and work well, but Pirkle was right. It wasn’t going to be quick, easy, or cheap.
Twenty-two years later, I still feel like I made a good decision, and putting in the effort to make Cityview what it is today has led me to new friendships and opened many new doors.
I wasn’t looking for any additional ventures when the next door opened. Meeting a fellow small businessperson allows me to appreciate what others have gone through to be successful. And so it was when I first met Anne White last spring—the owner of the historic Boyd Harvey Bed and Breakfast—I remember thinking how challenging that must have been during the pandemic, and anyone that could survive that must be a kindred spirit. I promised to come and view the property, but after several months, I still had not made the time to follow through.
Despite my lack of follow through, fate had other plans. On the way home on a random Tuesday night, I stopped in Van Edom’s Wine Bar, and there she was, sitting next to a friend discussing her business and how to improve her situation. I joined the conversation, and soon we were discussing the possibility of a partnership. I was genuinely interested in the opportunity and it was easy to envision how our two companies would benefit. What started out as a business conversation quickly turned to more. I have heard it said that when you know, you know, and it had just not happened to me until then. I am happy to say that Anne has agreed not only to be my partner in business but also in love and life, and yes, she is just as much of a thrill seeker as me. We both look forward to bringing our adventures to the pages of Cityview for your enjoyment.