In my entrepreneurial journey, one lesson that has stood out more than anything else is that business is never a solo endeavor. Success is always the result of collaboration, partnerships, and the relationships we build along the way. I’ve been fortunate to meet people who have helped shape my businesses and vision, guiding growth and fostering innovation. These relationships are the backbone of everything I do, and they remind me that no matter how independent we think we are, it’s the people we work with who ultimately make the difference. The Power of Building Relationships in Business and Cycling
Power of Building Relationships That Drive Growth
When I started my business, I knew the journey would be full of challenges, but I also knew that I needed the right partners and collaborators to turn those challenges into opportunities. This is something I’ve learned over and over again throughout my career—whether it was building out North America’s largest Bitcoin mining facility in Rockdale, Texas, or in my more recent ventures. The key to overcoming the obstacles of any industry lies in the strength of the relationships you foster.
Take, for instance, my recent partnership with World Wide Technology (WWT). This collaboration has been a true testament to the value of relationships in business. I was introduced to WWT by my good friend Bill Kleyman from Apolo. Bill has always been someone who sees the potential in partnerships, and his introduction to WWT was no exception.
Since that introduction, Chad Michels, from WWT, has been instrumental building relationships, helping align our business goals, and positioning us for long-term success. What struck me the most about working with WWT is their culture—it’s infectious. The company has a passion for what they do, and that passion reflects in the relationships they build. It’s not just about transactions with them; it’s about creating genuine connections that drive mutual success.
Cycling and Business Relationships: The Intersection of Passion and Strategy
For those of you who know me, cycling isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion. Cycling has always been where I do my best thinking. When I’m on the bike, my mind clears, and I can work through business strategies, think about the future, and develop new ideas. The physical and mental endurance required in cycling often mirrors the persistence and focus necessary in business.
What’s interesting is how cycling and business have often intersected for me. During one of my recent trips to WWT in St. Louis, I was reminded of how powerful these connections can be. My client manager at WWT, Brandon Shepherd, is an avid cyclist as well. I’ve always found that shared interests deepen business relationships, but this connection was special. During our meeting, Brandon surprised me with a signed jersey from his cousin, Keegan Swenson, a professional cyclist who’s been making waves in the gravel scene.
This wasn’t just a thoughtful gift; it was a symbol of the trust and camaraderie we had built over time. In business, these personal connections often lead to the strongest partnerships. I’ve always believed that the best business relationships are rooted in mutual respect and shared values, and this experience with WWT only reinforced that belief.
Fostering Trust in Business Partnerships
The power of building relationships is not just about making business deals—it’s about creating a foundation of trust that supports long-term growth. In my career, I’ve seen how fostering this trust can lead to incredible opportunities. WWT has been a prime example of this. What started as a business relationship has grown into a partnership where we’re aligned on goals, vision, and execution.
When you think about it, trust is the core of every successful business endeavor. Without it, no matter how great the idea or opportunity, things tend to fall apart. That’s why it’s crucial to be intentional about the relationships we build, ensuring that they are based on authenticity and shared ambitions. I’ve been fortunate to work with teams that understand this, and it’s made all the difference in my ventures.
Building a Culture of Collaboration
One of the reasons WWT and I have clicked so well is because we both place a high value on culture. In any business, culture isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a competitive advantage. The way teams work together, the way they support each other, and how they approach challenges all stem from culture.
At WWT, their passion for what they do is palpable. It’s something you feel the moment you walk through the door. From the leadership team to every member of their staff, there’s a deep commitment to collaboration and innovation. This has fostered an environment where our partnership has been able to thrive. It’s this culture of collaboration that has allowed us to navigate complex challenges and achieve mutual success.
For me, fostering this kind of environment has been a priority in every venture I’ve undertaken. Whether it was building out massive infrastructure for Bitcoin mining or developing AI-driven solutions, I’ve always sought to create a culture where people feel empowered to collaborate and innovate. It’s what fuels long-term growth.
Lessons from My Journey: Power of Building Relationships
Looking back on my entrepreneurial journey, one thing remains clear: relationships are everything. Every success I’ve had, every milestone I’ve reached, has been because of the people I’ve worked with. Building meaningful relationships has allowed me to leverage the strengths of others, creating partnerships that are more than just business deals—they’re opportunities to grow together.
At the heart of every great business is a network of relationships built on trust, respect, and shared ambition. Whether it’s cycling with partners or developing large-scale projects, the people you work with will always be the foundation of your success. That’s something I carry with me every day as I continue to push forward with new ventures.
Building for the Future
As I look toward the future, I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. The relationships I’ve built—whether through WWT or other partnerships—are the cornerstone of what’s to come. In a rapidly changing world, one thing remains constant: the importance of building relationships that foster innovation and growth.
For those of you navigating your own entrepreneurial journey, I encourage you to focus on relationships. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind, but it’s the people you surround yourself with that will ultimately make or break your success. Whether it’s partners, clients, or your team, invest in those relationships. Create an environment where collaboration and trust thrive, and the results will speak for themselves.
At the end of the day, business is about more than just profits and growth—it’s about the journey. And for me, that journey has been shaped by the incredible people I’ve met along the way.
Final Thoughts on Power of Building Relationships
Cycling and business may seem like two different worlds, but for me, they are deeply intertwined. They both require persistence, strategy, and a willingness to push through challenges. Most importantly, they both thrive on relationships. Whether I’m on the bike or in the boardroom, the relationships I’ve built continue to be the driving force behind everything I do.
As I continue to grow my business, I’m grateful for the partners I’ve met along the way. From Bill Kleyman’s introduction to WWT to the trust and collaboration fostered by Chad Michels and Brandon Shepherd, these relationships have been instrumental in shaping my vision for the future. Together, we’re not just building businesses—we’re building a legacy of growth and innovation.
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