Hello, World

A late bloomer’s guide to waking up, showing up, and growing up.

I could write a book about the dumb stuff I’ve done. Maybe someday I will. But for now, here’s the highlight reel:

For a long time, I didn’t really care where my life was headed. And, not surprisingly, it showed.

But eventually—somewhere between drugs, gangs, and realizing I didn’t want to coast through life half-awake—I decided I wanted to be someone who added more than he took. A net positive.

🎓 The turning point

When I told my dad I wanted to go back to school, he was in long-term care. His health had been declining ever since we lost my mom, and dementia had slowly taken over. Most days were foggy.

But on this particular afternoon, as I was helping him get comfortable, he had one of those rare, fleeting moments of clarity. He recognized me. We talked, briefly but meaningfully. And somewhere in that exchange, I could feel his support—his blessing—for me to pursue something bigger. Something that mattered.

He wasn’t fully himself, but the love was there. And that was enough.

With his help, I enrolled at the University of Colorado Denver to earn my degree in Financial Management.

🎯 I didn’t just go—I went all in.

I set a goal to graduate with a 4.0. Not for bragging rights, but because I wanted to prove something to myself. I wanted to finish something... and also to show my family that I truly cared and still had a brain. So that's what I did.

In 2024, I walked across the stage with highest honors. My dad couldn’t be there in person—but he got to see the video. He smiled and said he was proud of me. It was all worth it. And then, less than a couple weeks later, he passed.

🚀 Why I’m here

This blog and this site aren’t about perfection. They’re about progress.

I’m here to help others make smart decisions, and keep growing into the kind of person younger-me would’ve looked up to. I’ve gone from bartending to construction to property tax consulting, and now to investing in small businesses that matter.

There’s still a lot I’m figuring out. But I know this: clarity matters. And so does kindness.

I lead with my values.

📬 What to expect here

You’ll see posts about business, money, health & wellness, personal growth, and maybe a few random stories from the trenches.

If you’re into that sort of thing, welcome.

— Ben