Photo by: Chad Barr This has been a banner year. A Star-Spangled Banner year, for sure. So much controversy, conversation and discussion into how Old Glory is a part of the fabric of this country and how Americans see it as a symbol of freedom as well as a symbol for struggle or legal protest by its burning that was approved by the Supreme Court in 1989. As an immigrant, the flag and the national Anthem have deep meaning for...

Photo by: Chad Barr For as long as I can remember, I love investing in my continued education. It provides me the ability to stimulate my mind, explore new innovations, discover what others are doing, stay on top of the latest and greatest, exchange ideas, while meeting fascinating people. Each year I found myself selecting several key growth opportunities to attend that would push me outside my comfort zone. Although these events were geared towards improving my business, something different...

Photo by: Chad Barr The famous Beatles song said it beautifully; The long and winding road that leads to your door will never disappear. The pop group, Super Tramp sang “Take the Long Way Home” way back in 1979. I was reminded of those songs as yesterday, my daughter, son in law and grandchildren arrived to begin new jobs and new adventures in Ohio. We were elated when we heard the great news and have been waiting anxiously for them...

Photo by Chad Barr Cleveland was lit up and roaring with anticipation of the Cavaliers’ possible win last week here with the home court advantage. Down three games, hopes were high that the Golden State Warriors, (we fondly call them the Golden Girls…) would go down in flames and that somehow, the Cavs would turn it around and take the next four games to win the championship. With LeBron out of steam, and Kevin Love all out of love, our...

From Merriam-Webster: To procrastinate is to go against the old saying, “Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Appropriately, the word procrastinate has the Latin word cras, meaning “tomorrow,” tucked inside it, because when you procrastinate you often are putting something off until the next day…… Consider this scenario: “This is a perfect time to get some work done.” (Your brain)…”Nope. Let’s watch a bunch of YouTube videos and then a Ted Talk, think about calling a...

Photo by: Chad Barr This past week, when the news that my kids and grandkids would be leaving Orlando, I thought back on how many times I was able to visit Disney World and the theme parks with them over the last 7 years. Honestly, it never gets old; the wonder and the magic of the kingdom seems fresh and awesome each time. What was it about Walt Disney’s vision and drive that created this mega, magical success? Here are...

I was recently asked to provide my insights about the following questions, focusing on hiring a strategic web partner to grow your business: 1. What should a consultant or small firm consider when hiring a strategic web partner for their consulting website project? When evaluating the hiring of a web company, there are several key criteria to review: How long have they been in business and what is the stability of the company? What is the company’s infrastructure, who will...

I remember… Wishing that I could visit the US one day and perhaps even relocate there. Envisioning a day when I would be able to pick up the phone and see the other person on the other side. Wanting to build my own company in the future. Hoping I will find the perfect woman to marry. Planning to have a healthy family. Hoping to be fortunate to be surrounded by a few good friends. Expecting I would live, experience and...

Photo by: Chad Barr This last weekend, my family and I traveled to Los Angeles to celebrate the wedding of our niece, Shoshana to her talented and amazing new husband, Ryan. A truly beautiful celebration of love and a special occasion with our family as well as friends and other family members we have not seen in years. We got to relax and experience gorgeous Pasadena and even visit Disneyland and the Los Angeles Zoo. With so many great things...

Photo by: Chad Barr My wife recently hired a new gardener when we got the news that our previous gardener of 20 years was retiring and selling his business. The rates were not comparable and while the spring clean-up was good, it wasn’t nearly perfect. It reminded me that cheap is not good and good is not cheap! But after all, it was just twigs, leaves and grass that needed be manicured and discarded from the property. Where do we...