The Power of Gratitude: Recognizing Influential Figures in My Career Part 1
Expressing gratitude should be a regular habit, where we acknowledge and celebrate the people who have supported us throughout our careers and lives.
Over the past five years, I have come to realize that the true measure of success in any organization, be it a business or a nonprofit, lies not in the skills or connections of its members, but in the quality, reliability, and ethics they embody.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate enough to encounter individuals with remarkable character, and it is because of them that I have been able to accomplish what I do on a daily basis, influencing Florida policy and growing our organization, the FBBA, to what it is today.
Expressing gratitude should be a regular habit, where we acknowledge and celebrate the people who have supported us throughout our careers and lives. While the following list represents just a fraction of the individuals who have played a significant role in shaping my journey, it is by no means exhaustive, and I anticipate many more acknowledgments to come in the future.
Gabe & Rosa
Rosa Shores and Gabe Higgins were among my earliest supporters. When I first embarked on my association with them, I attended a medium-sized Tampa Bay Bitcoin meetup, where I shared my idea of founding an organization to gain political influence for our industry in the state. It was Rosa and Gabe who saw the potential in this dream and trusted me to bring it to fruition. Their unwavering support and the opportunities they provided have been instrumental in the growth of the FBA.
Rosa Shores, in particular, was my vice-president for many years, standing by my side through the highs and lows. Alongside Gabe Higgins, they continue to be pillars of the Tampa Bay community, running Tampa's largest and longest-running Bitcoin meetup, and some of the longest running Samuel Armes supporters.
Anessa Santos
Anessa Santos, whom I met at the Orlando Web 3 meetup in 2019, holds a special place in my heart. As a former FBBA board member, Anessa was responsible for ensuring the legal soundness of our organization's documentation.
Beyond that, she has been a genuine friend and a steadfast supporter of my career and personal growth. Countless late nights were spent discussing political strategy, legal hurdles, and the intricate dynamics of the blockchain and cryptocurrency sphere. Anessa has embraced me as one of her own, and for that, I will forever be grateful.
Chris Krimitsos
In 2021, when the FBBA decided to host conferences across the State of Florida, I had the pleasure of working with Chris Krimitsos, who has become not only a trusted friend but also an intuitive and intelligent business partner.
Chris has supported me in public speaking, media engagements, and influencing the state of Florida and the United States as a whole. Often working behind the scenes, Chris is a vital component in holding communities together. His expertise in event planning, party organization, and social gatherings has given me a unique perspective on human interaction, fundraising, and character analysis. I owe a significant portion of my success to Chris's guidance and advice.
The Byte Federal Team (Lee, Lennart, & Mark)
The team at Byte Federal, one of the founding companies of my organization, has been an unwavering source of support. From my first encounter with Lennart, Mark, and Lee at an old burger shop in Sarasota, Florida, they have continued to stand by my side in various capacities.
The Byte Federal team shares the same vision for Florida and the United States, and their genuine commitment to the Bitcoin space is awe-inspiring. With every new endeavor, they are there to push me forward and ensure my success.
John & Gary
Lastly, I must extend my gratitude to John Montague and Gary Shang, relatively new additions to my circle.
I met John at an event I hosted almost two years ago, and through him, I connected with Gary around a year ago. John and Gary have been delightful to work with, consistently strategizing with me about our shared passion for Florida 2.0 and America 2.0.
Their vision and talents are unparalleled, and they serve as inspirations and guides as I push forward to realize my ambitions for Florida, the United States, and the world at large.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acknowledging the influential figures in our lives and expressing gratitude for their support is essential. The people mentioned in this article have played significant roles in shaping my career, and their impact cannot be overstated. Their unwavering belief, guidance, and support have propelled me forward and shaped me into the professional I am today.
I am truly grateful for the contributions of Rosa Shores, Gabe Higgins, Anessa Santos, Chris Krimitsos, the Byte Federal team, John Montague, and Gary Shang.