#45 The Adventure to great soap & how to find it: For the love of the game & life

I’ll admit it—I have some pretty amazing friends. They’re funny, incredibly kind, and steady in all the ways that matter. One of them, in particular, stands out for being wise beyond his years.

He has a beautiful family—a wife I absolutely adore and three teenage daughters who are as lovely as they are hardworking. Together, they’re the kind of family that leaves a mark on a community in the best way.

Just this past Sunday, he was telling me about his youngest and her recent achievements in baseball. I love hearing about his girls and all they accomplish. They put their whole hearts into everything they do, and it shows. He shared highlights from her latest game and mentioned she’s earned MVP five times this season. You can tell she hustles, takes pride in her growth, and shows up for her team.

But what I’ve come to value just as much as the stories are the “teachable moments” he shares along the way. Every time we talk, I walk away with something to think about. Honestly, I wish I could hit record when he speaks.

This time, he said something along the lines of: " Don’t play the game just for the cheers. If you do, you’ll go looking for them even in the hard moments. And when they don’t come, you’ll start doubting yourself—your abilities, your effort, everything you’ve worked for. When you get too caught up in the highs and lows, you miss the chance to just play a good game."

He was talking about baseball, but my mind went straight to life.

How often do we look for that same kind of praise? For someone to notice a job well done, a strong presentation, the effort we’ve been putting into bettering ourselves. The recognition feels good—and it can push us forward—but it can also quietly become the thing we rely on.

I left that conversation with something I can carry into both business and life: keep working hard—whether you’re winning or you’ve just struck out.

Owning a small business will take you to the highest highs, and just as quickly drop you into moments where you’re questioning everything, wondering if you should keep going.

But in life, in business, or out on the field—you play the game anyway. You get your cleats dirty. You walk into the meeting even when you’re a little scared. You show up when you’re worn out and full of doubt.

Play with heart. The cheers will come. And when they don’t? There’s always tomorrow—and plenty of room out in the outfield to move, grow, and play better.

Davis : I am so proud to call you a friend. Your wit, humor, wisdom, and giving heart are such a gift in our friendship. I hope you live each day knowing how special you are to so many people in your life. Thank you for all of the stories, laughable moments, and lessons about life through the eyes of a Dad.