08/27/2026
I’ll be honest, I’m disheartened today. I had an interaction with a fellow business owner that fell short of what I believe we owe each other as professionals. No details needed, but here’s the short version. Instead of coming to me directly with a concern, it got handled through my employees, and when I showed up ready to talk it out, I was met with silence and a turned back.
Twenty years in the military taught me that respect and courtesy aren’t optional, they’re the foundation of how you treat people, especially people you disagree with. As small business owners, especially here in Alaska, we rely on each other. Our communities are tight, our reputations matter, and cooperation is what lets all of us thrive. A five minute conversation could have solved this. Instead, I got silence.
So here’s my ask to my fellow business owners. If something’s bothering you, come find me, talk to me. I promise you’ll get the same respect and professionalism in return. That’s how we build a community worth working in.
