For years, my life was spent in boardrooms, poring over revenue reports, strategizing with executives, and constantly climbing the corporate ladder. As Chief Revenue Officer, I reached the summit of my career. I had a seat at the table, the success many dream of, and a title that came with prestige. Yet, something was missing.
I started to realize that while I was climbing that ladder, the view wasn’t quite what I expected. It was filled with numbers, reports, deadlines, and—often—late nights away from my family. I had achieved the heights of success, but what I didn’t see from that high vantage point was the richness of life I had left behind on the ground.
In the corporate world, we often talk about the top being lonely. And it was. But the idea of “top” started to change for me. As my priorities shifted, so did my goals. I started craving a different kind of climb—one that involved more nature, more purpose, and more time with the people I love. So, I made a decision. I left the corporate world to pursue my passion for the outdoors, the firearms industry, and family.
As someone who now spends more time outdoors, I often find myself in the woods, perched in a tree stand, gearing up for the season, practicing my shot and learning as many new things as possible. In those quiet moments, surrounded by the hum of the natural world, I can’t help but compare my new perspective to my old life.
In corporate, climbing the ladder was about success, competition, and reaching a goal. But climbing into a tree stand is about connection—with nature, with myself, and with the land around me. The climb may not be as fast-paced, but it’s filled with purpose. And the view from the top? It’s breathtaking. Instead of fluorescent lights, there are golden rays filtering through the trees. Instead of office chatter, there’s the rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Here’s the truth: I don’t miss the boardrooms. I don’t miss the back-to-back meetings or the endless emails. What I cherish now is the peace that comes with being fully present in the moment. I’ve traded spreadsheets for the sound of the wind, conference calls for birdsong, and that ever-elusive work-life balance for time with my family.
Climbing the corporate ladder taught me a lot—about leadership, perseverance, and success. But it’s in the tree stand where I’ve found fulfillment. The lessons I’ve learned here are different, but no less profound. I’ve learned patience. I’ve learned to be still, to observe, to appreciate the world as it is. And most importantly, I’ve learned the value of time spent with my family, of being present in every moment.
My passion for the outdoor and firearms industry is more than just a career pivot; it’s a lifestyle change that allows me to live in alignment with my values. I’m still climbing, but the goal isn’t the top—it’s the journey itself. And every time I make that climb into a tree stand, I’m reminded that sometimes the best views aren’t from the top of a ladder, but from the quiet, peaceful places where we feel most alive.
So if you find yourself questioning your own path, remember: success is defined by more than just titles and numbers. Sometimes, it’s about finding the courage to step off the corporate ladder and into a tree stand, where the view is infinitely more rewarding.
