This past weekend I had the honor of being a part of something incredibly special. I'm talking the kind of special that makes your heart swell with pride and your gut ache from laughter. Brad's 1994 Midland Warriors football team was inducted into their college's Hall of Fame. These guys are legends - the only team to make the playoffs since 1987.
Brad was already individually inducted into the Midland Hall of Fame back in 2009 (humble brag) and was also inducted into the Nebraska College Football Hall of Fame in 2015 (double humble brag), but this one was extra special because this one was all about the TEAM.
The majority of the team and coaches showed up for the induction ceremony and celebratory weekend. There were a lot of hugs, laughs, and stories of "the good ol' days". I lost count of how many times I thought, "Wow, I understand why this group pulled off the extraordinary." These men were so much more than teammates - they had each other's backs like brothers (and I hear they sometimes fought like brothers, too). Even decades later, that bond is rock solid.
These guys are funny, warm, humble, and clearly still know how to party. They hadn't been in the same room in years, yet it took all of 90 seconds for them to pick right back up where they left off, as if no time had passed.
When I asked brad how it felt to be inducted again, he didn't even hesitate. "This one is extra special because we are all here, so we get to share it." That really stuck with me.
As much as we like to glorify individual achievements, it's never as satisfying as the kind that's earned with other people. Winning alone is...fine. You get a plaque, maybe a moment in the spotlight. But winning as a team is a joy that is nearly indescribable. That's the stuff that sticks with you forever - the story you want to keep telling every chance you get.
It reminded me why I love working with Brad. Business is its own kind of contract sport, especially real estate (thankfully, with fewer concussions). There are plenty of scrappy moments, big plays, and strategy for days. But...when we are building something together, every win is sweeter. Every challenge feels more manageable. At this point, I cannot imagine doing it any other way.
I digress...but I am proud of Brad.
I am proud of the whole team! And I'm more convinced than ever that together really is always better.
I am proud of the whole team! And I'm more convinced than ever that together really is always better.