02/12/2025
Would you buy me a drink for my birthday❓Would you like to be a part of my launch team❓
February 13 is my birthday, and I’m turning 44. Looking at that number, I think, Dang, I’m getting old. But honestly, I feel good. Sure, I have some aches and pains, but I can still keep up with—or outwork—someone half my age.
Here’s something that hit me recently: if I cut my age in half, that’s how long I’ve been building brands, selling myself, and serving people. I work just as hard today as I did when I started. I sold my first business at 24, and since then, I’ve built a strong reputation based on service and love, always saying yes to any ask. But I’ll be real with you—I’m tired. And the industry I work in has such a low barrier to entry that competition keeps prices down. It’s time for a change.
My God-given gift is bringing people together. I love it. For years, we built Hot Rods & Hops into the longest-running cruise-in, bringing thousands together in a safe, fun way—58 events strong. And all of that was free.
Then came this past Christmas. That experience showed me exactly where my heart is: giving back and loving on people. As a team, we gave over 1,000 kids a Christmas and provided 320 families with much-needed support. And how about that convoy? Two miles long, 2.5 hours to WNC. That’s what I want to do more of—bringing people together in unique and meaningful ways.
I’d love to help plan a wedding. Seriously, food, beverages, and flowers? I’d have them on point. I want to challenge myself with events outside the automotive industry. My love language is Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation, which is probably why I give so much of myself to others. So many nonprofits need a boost—a way to stand out. They need a promoter who’s all in for them.
So, if anyone wants to get me something for my birthday—or if every person who follows me bought me a drink—I’d have the seed money to start doing more of what I love: bringing people together at scale and helping build community around Events that are unique.
Who wants to be a part of the launch team or as what my lovely wife calls it Neal’s next big adventure?
Put launch in the memo. The follow up post will be fun. Two people gave back when we were doing the clothing drive and it started something far bigger than I could’ve ever dreamed of.
