When I started Stone Creek Coffee 15 years ago I told myself I would take 1 month off every 5 years to assess my work, our company, my life. Well&as we celebrate our 15 year anniversary I finally took that month off. I have been off since August 1st. Now to be clear I missed my goal by 10 years but I also must acknowledge a goal finally achieved. I am not planning on waiting another 15 years for another break.

Our company was founded on a set of principles, one of those states that we try to Sip Slowly. What does that really mean? Of course it literally means sipping our coffee slowly but at a different level it means living a thoughtful and reflective life. Over the last month this has been my goal. I have spent the month with my wife. I have cleaned every window in my old home. I watched the Brewers lose. I almost slid of the side of a mountain. I have considered my life and my work.

I have reached a few simple conclusions. My life is blessed. The company we have built has its greatest days ahead; we are just warming up (no pun intended). My employees have lead our growth and done so with profound joy. I am humbled by their talents. Our customers find goodness in each cup of Stone Creek and the friendships we have formed. Our coffee farmers are building their lives as we build our company. It is a story of connections and friendships.

You see at the end of our journey what we take and what we leave are only the memories of our connections; the laughter, the smiles and the work done together.

So, before my wife finds me typing an email I better run along and play a bit more. As I put on my Stone Creek apron next week there will be time for emails, budgets, and coffee stuff. But today I think I might just go brew a cup of the good stuff and go for a walk.