In the business world, we’re told to find our passion, to follow a sense of purpose, and to pursue our work as if our success depends on it—which it often does. But “passion” and “purpose” have become buzzwords, diluted by overuse. They’re bigger than just motivation and even bigger than day-to-day enthusiasm. They’re about something more enduring: a vision that drives us, a legacy we’re building, and the energy to persist even when things get tough.

My journey toward discovering passion and purpose in my work has been anything but linear. I’ve built businesses, faced setbacks, experienced triumphs, and spent sleepless nights rethinking my vision. Along the way, I’ve learned that passion isn’t something you stumble upon and purpose isn’t a pre-written map. Both are created and refined by experiences, choices, and a persistent belief that you’re building something meaningful.

1. Finding Purpose through Building and Creating

For me, purpose has always been linked to the act of creation. I see every business as a vehicle not just for profit, but for leaving a lasting impact—my own flag on the moon. Whether it’s through acquiring businesses, helping others sell theirs, or developing tools to make growth easier, I find purpose in the process of building something that endures.

This notion of creating something meaningful came from my belief in the value of establishing a legacy. In a previous business, I exited without much of a footprint, and I felt the weight of that missed opportunity. I’ve since resolved that each venture I undertake must reflect my principles: an empire that could last a hundred years if I were to step back today. This is the spirit that drives my work, and it’s the essence of finding purpose—not in what I’ve gained but in what I’m creating.

2. Embracing Passion as a Byproduct of Resilience

I’ve learned that passion, for me, is not just an initial spark but a byproduct of resilience. There’s an intense satisfaction in weathering the storms, in seeing a vision through when things aren’t going smoothly. Passion isn’t just about loving what you do on the best days; it’s about sticking with it on the hard days because the long-term vision matters more than temporary setbacks.

When you’re trying to scale a business, expand your reach, or chase down a massive goal, passion and resilience become intertwined. I find this especially true in my M&A work, where helping clients navigate complex transactions and valuations keeps me anchored. Through the ups and downs of acquisitions, deal closures, and growth phases, I’ve found that passion sustains me, but it’s resilience that keeps it alive.

3. Seeking Control, Yet Trusting the Process

Another layer of finding purpose has come from a deep desire to stay in control of my business destiny. I don’t believe in running someone else’s vision or working within narrow constraints; instead, I want to guide my business’s growth, direction, and success. This desire for control, shaped by past experiences of limited financing and a bankruptcy that restricted my options, has solidified my determination to build with independence. I’m wary of giving up too much ownership, and I seek creative ways to scale without sacrificing the core of what I’m building.

Yet control doesn’t mean resisting help or resources. I’ve found purpose in assembling a team, sharing knowledge, and using systems to make business operations smoother. Control, for me, is more about crafting a structure that empowers others while preserving the guiding principles I care about. The paradox here is that purpose-driven control is also about letting go of micromanagement. My team is crucial to what I do, and my purpose is reinforced when I see others taking ownership and helping me build.

4. Innovation through Curiosity and Vision

Curiosity has always driven me to challenge industry norms, explore new models, and innovate. I approach my work from a place of perpetual learning, seeking out “secrets” and insights that might give my business an edge. I’m guided by a vision that blends human insight with the power of technology, pushing my work beyond traditional boundaries. This curiosity fuels the passion I feel for my industry, for discovering something new

and different, even if it means taking calculated risks along the way.

By looking ahead to where the market is going, especially with the integration of software, data, and AI in marketing, I position myself—and those who work with me—to stay relevant and grow. I’ve built my business model to leverage the shifts in this evolving landscape, aiming for the “monopoly characteristics” that Peter Thiel advocates for, where we can create something so unique and valuable that it stands apart.

5. Leaving a Legacy by Lifting Others

My purpose is closely tied to the idea of lifting others as I rise. I want to build a media and M&A empire that supports the success of my team and my clients, helping them achieve financial independence and even generational wealth. I want the people who work with me to experience what it’s like to have a say, to feel empowered to make decisions, and to understand that their contributions are vital to the bigger picture.

Leaving a legacy, to me, isn’t just about the profit I make or the deals I close. It’s about making a lasting impact on the lives of the people I work with and the industry I serve. My passion is fed by the knowledge that I’m building something that can lift others, provide a model for success, and create value that endures.

6. Guided by Principles, Driven by a Vision

As I reflect on the pursuit of passion and purpose in my work, I keep coming back to my core principles. I remind myself regularly that each day is about moving an inch down the field, that I’m here to place my flag on the moon, and that success isn’t defined by accolades but by the enduring impact I leave. I want my work to stand as a testament to my values, and I want my daughter to see the legacy I’ve built and know that she, too, can leave her mark on the world.

Discovering passion and purpose in work isn’t about a single moment of inspiration. It’s about a series of decisions, each one building on the last, creating a journey of growth, resilience, and relentless pursuit. For anyone seeking purpose in their work, remember that it’s found not in the arrival but in the process, not in the outcomes but in the impact you’re making, and not in a final achievement but in the legacy you’re building.