"Live each day with courage, take pride in your work".

It is the time of the year for reflection. Looking back on the year past and looking ahead with anticipation and excitement for what lies ahead.

As I begin the new year I have to start by saying thank you to everyone who helped shape an unbelievable 2015 year for me. Breakpoint has grown exponentially since our beginnings in 2005 as a small, independent alternative to traditional large management consulting firms. We started a company built on a core foundation: our strategic skill set, industry knowledge, extended network, and, most importantly, the strength of our partnership and commitment to our clients.  Our customers are the reason we are who we are.  Since then I have had the pleasure of working with many great leaders and sadly, been with others who treat their employees without respect, honesty or encouragement. Those experiences helped me clarify the kind of person I wanted to be and the level of integrity it takes to continue to earn and deserve the respect of colleagues, clients, and friends. 

In 2013 I heard Brett Wilson, co-founder FirstEnergy Capital Corporation and  Chairman of Canoe Financial, speak on integrity in business. He described the story of creating FirstEnergy and the "cowboy values" it was built on. As I look ahead to 2016 those same cowboy values resonate as strong today for me as when I first heard them three years ago.

1. Live each day with courage.

2. Take pride in your work.

3. Always finish what you start.

4. Do what has to be done.

5. Be tough, but fair.

6. When you make a promise, keep it.

7. Ride for the brand.

8. Talk less and say more.

9. Remember that some things aren't for sale.

10. Know where to draw the line.

(from: Cowboy Ethics, by James P. Owen)

I am excited about what 2016 holds for me, my company, and the many unique people I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with. Happy New Year!