Reps Then Hacks
You need volume first, then you optimize. Too many people try to optimize before there’s anything worth optimizing. They tweak systems, tools, and routines when the real issue is simple: not enough reps. When I needed to pay for college, there was nothing to negotiate. I cleaned toilets. That
Vinyl
Last year, I somehow got into vinyl, which is odd because I don’t really like music that much. I still don’t really like music that much, especially since I don’t understand the lyrics of most English songs anyway. Half the time, I’m just nodding along, pretending.
Books of 25
Many of you read this site exclusively via email. That’s totally fine. Beats the fax subscribers. But you might have missed the book page I launched, where I listed all the books I read in 2025. I’ll be doing the same kind of recap this year—hopefully surpassing
Minimum Viable
In marketing, "minimum viable audience" means serving the smallest group of people who truly need what you offer. It's efficient, effective, and deeply human — because you’re solving a real problem for people you understand. But what if we applied that same thinking to other areas
Once
Most of us have a million things running through our minds at any given time. It’s certainly the case with me, though it has improved somewhat with age. Or maybe that’s just my brain slowing down—which isn’t necessarily wonderful in other regards. Whatever happens in our
Aspens
At our cabin, Carlyn and I love sitting on the deck and watching the quaking aspens, their leaves shimmering and dancing in the wind. If it wasn't for the whining dog and screaming child, we could do it for hours. The thing about aspens is that they don’
Trust Battery
Think of trust like a battery. When you start a new job, that battery shouldn’t be empty or full — it should be somewhere in the middle. Enough juice to give you a fair chance to prove yourself, but not so much that anyone’s betting the company on day
Systems
Systems are everywhere. Your job is a system. Your house is a system. Your car, your company, your investments—systems. I’m German. Systems are our love language. But here’s the thing: if you don’t manage them, systems turn into headaches, heartaches, and liabilities in no time. At
Philosophy
People who have a philosophy on life live a richer life. I don't know if that's true, but I believe it. Why? Because a life philosophy doesn't emerge from isolation – it develops through a combination of learning and experiences. Each new insight and adventure
Overpowered
I drive an old car. I mean not that old. But like 20 years old. To maximize the value I get from that car, I installed a new Apple Carplay stereo and remote starter. It seemed like a great idea. Plug in my phone. Listen to podcasts. Start my car
