Behind every business success story, there’s often an unsung hero working quietly in the background, providing unwavering support and strength. For me, that hero has always been my wife, Lisa. As we celebrate 10 years of StandOut Design, it’s impossible not to reflect on just how much she has meant to me during this journey—how much she sacrificed, how much she carried, and how she has been the heart and soul of everything we’ve built together.
Marriage, as anyone will tell you, isn’t easy. It’s not supposed to be. It’s a constant evolution, something that requires work, patience, and love. When my 15-year career came to an abrupt end after the company I worked for closed its doors, Lisa and I found ourselves in uncharted territory. She had already quit her job after enduring as much as she could following the pain caused by a car accident we’d been in. We were suddenly faced with a daunting reality: no income, a mortgage, and a 4-year-old daughter who depended on us.
I’ll never forget the day I came home to tell Lisa the news. I dreaded the moment, knowing what it would mean for our family. When I told her, she was understandably upset—not at me, but at the situation. She had every right to panic, but instead, she took a deep breath, looked at me, and said, “We will figure it out.”
And figure it out, we did. But it wasn’t easy. Over the next few years, we made countless sacrifices together. There were no date nights, no spontaneous vacations, no splurges—just sheer focus. She dedicated herself to raising our daughter and keeping our home running smoothly so I could focus on building StandOut Design from the ground up.
Lisa wore so many hats during that time. She babysat friends’ children for extra income, learned the ropes of accounting to manage the books for my fledgling business, and navigated the complexities of paying taxes for a company we were figuring out on the fly. She kept the house in perfect order, cooking every meal, cleaning, and even shopping smarter than anyone I’d ever seen.
She turned saving money into an art form. Lisa dove headfirst into "Stockpiling", mastering the craft of couponing like a pro. She knew which days were best to shop at certain stores, where to find the best deals, and even where to gather discarded newspaper inserts to collect more coupons. It wasn’t just about stretching a dollar—it was about her dedication to making sure our family had everything we needed during those lean years.
What’s incredible about Lisa is that while I was discovering my passion for starting and growing a business, she was finding her dream job too—being a homemaker. She poured her heart into creating a warm, loving home for our family, raising Leah and, later, Brantley with the kind of care and devotion that inspires me every single day.
Today, she’s still the glue that holds it all together. Not only does she manage StandOut Design’s books, taxes, and payroll—a job that could easily be a full-time role in itself—but she also continues to be the best possible mom to our kids and the heart of our home.
Lisa, thank you for everything. For believing in me when our future was uncertain, for trusting me when we had nothing, and for being my partner in every sense of the word. Your sacrifices, strength, and love are the foundation of everything we’ve built together.
As I sit here reflecting on these past 10 years, I’m reminded of something you have always said to me and truly believed: “Together, we can handle anything.” You’ve proven that time and time again. Thank you for standing by me, for carrying us through the tough times, and for being the rock I lean on every single day.
I love you, babydoll. Here’s to us, and here’s to the next chapter of this incredible journey we’re on together.
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