I Created A Business Full of Friends

As many of you are aware, we held our annual holiday party last Friday night at The BAR. My biggest worry was that no one would come and all the hard work that went into putting the party together would have went un-seen.

Little did I know that more than 200 of my closest members, friends and family would show up. The party started at seven and by 7:30 the place was packed with people having fun and enjoying the unbelievable food that Heidi of Hedi's Events and Catering provided.

Just a little side note: If ever you need to throw a unforgettable party, hire Heidi. She won't steer you wrong and it's worth every penny. Thank you Heidi... you're the best!

I couldn't believe the support we've received this year. As I went around the party shaking hands, an occasional hug and giving "good game" pats on the butt to some special members who deserve it, all I could focus on is the fact that every single person at the party was there for The BAR and that they could be anywhere else in the world but they made time to support us. I'm extremely humble and grateful for that.. I personally thank all of you for coming you made the night one to remember.

One of my favorite comments of the night came from a father of one of our athletes. He and a few other dads were in the back room enjoying a little classical guitar and laid back atmosphere when he grabbed me and said, "Ahwatukee needs a room just like this one for us guys to hang out in. Somewhere to unwind and relax." I told him that his son would have his head if we took away his room and made it into lounge. Tell you what though, the next place we build, I'll plan on having a lounge for the dads and moms for that matter.

Not sure if anyone noticed but we had to do make two separate alcohol runs during a matter of 2 hours. Thank you to Kevin's wife Sarah and his dad Shane for handling that for us. By the way, we gave Kevin an award for being the top dog in the gym for 2008. He deserves more than anyone. He busts his butt day in and day out making sure that The BAR continues to strive for greatness. I couldn't ask for a better trainer, manager and friend. Thank you Dry for taking The BAR to the next level and always having my back.

Hey, did anyone notice that there was only three pieces of equipment in the gym Friday night? Kevin, Jake, myself and two of our favorite members, Doug and RJ moved everything out in the morning. The Mountain Pointe baseball team came by at 3pm and decorated (nice work) and back again at 10pm to put all the equipment back in. Thanks MP baseball, you guys were work horses for us and I appreciate your hard work.

Also, thank you to Erik Kelly for allowing us his moving truck to store some of the equipment. I was a little worried that it wouldn't hold it all but if was definitely a must have in order to get the job done. Thanks Erik, I owe you one.

How about the Member of the Year Award? Many people were in the running for this first time award but we felt that Cynthia Hammersley was the most deserving. She has been the most consistent member as well as the one member to keep me on my toes with suggestions to make The BAR better and she's absolutely the best ambassador a business could ever ask for. Thank you Cynthia and much continued success to you.

Yes, my blog is random this week. My mind is on overdrive and out of control. I've got so many ideas in the fire and I can't wait to implement them. Those of you who are on board had better get ready because The BAR is about to explode with excitement and kick butt workouts.

That's it. I've got more to say but my hands are starting to cramp. Oh yeah, thank you to Rod Ticknor of Native New Yorker for getting the MP baseball team in to his restaurant on such short notice. By the way, the boys loved it. Thanks Rod.

I'm done. I hope to see all of you this Friday night at The BAR for Casino Night. If you want to come let me know soon so I can put you on the list...

Thank you all once again for all your support this year. I feel very blessed to have all of you in my life.