Well hello everyone! It’s an exciting time in my life in launching this website and for the newly formed TrustTree Financial. It’s also a very interesting time in the world we live in (for a number of reasons), but we won’t get in to that here. I am sure you are short on time, so “thanks” for stopping in to check out my blog. Let’s get down to business! The purpose of this blog is to share information. This information is largely based on what I am reading, what I am seeing, and what I am hearing. You see…in order to remain relevant in this financial world that I know and love, I am constantly learning. I read thousands of articles a year via magazines, newspapers, and online via my favorite app FlipBoard. I listen to about a dozen podcasts a week, and it’s now podcasts instead of music flowing through my ear buds during my morning gym routine. I also mix in some books (audio, hardcopy, Nook tablet). All in all, it’s a lot of data, a lot of processing, and I’d like to think…a lot of learning. While I don’t retain all of it, I do sift through it and make notes of the stuff that resonates most. Most of this information pertains to my business and the finance industry, but some content is health related, charity focused, or other general self-improvement topics. Which leads me to my blog. Hopefully some of you will find it helpful to know “what is Brandon learning/hearing/seeing out there in the world, and how will that potentially affect the financial work we are doing together?” In that vein, I will comment on a couple items each post and include links to the source. Let’s start with one now, to get the ball rolling: What Separates Champions from ‘Almost Champions’? By Brad Stulberg This is perfect example of something I read recently that I just love, and it’s not financial related as much as self-improvement and motivation. I grew up in a small town (Florence, NJ) and because our sports teams have had great levels of success, the town reminds people with a sign at the town’s main entrance that reads “Florence – Home of Champions”.  That sign, and knowing I was part of championship teams, stays with me everyday.  It had provided me a lot of confidence over the years, in fact.  And since I am always looking for ways to improve the things I say and do, this article fits right in with my philosophy. It talks about people who have drive and grit, and how the best goal is sometimes the simplest – to get better. Not that I will be a “world class performer” per se, but there is plenty of drive within me to relentlessly strive to become a better father, husband, educator and advisor. Reading these types of articles inspires me and hopefully others, to do better. Thanks for reading!