Executive Letter #32: The Best Is Yet to Come

I've decided to bring my series of executive letters to a close, and I've been thinking back to what prompted them, what all of us have learned in the process, and how much more is sure to unfold for me and my company. And don't worry, we've got lots more coming in The Grind Weekly Insights.

It's been over a year since my family and I—with the help of our team at REI Nation—created The Grind. Our mission was to share more of our story and to help pave the road for other entrepreneurs and investors like us. The results have been greater than we ever could have expected. 

We started by introducing these letters, in which I shared anecdotes from my decades of business and advice for anyone looking to dominate their industry. Then, my son Chris kicked off The Grind Podcast: short and sweet episodes where he gave real, raw takes on the real estate industry and the life of an entrepreneur. We rounded it out with Weekly Insights, in which we packaged current news, helpful tips, and actionable resources for our readers to make the most of their grind. 

A heck of a lot has happened along the way. Anyone watching the real estate industry has gotten whiplash from the fluctuations between sellers' and buyers' markets. Mortgage interest rates have doubled over an 18-month period: from a thirty-year historic low, to an average of 2.96% through 2021, to the current average hovering around 6%. After surviving some serious supply chain issues, we entered an inflationary state that has rocked nearly every industry. 

With all these events going on all around us, The Grind has come to have another layer of meaning. We've had to buckle down and remind ourselves how to not only make it through the highs and lows, but make highs from the lows. 

I've always believed that hard work and commitment are better indicators of success than education or talent, and I have yet to meet anyone who's changed my mind. This mindset has shaped my businesses, my hiring philosophy, and my bookshelf. It's why I'm not intimidated by challenges or seemingly impossible situations. Highs and lows are inevitable, but I've found that even the low times have something to offer. 

When you commit to your grind—when you decide to make the most out of every second of every day—you'll find that there's no such thing as scarcity. Everything you need is within reach. 

The Highlight Reel

It's hard to pick my favorite moment from my time writing these executive letters, so instead I'll share a few letters that made my personal highlight reel:

• Build Your Business to Change People's Lives
• A Day in the Life
• How to Recognize and Grow Potential
• What I Wish I Knew When I Was Younger

I'd be remiss if I didn't also share some of the episodes of my son's podcast that I enjoyed the most—just don't tell him I said that.

• S1 E5: Turn Your Side Hustle Into a Business
• S1 E27: Why DIY Is More Expensive
• S2 E2: Reach Beyond "Realistic" 
• S2 E28: Family + Business

Commit to The Grind

As I wrap up my letters, I'm reminded of the many seasons of my career and the lessons each of them taught me. 

When I look back on this one, I know what I'll see: incredible people coming together in search of excellence. That's all a guy like me can I hope for. 

Until next time,

Kent Clothier
Chief Grind Officer