SIDE NOTES
Here you’ll find candid, comedic insight into the hard-earned lessons of entrepreneurship—the good, the bad, and the ‘wish someone had warned me’ moments, whether you’re starting a business, reinventing your career, or just love behind-the-scenes stories of business ownership.
Twenty years, four businesses, and more lessons learned the hard way than I can count. I’ve built a soap company that sold to over 10K stores, launched two gift boutiques, and ran a live music lounge—because keeping things interesting is kind of my thing
You’ll also read exclusive chapter excerpts from the upcoming publication series, Unfinished Business: The Art of Reinvention—a curated collection of business insight, self-growth strategies, and real-world lessons from two decades of building (and rebuilding).
Each article is packed with entrepreneurial wisdom, personal development takeaways, and straight-shooting advice that just might save you time, money, and frustration on your own journey.
Reinvention isn’t just about business—it’s about life.
“JOHNSONVILLE BRATS, JOHNSONVILLE BRATS!”
I recently found myself standing over a bubbling tray of Cheddar-wurst Johnsonville brats, cheddar oozing out like molten lava, edges crisped just shy of burnt, and I couldn’t help but time travel straight back to the old-school Johnsonville commercial from the '80s.
You know it. Charlie Murphy, manning his grill by the lake. Probably just trying to enjoy his one peaceful afternoon off from analyzing taxes at his crummy 9 to 5. He’s got the brats going, they’re sizzling, life is good.
But because Uncle Charlie clearly didn’t want to share his stash with his bratty niece and was trying to save them for his friends, she outed him. Loudly. To the entire neighborhood.
She belts it across the lake:
“Charlie Murphy’s cooking Johnsonville Brats… Johnsonville Brats!”
Reinvention: Bangs, Business & Perms, OH MY!
Reinvention isn’t always glamorous—sometimes it’s a self-cut mullet in fifth grade, sometimes it’s a business pivot that saves you years of struggle. Either way, we’re diving into the wild, weird, and why didn’t anyone warn me? lessons of business and life.
So, if you’re ready for some hard-earned insight, a few laughs at my expense, let’s talk reinvention—bad hair decisions optional.
Work Ethic: The Skill That Builds Everything (And Why It Matters)
The universe told me to take a break. My work ethic? She laughed, crossed her arms, and said, ‘That’s adorable—now get to work.’ This is what happens when you try to slow down after two decades of hustle—and why learning to balance ambition with rest is crucial.