Remember, you can always make another dollar, but you can’t make another moment with family once it’s gone. In my journey from Ireland to America, from salesman to entrepreneur, this truth has remained constant: Family First isn’t just a saying – it’s the foundation of everything worth building.
When I stepped off a plane from Ireland at age 13, carrying everything I owned in a single backpack, I learned my first lesson about family: sometimes the bravest thing you can do is start over together.
The Immigrant’s Perspective
Growing up in Ireland, family wasn’t just a word – it was a way of life. Every Sunday dinner, every holiday, every milestone was marked by the gathering of relatives, the sharing of stories, and the strengthening of bonds that crossed generations. When we made the decision to leave our homeland for America, we weren’t just changing locations; we were testing the strength of those bonds across an ocean.
Business Success Starts at Home
Throughout my career in the automotive industry, from my early days selling cars to building and selling my own software company, I’ve learned that the most successful business decisions are often guided by family values. When my partner Phil Gates and I were building Auction Simplified, we approached it not just as a business venture, but as a legacy, we could be proud to share with our families. This continues today in our partnership with Autura, a company that shares our family values and allows us to be a family first company.
The Real Measure of Success
People often ask me about the secret to successfully selling a company. The truth? The real success wasn’t in the sale – it was in being able to make decisions that prioritized both business growth and family life. Every major career move, every risky decision, and every late night at the office was weighed against a simple question: “How does this serve my family?”
Lessons from Both Sides of the Atlantic
My cottage in Wexford serves as more than just a vacation home; it’s a bridge between two worlds and a reminder of where it all began. When my children and grandchildren visit Ireland, they’re not just touring a country – they’re connecting with their roots, understanding their heritage, and learning the same values that guided me through life’s biggest challenges.
The Modern Family Challenge
In today’s fast-paced world of constant connectivity and never-ending work emails, maintaining family as your top priority isn’t always easy. Technology that was meant to bring us closer together often pulls us apart. But here’s what I’ve learned:
no email is more important than a family dinner, no meeting more crucial than a child’s milestone, and no deal more valuable than the trust of your loved ones.
Building a Legacy That Matters
When I sold Auction Simplified, the transaction wasn’t just about the money – it was about securing a future for my family and creating opportunities for the next generation. Success in business is fleeting, but the impact you have on your family lasts forever.
A Simple Truth
At the end of the day, business associates become friends, companies get sold, careers evolve, but family remains constant. They’re there to celebrate your victories, support you through challenges, and remind you of what truly matters.
The best decision I ever made wasn’t starting a successful company – it was understanding that every business decision needed to serve a greater purpose: strengthening and supporting my family.