My WHY: creating an NFT project

a very personal journey that is meaningful to both me and my family

I want to set an example for my daughters that it’s ok to take risk and pursue something new and bold as long as you have the right intentions and passion towards what you are doing.

Sometimes in life, you have a new idea or a new goal. But to pursue it, you will need to take risk and do something completely out of your element. At first, it may feel like you are alone and unsure if it’s attainable. It’s not easy. But….that’s exactly why it’s worth doing. Because it’s not easy. Nothing rewarding in life has ever come easy. The greater the challenge, the greater the reward. It’s what fuels us and we must continue to challenge ourselves that we can do more than what we have already accomplished.

Over the past six months, I have been working on an NFT project. Although I am not prepared to share any details on the project yet as it is not publicly released, I will say that it has deep meaning to both me and my family and am very excited to share much more in the future.

Back in early 2020, I lost my career and company which I devoted over 15 years of my life to. Around the same time, I got Shingles which later morphed into a very rare condition called PHN (or Postherpetic neuralgia). This caused constant severe pain and was incredibly debilitating lasting just over six months.

So in the late summer of 2020, when the pain finally subsided, I was able to truly focus on the next direction of my life I wanted to pursue.

In my previous career, I was so devoted to my work and it consumed me. Even when I was on a family vacation, work was constantly on my mind and I simply never “shut it off.” Looking back, I lived an incredibly stressed life but I did not realize it at the time as it was just “my normal.” (here is a brief video of me in my old career)

With all of my newfound time at home, it’s been so special to finally be the dad that I aspire to be. My daughters and wife are my world and I’m finally sharing that world with them.

My father has always instilled in me to pursue happiness over anything else. Success will come to those that truly love what they do. If there was ever anything I would ever be envious of, it would simply be that. Loving what you do.

So now moving forward, I know myself, I know what I’m good at and I also know what brings me joy.

I chose this project because simply put, I want to set an example to my daughters to never be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and take risk in something you are passionate about.

I’ve always been passionate about creativity. That’s what always got me up early each morning thinking of ways I could do something different, think “outside the box” and inspire others to do the same.

I’m relatively new to blockchain technology (Dec 2020 is when I first began my deep studies) but have been so fascinated with it. As of this writing, I’ve now completed a few different online courses on it. In addition to, I’ve attended the 2021 Ethereal Summit, the B Word event, watched countless documentaries, YouTube videos, listened to various podcasts, etc. From Michael Saylor to Pomp (Anthony Pompliano) to many other “voices” for crypto, I have watched and listened to them all on a daily basis. Heck, I even took a couple of coding classes just to have a greater understanding of the work behind the technology. (btw…I am a terrible coder!)

I think blockchain technology is incredible and will undoubtedly be a part of my girls’ future. So I find it meaningful to become knowledgeable in it so that perhaps I can be of help to them one day.

Lastly, I get to help my family achieve some desired goals. Any proceeds from this project will go directly to the Howe Foundation so that the charity can continue to give back and do great things.

My grandfather (Gordie) and grandmother (Colleen) were two of the greatest people I’ve ever known. I am so fortunate to be able to have had my grandparents and all of the time that I spent with them. I could write an entire book here of everything they have ever done for me and the countless experiences I had with them. But in short, I was an extremely fortunate to have them in my life.

And knowing that the Howe Foundation was created by them, it’s special to be able to take part in trying to support it and also honor their legacies.

I look forward to sharing more of my journey and the project in the future.

My wife Kristine and our 3 daughters (oldest to youngest: Ainsley, Emersyn and Harley)