Outrageous Thanks

On Christmas mornings, my older brother, Bri, would sneak downstairs at the crack of dawn, stealing a peek at the presents under the tree. Naturally, this created FOMO for us younger siblings, as we proceeded to giddily take our turns doing the same, in order of seniority. Our early misadventures with running a sports shop out of the garage including lofty attempts at sponsorship from Adidas to hands-on lessons in price negotiations. Thanks for your tough-love brotherhood and for bearing the brunt of the expectations as the first born.

In an odd application of either chunking or highlighting, as a young kid, my younger brother Trent would concentrate his attacks on just my ankle, repeatedly wailing on one spot perhaps to make fighting back a more achievable task than landing blows everywhere, or perhaps in an effort to ensure I noticed that particular action. Despite our conflicts, I still love ya.

After their first date, my Grandpa James Burkhart surprised my Grandma the next morning by mowing her lawn without even being asked, a preview of his hard-working and giving nature – perhaps wisely showing the immediate rewards she would reap if she married him. For her part, my Grandma was nothing if not committed and consistent: especially with her love and generosity with our family, even if that came with world-class ability to hold a grudge.

Ever the lifelong learner and philanthropist, my Grandpa Thomas Hodge was knowledgeable and civic-minded his whole life, inherently recognizing the power of personal growth and the reciprocal principle, as his efforts often came back to him in the form of friendships and business. Grandma Jean Hodge spoke softly and carried a big…bridge game, outwitting all of us and serving the community alongside Grandpa.

My Step-Mom, Nancy, quite the empath herself and the consummate supporter with advice for the whole brood, who somehow raised six semi-functional adults without any of us killing one another. In that full house (no, not the one with the Olsen twins) was my sister MJ, and brothers Jake, Ben, and Eli, whose words of encouragement through the years span from “with those dimples, you could call any girl toots(ie),” to “[I’m impressed and shocked that] you’re the one who created a scandal in the family [by launching Bang With Friends]!” Growing up together was an adventure; Getting to know you better now is a gift.

Ross McKelvie and Omri Mor, my all-too-brief co-founders for Bang With Friends, who without their excitement and early contributions, it would have never gotten off the ground.

Jonathan Roosevelt invested in us after seeing my first TV interview,  then provided admirable empathy for founders and the pinnacle of authenticity. He stood out as the rare investor who’s also a doer, from his experience running companies to delivering on additional investors for us as well.

Tim Draper had the balls to make an early bet on us within five minutes of hearing my pitch, providing crucial social proof so we could fundraise from others. ‘Nuff said.

Gil Silberman and Andrea Lamari took a chance on us, coming along for a wild ride through trademark disputes and TV deal negotiations as our general counsel. Never afraid to contrast with others and be himself, Gil giddily included our scandalous logo on legal contracts, just to see other lawyers’ reactions. They somehow made talking to our legal team fun, if you can believe it. Rest in peace, Gil.

Adam Draper and Brayton Williams started Boost VC and took a chance on me with my earlier startup, fostering a collaborative and thrilling environment  that led to the successful pivot into Bang With Friends.
If you haven’t heard of Cindy Gallop, do yourself a favor and go watch her videos, now! I was lucky to be connected to her shortly after Bang With Friends took off, and her enthusiasm and DGAF attitude gave me a clear role model of authenticity and resilience unlike anyone else in this world.

I had no good reason to wander my way into Taiwan until I found the startup incubator established by William Bao Bean, who created the Mobile Only Accelerator (now called Orbit Startups). His persistence and magnetism led to countless connections, to me meeting our eventual acquirer in person, and to many happy outcomes for startup founders.

Andrew Salamatov, Drew Pryor-Miller, and Mark Flores, a few (more) of my friends who stuck with me through thick and thin. Male friendship isn’t celebrated enough, so let me say they’ve been an essential and treasured presence in my life over these past nearly two decades. Andrew’s grounded, logical, and supportive nature lends calm to my nomadic life, while Drew and Mark’s hot takes, humor, and alternative perspectives give me a sandbox to keep it real or challenge myself.

Will Liu, is one of the most ridiculous human beings I’ve had the pleasure of befriending. He somehow recited Jeopardy answers like an encyclopedia, then struggled with the simple act of boiling water. Like most of us, he grappled with  finding himself in college, but blossomed into a beautiful human being who continues to grow as a husband and a dad, now as his authentic self.

Sarah Naylor’s an uniquely empathetic and humorous character I’ve failed to shake ever since junior high school, and I’m better off for it. Never failing to bring her authenticity and sarcasm to bear, she nudged and sometimes shoved me toward growth, including when she proclaimed that she was “like an emotional 7/11 – always open,”while my emotions had “banking hours – hardly open and never when you want it.” I took that to heart ever since hearing it in high school, enjoying the beauty of vulnerability. And her parents, Kim and Steve Naylor, my favorite adopted parents who’ve always made me feel loved and like I belong – I’ll never forget your kindness and love.