The Most Gratifying Thing in My Business

A couple weeks ago two young people from DNL got married on an absolutely beautiful Sunday afternoon. Michael, who manages our finance department, and Allie, who is a talented goldsmith and jeweler in our production department, met at work, had a wonderful year and a half long courtship, and then were married in one of the most beautiful and idyllic ceremonies I've ever had the honor of being invited to. The wedding, and reception afterword, was one that was filled with happiness, love between family and friends, and good-natured fun which was best represented by the absolute joy on Michael and Allie's faces. They were kind enough to mention me in their little speech at the reception, and I felt a great sense of pride and fulfillment that I could be mentioned as part of the catalyst that brought these two great kids together.

Diamond Nexus, the company, is in its seventh year now, and in that time we've seen three weddings between people that met in the company and at least eight babies being born to our staff that I can think of. I love when our "DNL moms" bring their babies in and show them off around the office for the first time.

There are many goals that we have in business: Growth, profitability, competitive advantage, and others, but the thing that, probably more than anything else, brings me happiness at this stage in my life and career are these little moments of happiness and family-connection that I feel with my DNL tribe . One of the things I'm most sorry about in my life is that I do not have children. Watching these young, talented, people at DNL grow and succeed and launch lives and families of their own is tremendously gratifying and moving for me.

Michael and Allie, I wish you many, many years of happiness, joy and accomplishment. I hope that, not too long from now, I'll have an opportunity to bounce another "DNL baby" in my arms!