For the first time in my life, I’m not celebrating Thanksgiving in the traditional way. Lori and I returned to Hawaii to pack up our belongings for our semi-annual transition to Florida. This time it includes a move out of one house here in Hawaii to another and a change within Florida too. We are moving from Destin to Miami.
So, just the two of us. No turkey in the oven. No family gathering. No football on the TV in the background.
What this does afford me is the chance to be present with gratitude for all the individuals that made this year. Here are a few shout outs so you know I’m thinking about you today.
Thank you to all my friends who took the time to visit us in Hawaii this year. Whether it was as a part of a retreat, a vacation or specifically to visit, I’m so grateful that I was able to share quality time with you on this magical island.
I’ll start by expressing my gratitude to my family.
To my Mom Gini Lochtefeld, who has always been my number one cheerleader. You may be turning 90 in a few months but from what I can see, you haven’t lost a step, and I am grateful for that. I love you with all my heart.
To my Dad, Chuck Lochtefeld, you taught me many things, but the one that stands out the most is the value of integrity. Even with the onset of Dementia, you are still twice the man in this area than anyone I know.
To my sister Sue McDonald, who consistently takes the time to have my wife and I in her life, thank you. We both love you very much.
To my brother-in-law Joe Mcdonald, I appreciate you for all the inspirational moments. Your council made the Waterfalling property into a grand adventure. Thank you for your massive role in that decision.
To my brother Greg Lochtefeld, who made the journey out so we could work on our health together. Thank you for showing up and putting in the work.
To my brother Charley Lochtefeld, who year after year you keep showing up to make the business I asked you to take 13 years ago so successful. Your dedication has been truly impressive.
Tom Lochtefeld - thank you for your amazing support.
To My Closest Friends & Colleagues
To Valerie Mendoza, who this year went from being my employee to our business partner and co-owner in both our Hawaii properties. Your are the rock on which our Hawaii entities will be continue to flourish. Saying thank you feels like not enough. I am most thankful for the fact that we are just getting started and that you had my back this year when I needed it most.
To Patrick Combs, who continues to show up every week as my best friend. We have proven to each other this year that we do not need to be in business together for our friendship to grow. All the same, I’m thankful to have you as a co-owner of Hamakua Hotel.
To Chris Duggan, who like Patrick, I rely on for close friendship on a weekly basis. If you didn’t already have a best friend, I would have begged you to be mine moons ago. Every conversation I have with you makes me a better man. Thank you for your kindness and loyalty. I look forward to living in the same city as Chris since back in our UOD days.
To Heather Dee Frankovich, my longest running female best friend. It’s been a year of change for both of us. I am thankful for your courage. I will always have your back and look forward to many more joyful moments.
Akshay Nanavati so thankful for our two weeks together in Hawaii brother and even more thankful that I got to meet the incredible Melissa Barker and that you guys chose me to be your wedding Officiant.
To Newer Relationships
Sanjiv Hulugalle - every moment with you is pure joy my friend. Thank you.
To Stacey & Demian Barrios, the Waterfalling property brought us into the same orbit and I’m excited to see where it will take us. Stacey - I am so thankful for your two plus years of reliable service to our retreats. You certainly mastered your craft. Thank you for taking it so seriously and bringing so much joy.
Chris Carroll - you’ve stepped up in a major way helping transform Bliss Island into Hamakua Hotel, literally. Thank you brother. I look forward to being business partners and friends for years to come. I am so thankful that you and Nicolette Douvrís had such a beautiful healthy baby boy and that the three of you will continue to be in our lives. We don’t have many friends in Hawaii (yet) but we consider you two among the most cherished.
George Owen - thank you for consults you providing excellence George. I am grateful for you.
To my neighbors Michele and John Gamble, I am thankful for all the support and gracious assistance. I believe in my heart that we are just getting started as both neighbors and friends.
To my new friendship with Diana Deitrick. I look forward to seeing you continue to shine as you transform our property. You’ve got serious talent.
To A Very Special Old Friend
To Brian Buntz, I am thankful that we are re-entering each others lives. To clarify how I feel about you, we deserve more of each other. Plus, more of Edna Barrios Buntz is a major plus for Lori and I.
To My Friends Who Allow Me To Mentee Them
Dave Muntner, Mike Whitlatch, Franchesca R Davis, Brianne Webb, Jen Williams, Bryce Henson Ammar Shallal you all bring me so much joy and inspiration. Thank you.
Matthew Delaney - to the only friend who got a room named after him. Thank you for being my very good friend Matt.
Jeff Reed - our growing friendship means a lot to me buddy. And a shout out to all my other EO friends. You all rock. Thank you
Cody Leclaire & Evangelia Stavros Leclaire - I am thankful for your amazing g success with Glampful and our enduring friendship.
To Our Investors
To all my 20+ friends who became investors in one or both of our Hawaii properties, I am thankful for your financial support but am WAY more thankful that I’m getting to see you all one-by-one during your usage rights.
Finally, to my wife of 16 years Lori Lochtefeld, this has been our biggest year of change yet, and that alone is saying something. I am thankful that I have such a talented, flexible, and supportive life partner aligned with me on our epic journey through life. I am thankful that I get to spend another Thanksgiving with you. I love you as much as I love our dreams coming true together! Thank you.
My favorite pictures from our year together.
