While unpacking my boxes last week I stumbled upon a gift that I had almost forgotten: a gear from a 1981-1983 DMC DeLorean. Some would find the gift to be a bit “odd”, especially when you consider the fact that I don’t own, nor have I ever owned, a DeLorean. However, it was one of the most unique and appreciated gifts that I have ever received.

DeLorean Gear

You see, ever since the Back To The Future movies I have wanted a DeLorean. Their sports car appearance and stainless steel exterior have always appealed to me. With a production of just over 8,000 cars, they are very rare, and as such, slightly expensive for a car their age.

The gear was a Christmas gift from one of my best friends. Attached to it was a note that read “I can’t buy you the whole car, but at least I can get you started”. It’s a gift that I’ll never forget. She believed in me and could see just how much I wanted that car. So much so that she contacted the DeLorean Motor Company and ordered the part. That amazed me. While I have not yet acquired a DeLorean, it’s still on my wishlist. The more I thought about the gear the more I realized that I have received a bunch of other gifts with the same intent, to motivate.

Shortly after my girlfriend and I started dating she gave me a keychain with the word “Truebluetitan” engraved on it. The gift was simple, but I love it. Then this year for my birthday, she surprised me with a framed picture of the Truebluetitan logo which now sits proudly on my mantle as a constant reminder of who I am and what I’m trying to accomplish. Over the years I have received custom business cards, engraved business card holders, and even a leather passport case (for my international traveling days) as gifts from some of the people closest to me. It’s these gifts, more so these people, that constantly push me, and encourage me whenever I feel disheartened or unsure of whether or not I’m doing the right thing.

Truebluetitan Logo

I’m extremely appreciative of my family as well. My father is the one who blessed me with this entrepreneurial spirit, owning a business of his own. I always look to him for insight and guidance. There’s nothing quite like hearing words of wisdom come from a man who started at the bottom and worked his way to the top.

I remember the days at the bottom. I remember both of my parents working nights and weekends just to make ends meet. I remember being made fun of in school for not wearing the name brand clothing. I remember that feeling of uncertainty, and thanks to my dads eagerness to succeed I didn’t have to grow up always feeling that way.

My mom, while never venturing off on her own, always had wonderful advice about Corporate America. Having spent 30 years knee-deep in it, she was quite familiar with the inner-workings and how to handle corporate politics. I’m so thankful for her advice that has helped to rocket my career over the past 5 years. Without her advice I wouldn’t have moved nearly as quickly as I did.

While the journey to become an Internet Entrepreneur may be a hard one, I have no shortage of supporters pushing me to obtain my goal. Regardless of where I end up, there’s no doubt in my mind that I will have made progress because of all them.

I hope that everyone had a happy and safe Thanksgiving!