John Bilanko

Dear Lauren,

Some people say that entrepreneurs are born and not made. We are supposed to possess great vision with an insatiable passion and drive to make our dreams a reality. But then there are people like me, incurable dreamers, driven more by a stubborn sense of independence and defiance of authority than any passion to change the world.

The truth is I don't have a secret formula that can predict your success. But I feel compelled to pass along some fatherly advice to guide you along your own adventure.

Have the courage to overcome your fears. Stay focused. Never give up. Set high standards for yourself and never compromise those standards. Always do what your heart tells you is right.

Since you were old enough to talk you never hesitated to express your opinions. I suppose I should have recognized the signs when, as a child, you disagreed with me about everything and always had to have the last word.

Creative people are not like the rest of us. They see things in a different light. They're outspoken, unhappy with the status quo. They challenge convention, take risks, push the envelope and blaze new trails where others fear to go. But something tells me you already know that.

Love,
Dad