A Very Special "Thank You!"

I had a first a few weeks ago after delivering a keynote to Sonic Automotive. They surprised me with a “Thank You” that really blew me away!

When I returned to my hotel room after their 2025 Annual Meeting, I had this incredible note waiting for me – beyond the wonderful hospitality they showed me that day, they also made a $1,000 donation to one of my favorite organizations as a “Thank You”.

Not only was this incredibly thoughtful, but it speaks highly of their commitment to investing back into their communities. In all my speaking engagements, this was a first for me!

What was the organization? Big City Mountaineers. They make it possible for kids from big cities, who have never been outdoors, to have backpacking and outdoor adventure trips. These trips teach powerful skills, allow kids to connect with our natural resources, and foster that sense of self-discovery and resilience that comes from achieving new things.

As many of you know, I have a passion for mountaineering, and I also have a passion for organizations where the leaders and volunteers are accessible and called to act on what they believe. Not only is Big City Mountaineers a well-run non-profit, but they have an exceptional leadership team who are making a difference every day in the lives of kids.

My personal and professional worlds are much the same - dedicated to the power of experiences to transform. Thank you, Sonic Automotive, for so beautifully honoring the power of experiences to make a difference in the lives of your customers, teammates, and the kids at Big City Mountaineers!