It was hard not to notice our next stranger sitting on a tandem bike with his companion, Lyselle.
Meet Brian.
So you’re bike riding and having adventures today? “Yeah, that’s a way to put it.”
What do you do when you’re not out and about? “I own an industrial motor repair company. We basically repair big, bad-ass magnets for power plants and coal mines. We have a small foundry and some different metal cutting machines. I do some music, and I’m a self-development coach.”
What advice would you give to your younger self? “Engage people. You know, your network is your net worth. You’re as valuable was the ideas that surround you. The ideas that people possess. So, engage it. You gotta engage them. Know where you’re headed and get those ideas surrounding you. If you’re seeking money, well then you probably need to get around more affluent people. If you’re seeking art, you need to get around artists.”
I heard a saying that you’re the product of the five people you hang around with the most. “Absolutely. Your wealth, the amount of money you’ll see, your health, your attitude, all kinds of things, your manners… And I don’t believe that it’s six degrees of separation anymore. I think we’re probably looking at three or four now with the Internet. You’re only just a few steps away from the prince of any country or the king or the president of any nation. There are barriers to entry, but you can still navigate through them. The opportunities will follow, the success will follow, the dreams will follow quicker when you have the proper people on your team.”
Technical Notes: It was the end of the day and the sun was shining on Brian’s right side. I used a reflector to bounce some light onto his face to create a more even look.