Thread by @alexhillman

I’ve been trying to get my best friend Erik to quit his job and go independent for like…10 years.

He’s not in tech. He works in wine.

He finally took the step in December. Today he’s named a Sommolier of the year by Food and Wine Magazine.

bit.ly/2JrWvlN

🎉🎉🎉

If you look at their description, they make it sound like he’s always been some kind of high-powered wine expert.

I don’t think he’d be mad if I told you: it wasn’t always like that.

I was there when he was a floor manager at a steakhouse that ran him ragged.

I was there when he was spending countless hours studying for his somm exams.

I was there when he was wildly underpaid. When his skills were overlooked.

When his hard work was thrown away because someone with an ego and power thought they knew better.

He refused to believe me that he could go out on his own and do better. He made every excuse in the book.

He finally ran out of excuses.

What he didn’t realize was how valuable the relationships he’d built along the way would be.

And he was afraid to try to activate it by simply saying “here are the valuable ways I can help you.”

In December he had grand plans of launching a website and a “menu” of services and everything.

I told him it didn’t matter, and to invest that time into reaching out to his network and doing sales.

He’s basically booked solid BEFORE this Food and Wine honor.

I love ya bro and I’m glad you finally trusted in yourself.

p.s. for anyone keeping track, yes I married a chef, and yes my best friend works in wine and yes, I have my priorities PERFECTLY straight.

AND THE TWO PEOPLE I LOVE THE MOST ARE BOTH INDEPENDENT NOW MUAHAHAHAHAHA

indyhall.org/10k/