Where My Mouth Is

A house with a BMW and a boat parked out front

That’s what I wanted.

Comfort.

Not excess. Not flash. Just the kind of comfort where, if Kiwi ever needed something, the question was never “How are we going to pay for this?”

It was simply, “Who do I write the check to?”

I wanted to put my people on.

To take care of the ones who helped me get to where I am.

That was the vision when I started my career as a recruiter.

Success is never a solo act. There’s always a tribe in your corner. Integrity, helping people, and doing right by others are at the core of a fulfilling life and career—but you also need tangible goals. Something real. Something material. Something of this world to chase.

My mom, Louise, and my step-dad, Jim, have been together for over 20 years. Jim is a father figure to me—family in every sense of the word.

He’s your quintessential blue-collar Montana cowboy. A perfect complement to my mom’s personality—steady, grounded, patient in ways no one else could be. My mom, on the other hand, has always had a borderline delusional confidence in me. Unwavering belief. Unconditional love.

Jim was a young single father, too. He set an example for me—not just in how to parent, but in how to work hard, stay disciplined, and quietly pursue goals without needing recognition.

For a long time, Mom and Jim had two properties between Dillon, Montana and Salmon, Idaho. They worked constantly—taking care of their houses, their animals, and everyone else who needed help. They were always there when I needed to move. Always there with the “It’s going to be okay” text. They were the first “Congratulations on the baby” message when it mattered most.

Despite all that work, vacations weren’t really an option.

Jim spent his career with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Nature is his element. He loves to fly and had been to the Big Island of Hawaii once—something he talked about often. One night, over beers, he was describing his time there and how badly he wanted to take my mom someday.

That’s when I banked the idea.

They’re notorious for talking about doing things and never actually doing them. There’s always a reason. Always an excuse. Life gets in the way.

I looked at Jim and told him, “When I make enough money, I’m going to fly you and Mom to Hawaii.”

Then two years went by.

I experienced success. I made mistakes. I learned hard lessons as a banking recruiter. And I never forgot my promise. Coming off a career year in 2020 and a strong showing in 2021, I finally had the means to deliver on that promise.

But I wanted it done right.

No worrying about budgets. No cutting corners. No pinching pennies. The trip needed to be comfortable—every accommodation covered.

Some people daydream about goals. A lot of times, they stay fantasies. For me, if I say it, I mean it. One thing I’ve always hated is talking about aspirations with someone who isn’t serious about following through.

I don’t even know if Jim remembered me saying it. I’m sure he appreciated the intent at the time.

But seven years into my career, in November of 2021, I was able to surprise them with $10,000—enough for an all-expenses-paid trip to Hawaii.

When I handed it to them, I watched Jim slowly realize what was happening.

That moment made every sacrifice worth it.

Never forget where you came from—or who was standing with you when the vision was still blurry. Those people are the reason you develop the resilience to push through and break through.

There’s nothing better than checking something off the wish list.

It’s a reminder of how far you’ve come—and that there’s still a lot left to achieve.

-- Alex de Golia