What began as a few reflections has grown into a living memoir — a chronicle of resilience, fatherhood, football, business, and legacy.
Written by Alex de Golia, founder of Al Ki Consultants, The Story follows the experiences, lessons, and personal philosophies that have shaped his life and career. Each year carries its own mantra, and each story captures another chapter in a journey of growth, perseverance, and building something meaningful.
2026 - Stick to the Plan (Keep Building)
Funny how the things we work so hard to acquire don't always end up meaning what we thought they would.
Sometimes the real reward is something entirely different.
Three Way.
I promise it's about football.
Or is it?
Sometimes you lose and learn.
Sometimes you win...and still lose.
There's a lesson in both.
18 years goes by faster than you think.
A lot of growth. A few mistakes. Some lessons learned.
But I was there.
From the first day of school to graduation.
This one has a few layers.
Who gave you your name?
And more importantly...
What have you done with it?
We Grew Up Together: A Letter to My Daughter Before She Turns 18
Nobody talks enough about what happens AFTER you achieve the thing you spent years chasing.
I Thought I’d Have It All by 30. I Didn’t. And That Was the Point
No crowd. No stats. No film.
Still the best day of my football career.
Down years don’t define you.
Your response does.
Walking didn’t just change my body — it changed my mind.
No hacks.
No shortcuts.
Just one foot in front of the other, every day, for years.
This is about consistency, sustainability, and trusting the process.
2025 - Effectuate (Keep Pushing)
I made a promise over beers that took seven years to keep
20 years ago, a small-town team taught me everything I now know about leadership, resilience, and winning in life.
This is the story — and the lesson I still use every day
You don’t just find your roots — you feel them.
State or Bust:
A Senior Season That Didn't Cut Corners
How Dillon, Montana Built Champions with Blue Collar Grit, Broken Bones, and Tradition
Behind every placement is gratitude: for trust, opportunity, and the chance to provide for my family.
Keep Going.
You have no idea what's coming.....
Keep Showing Up
Progress Happens Even When It’s Hard to See
Four major milestones in life—from high school graduation to career wins.
What started as a dream to open a beachside club turned into a journey through education, recruiting, and growth.
Sometimes, the places we revisit show us how far we’ve come
The key to any success in life is based around your mindset.
Keep Swinging that axe.......eventually the tree will fall
2024 - Longanimity (Keep Growing)
As we look to 2025, it's time to reflect on 2024.
Naturally it prompts you to think about the highs and lows of life.
The process leads to thinking about regrets.
Here are my biggest regrets in life.
Competition in Life is Key
Learning why you compete is more important
If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride – and never quit, you’ll be a winner.
The price of victory is high, but so are the rewards.
Don't discredit your hard work and abilities.
Never question why you're in the position you're in.
You've earned it and you belong
Take a risk if you're unhappy.
Bet on yourself
I pinch myself thinking back, because this boat, is exactly what I pictured when I had "made it" in life
Try new things with a different group of people.
It teaches you way more than you think it will.
I was addicted and lost.....
But I don't have a "what if" in my life either
It doesn't matter what your hobbies or creative outlets are.
Somehow, you've got to try to incorporate them into your work. The combination will take you to a level you didn’t realize possible and open doors you never knew were there.
Completely different yet still the same
A to the K
Kyle de Golia is an absolute inspiration in my life
2023 - Elevate (Keep Climbing)
Your original plan isn't as important as the people, places, and detours you're given along the way.
I wouldn't be where I am in my career without the University of Idaho and my classmates
Doors close and then you have to decide if and how to change course
I knew when it was my time.....
Most important in life is where you're going.
But equally powerful is where and who you come from.
Mi abuelita es de Nicaragua
It's not about the touchdowns......it's about the pursuit.
Don't stop being creative and having fun.
You never know what it will lead to.
You’re one decision away from living an entirely different life.
And I’m happy with the “business” decision that lead me here today.
Even if you don’t use the job experience down the road, the EXPERIENCE itself is still good to realize that something is or isn’t for you long term.
Shout out to the FYC
When you keep going and keep pushing, all of the sudden, positivity starts flowing your way
When you look at your life and what you want to do, are you too small? Or are you going to do it regardless of your circumstances?
If you want to do something in life your mindset and your work ethic is more important than your inherited talent. Hard work maximizes everything.
Individual success is all based off of the support and circle that you have.
One of the biggest catalysts in my life is my big brother, Eric
2022 - Trust the Process (Keep Going)
As we take stock in our lives and reflect as 2022 comes to an end it's important to find your reason for getting up every day and pursuing your goals.
My reason is Integrity..........
Show me your friends, I'll show you your future
Individual effort in life is important in success. But no one who is completely successfull does it alone. Who is your in your circle?
I was lucky enough to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right guys
It’s easy to get down when your vision of life is completely thrown off. But it’s also important to not quit when these times get tough. Even if it isn’t the greatest you’ve ever been, you still have to keep going. That is the only way you’ll get through the storm.
Never discount any of your past experiences. Embrace them, use them, and draw from them to get you where you need to go in the future.
Sometimes in life you think everything is working out the exact way it's supposed to and then you're thrown a curveball.
We all have to pivot and change direction in life, what's important is how you handle the aftermath.
My curveball in life was at Mendocino College in Ukiah, CA in 2007
Don’t forget, even if you’re focused on the NEXT thing, what you’re doing now is crucial in your life.
And quite frankly, a lot of times, MORE important than the original goal.
Life is about choices
Personal life or professional, we all make decisions based on the information we have. Only you can decide if it's right or wrong. Either way, the journey teaches and can be one hell of a ride.
My journey started in Yellowstone National Park not because I visited......but because I lived there.
Where did you start your story?
Push yourself into a situation that overwhelms you and challenges everything that you are.
It’s even more important to weather that storm, be patient, and give your new situation time in order for you to settle in.
My Blue Collar
"What sets you apart from the next is how you look at those opportunities and what you do with them. "