One of the biggest issue that every entrepreneur must face is dealing with the “down” times… times when something (possibly) negative has happened, that distracts him/her from the key objective that they were focused on, to dealing with the unexpected.
The recent Tech Ranch Move, which was unexpected, is exactly that.
Yes, we had a year extension on our lease. We’d negotiated so that it was possible to keep our present location (which was not perfect for us by any means, because of many limitations) for at least a year longer. Then we were told that the group that we were subleasing from had their lease terminated.
It was “tragic” and “distracting” and many other words. It was ill timed. Not what I wanted to focus on. Yet now, on the eve of signing a new lease, I see it as a gift. Perhaps some greater consciousness (or whatever) telling me to “grow the Tech Ranch Austin” up. It was time.
The present location that we’re at was not working for the Tech Ranch Austin for quite a while. We’d have Campfires of 65 people that just did not work at our present location. The AC didn’t work good enough. Everyone was cramped. And it was a hard location to find.
But at this point, before I announce the new location, I can tell you, the process of being forced to focus on something that I really was not ready to focus on has been a net positive. We’re moving, and no matter which of the locations that we pick to move to, we’re going to be moving to a better place. A place that we’re going to be able to handle our mission so much better than before. Each location that is on the top 3 locations is massively better than where we’re at now. What’s so interesting is how blind to how much better it could be that I was.
So as I write this, I say “Lemons, meet lemonade”. Life’s lessons in entrepreneurship have taught me that “change” is not so simple as “good” or “bad”. I am thankful for the help that you’ve all given to me as I’ve looked to finding the next Ranch location. All I can say at this point is that I am excited, for it is looking very good.
It is through the community that the faithless have become the faithful. Thank you for your support! (and thanks for continuing to make our mission possible!)
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