Vision, Growth, and Stepping Fully Into the Owner Seat

Focused Work and Finding the Right Balance

This past week, I was out of town to get some truly focused work done and to have extra help with Jett. Being away from my husband always sucks, but it is one of those seasons where the tradeoff makes sense. I get uninterrupted work time and support with the baby, and he gets solid, distraction free days to work on the house.

It is not ideal, but it is intentional. And right now, intentional matters more than perfect.

Annual Business Retreat in Fredericksburg

After a full work week, we headed to Fredericksburg on Friday for our annual business retreat and planning session for 2026. This trip has become one of my favorite traditions, and this year did not disappoint.

The business review was eye opening. We talked through everything. What is working, what is not, and where friction is showing up as we grow. We addressed our issues head on, knowing full well that new ones will pop up as they always do. But for now, we solved what needed solving.

The best part was dreaming together about what this business can become. I have zero desire to coast. Contentment is great, but stagnation is not for me. I want this business to grow beyond anything I could have imagined when I started. I want to help more businesses, create more jobs, and eventually be in a position to fund and support small businesses in meaningful ways.

Helping small businesses grow has always been my passion. The more successful ABJ becomes, the more impact I can make.

A Growing Team and Clearer Structure

One of the biggest takeaways from our annual planning was how much our team has grown. During our last annual, we had three people. Now, we have ten. That alone is wild to say out loud.

We made major updates to our accountability chart to better reflect where we are today and where we are heading. Clear roles matter more as the team grows. Everyone needs to know what they own, what they are responsible for, and how they contribute to the bigger picture.

Seeing the team operate at this level is incredibly rewarding. We are building something real, and it shows.

Jett Adventures and Learning on the Fly

In Jett news, we had a parenting moment that definitely falls under the category of “you do what you have to do.” We forgot his bottle when we went out to dinner on Friday night. To hold him over until we could get back to the Vrbo, we skipped a few steps and let him try sweet potato mash and grits.

It worked. He was satisfied, probably a little shocked, but very happy. He clearly loved the sweet potatoes. Parenting continues to be a mix of preparation and improvisation, and we are getting better at rolling with it.

Stepping Fully Into the Owner Role

This upcoming week is heavy with meetings, but I am excited about it. One of my biggest goals for 2026 is to step fully into my role as the owner of my company. Not the do everything person. Not the fixer. The owner.

I actually sat down and wrote out my responsibilities. What I should be focused on. What I should not be doing. And when I feel off track, I can look at that list and realign myself quickly.

Growth requires discipline. Not just in work, but in staying in the right lane.

Looking Ahead

This year feels different in the best way. Clearer vision. Stronger team. Bigger goals.

There will be challenges, growing pains, and moments of doubt. But there is also momentum, purpose, and a deep belief in what we are building.

2026 is going to be a great year.