I’ve never been a big risk taker in any sense of the word.
I didn’t have a grand plan coming out of college either. But deep down, I’ve always been a passionate person, and that’s what tends to drive my decisions. I care a lot about the work I’m involved in and the people around it. So when I was thinking about what came next, I kept coming back to a simple filter: work for someone who genuinely cared about what they were building and took ownership seriously.
From the moment I met Jason at my interview and stepped foot on that boardwalk in Tampa (Julian B. Lane), I knew it would be the right choice.
That decision turned into years of learning, developing, and growing into responsibilities I didn’t fully understand yet, but was trusted with anyway.
Over that time, Jason became more than just my boss. He’s been my mentor from the beginning, and still is today. I’ve learned a lot from him professionally, but just as much from watching how he shows up for people.
After losing my dad in 2021, that relationship took on even more meaning. Jason has been a steady presence and, in many ways, a father figure to me. That kind of guidance sticks with you and shapes how you approach work, leadership, and responsibility.
My dad gave me a lot of advice over the years, but one thing he always emphasized was earning respect and becoming the “go-to guy.” Jason has consistently empowered me to be that person and has shown me that respect along the way.
None of these choices felt risky in the moment. They were just intentional steps, trusting the people, the work, and the direction.
That mindset still guides how I approach things today.
Kyle Stanton
