The wind increased to a howl; the waves dashed their bucklers together; the whole squall roared, forked, and crackled around us like a white fire upon the prairie, in which, unconsumed, we were burning; immortal in these jaws of death.
Floating on the waves we saw the abandoned boat, as for one instant it tossed and gaped beneath. There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life when a man takes this whole universe for a vast practical joke, though the wit thereof he but dimly discerns, and more than suspects that the joke.
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“The harder the road, the highest the fun. Nature is Awesome.”
Sore Romano
The wind increased to a howl; the waves dashed their bucklers together; the whole squall roared, forked, and crackled around us like a white fire upon the prairie, in which, unconsumed, we were burning; immortal in these jaws of death! In vain we hailed the other boats; as well roar to the live coals down the chimney of a flaming furnace as hail those boats in that storm. Meanwhile the driving scud, rack, and mist, grew darker with the shadows of night; no sign of the ship could be seen.
The rising sea forbade all attempts to bale out the boat. The oars were useless as propellers, performing now the office of life-preservers. So, cutting the lashing of the waterproof match keg, after many failures Starbuck contrived to ignite the lamp in the lantern; then stretching it on a waif pole, handed it to Queequeg as the standard-bearer of this forlorn hope. There, then, he sat, holding up that imbecile candle in the heart of that almighty forlornness. There, then, he sat, the sign and symbol.
Written by Marry Roads February 5, 2021
Michael Hess
Michael has over thirty-five years of business leadership and entrepreneurship experience. He started several consumer product and ecommerce companies, most notably Skooba Design (a well-known brand of travel accessories for road warriors). His other “babies” included Hot Dog Yoga Gear and Journeyware Travel Outfitters. After selling the businesses, Michael spent a couple of years as a consultant and public speaker, helping other small and midsize businesses up their games. He is now on the leadership team of a prominent company in the law enforcement equipment and training space.
Fun Fact: while running his businesses, in his “spare time” Michael wrote a popular small business column for CBS News/Moneywatch, and several for Entrepreneur Magazine.
Cliff Hunnicutt
VP Commercial Banking, Blue Harbor Bank
Cliff has spent his numerous years in banking serving numerous positions from Branch Management to Commercial Lending and Business Banking. Prior to joining blueharbor bank, Mr. Hunnicutt was Vice President of Business Banking with Park Sterling, formerly Citizens South Bank. Actively involved in the Lake community he is a charter member of Top of the Lake Mooresville Rotary Club, serves on the Board of the Sharon White Foundation and is Chair of the American Cancer Society’s Mooresville Lake Norman Relay for Life. Mr. Hunnicutt attended Georgia Southern University majoring in Journalism and is a graduate of the North Carolina Bankers Association School of Banking.
Harm Stratman
As a seasoned business strategist with deep expertise in process valve, microvalve, and sensor technology, I drive growth strategies for small to medium-sized enterprises using a Kaizen-inspired approach. My background as a former Navy officer enhances my focus on leadership and team management, vital for fostering innovation. Beyond my professional endeavors, my passions include wooden boatbuilding, scuba diving, regatta sailing, and dinghy racing, activities that reflect my love for precision, adventure, and the great outdoors.
In marketing and sales, I advocate for personalized strategies to connect deeply with customers, promoting sustainable growth. My consultancy services are enriched by my hobbies, offering a unique blend of rigorous discipline and creative problem-solving. With a “no result, no pay” philosophy, I’m committed to delivering tangible outcomes. Specializing in bespoke strategies, I aim to meet each client’s specific needs, driving technological advancements and creating lasting value while balancing a life that intertwines professional acumen with private passions for the sea and craftsmanship.
Adam Anderson
CEO Western Energy
Adam Anderson brings over 20 years of C-Level leadership and corporate marketing experience to the VerticalFX advisory board. Prior to joining the VerticalFX team, Mr. Anderson built and led numerous sales/marketing organizations in the energy, automation, and utility sectors. In recent months, he has been responsible for the complete rebranding of Western Fuels Association, Inc.
In the years before entering the energy industry, Mr. Anderson served over 25 years in the U.S. Air Force as both an enlisted airman and an officer, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Lt Col Anderson earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering and Legal Studies from the United States Air Force Academy and received his MBA from St. Mary’s University.
Lily O’Donnell
Senior Account Executive
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Allie & Zeus
Corporate Security Operations
Both Allie, 4 and Zeus, 2 are Belgian Malinois and ensure all corporate property stays safe. Allie comes from an IGP3 champion bloodline and is the granddaughter of Bear, from the series Person of Interest. Zeus was adopted from a breeder after an accident broke his rear legs and he was rehabilitated. He’s doing great and can make it to the gate faster than the bad guys.
Andres Prieta, MBA
Director of Design Services
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Blair Fuller, PMP, CEO
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