Watching my kids play sports, I’ve seen firsthand the difference between solo and team competition. When they run track, it’s all on them. The training, the effort, the outcome. No one’s passing them the ball or setting them up for a shot. But when they’re on the basketball court, the lacrosse field, or the baseball diamond, it’s a whole different game. Success isn’t just about individual skill. It’s about trusting your teammates, communicating, and knowing that everyone has a role to play.

Eight years ago, when I started Enrich, I was running solo. It was just me, putting in the work, making every decision, and figuring it out as I went. There was no one to strategize with, no one to pass the ball to. It was all on me. But as the company grew, everything changed. The right people joined, each bringing their own strengths, ideas, and energy. Suddenly, we weren’t just moving forward. We were playing off each other, solving problems together, and creating something bigger than any one person could on their own.

That’s why placing third in Buffalo Business First’s Best Places to Work is such a huge honor. This award isn’t about me. It’s about the team. It’s based on their feedback, their experience, and the culture we’re building together. And that means everything.

After years in corporate America, I knew I wanted Enrich to be different. I wanted to build a place where people want to show up, where collaboration fuels creativity, and where we all get better because we’re in it together. This recognition is just another indication that we’re doing just that.

To the team, thank you. You make this place what it is. And I can’t wait to see where we go next.