Looking back at 2017: Growth and Parting Ways

Bryce Raley
By: Bryce Raley
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Between copious amounts of holiday parties, last minute Christmas shopping, and simply trying to end the year strong it's all too easy to rush into the new year without even taking a glance back at 2017. As our team is preparing to take next week off to celebrate Christmas and recharge before 2018, we are taking some time to slow down and do a little reflection on the past year - most importantly, some changes that we've yet to announce officially to the world.

There's still a week left in the year so we won't tally the sales numbers yet (if you've got a proposal out there - 'tis the season for signing), but we can say that in 2017 we've pumped out some strong lead-generating websites and begun partnerships with companies who are poised for growth.

Additionally, our team has grown in every direction to keep up with the demand. Alea and Courtney joined our team at the beginning of the year and are now leading our partners' monthly programs as Directors of Partner Marketing.

Then in July, Michalah, Glenn, and Matt joined our team and Taylor became full time. Michalah is now our Content Manager, coordinating and writing a lot of the content that goes out the door. Glenn, Director of Client Development, has been building relationships and making an impact in our sales world. Matt brought a whole new range of web development skills to The Squad and continues to code websites with speed and precision. And Taylor has enabled us to take our video and photography to a whole new level.

In my book, that makes 2017 a great year.

But amidst all the growth has also come a bittersweet goodbye. In November Jay Stewart, a partner of the business since 2011, began a new chapter in life. Jay felt called to pursue his personal venture Razor Keep as well as to help local ministries, start-up business ventures, and business development projects through consulting.

What the future holds for Jay

Bryce, Jay, and Wayne came to an agreement to move Jay out of an ownership stake in The Squad, and give him the flexability to pursue his passions.

It would be amiss to say that the decision was easy, but as a company we are led by our mission to do good works and serve passionately, and we know that sometimes that means enabling team members to pursue new doors for the future.

Here's a little word from Jay on the transition:

"This decision is based on several things, but most important was working a deal that was going to be best for The Squad and Sarah and myself. I feel very blessed to have been a part of Bryce’s vision and to have played a role in building The Squad to where we are today. Even though I’ll no longer be an owner, I will always have a place in my heart for the vision and the "Squad family."

In this new chapter, Razor Keep is at the forefront of Jay's focus. Razor Keep is a new product, designed by Jay, to extend the life of razors and ensure a close and comfortable shave, especially for individuals with sensitive skin.

Even though it means a loss for us, we wholeheartedly support Jay's venture and new focus in life.

We are thankful for all that Jay has given to The Squad. When Bryce became ill with Lyme disease in 2012, Jay shifted into a leading role at The Squad and is one of the key reasons we are still here today. Jay will forever hold a special place in the history of The Squad.

Additionally, Sarah Stewart, Jay's wife, is still a major part of our team as our Office Administrator.

The best way to get in touch with Jay is by emailing him at jay@jaystewartconsulting.com.

As we go into 2018 we look forward to watching Jay's ventures succeed, and The Squad is gearing up for a year of continued growth and expansion.

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“For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” -Ephesians 2:10
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