How We Left Our Corporate Jobs and Became Shoe Cobblers | A Bittersweet Farewell
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
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Video Edited By: Ashley Saldanha
Please do a tour of the new shop once you guys are settled!!! And great story sharing :)
We definitely will. Glad you enjoyed it! We appreciate you watching!
Nnn not sure
Your Dad was my Squadron Commander. when I was in the 42nd ACCS! What a small world. He was one of the best Commanders I ever had the honor of serving under.
I hope he is doing well. Great memories of Davis-Monthan AFB. I jumped out of my chair when you put a picture of him up. I no kidding yelled "Wait, That's Col Potter! I know him!"
Thanks for the really interesting videos. I hope you didn't get your polishing skills from having to polish up Dad's boots. Well, perhaps it did you well in the long run.
Best wishes to your Dad and family.
You guys are the reason I now have some quality shoes like Allen Edmonds & vintage Florsheim, so mission accomplished with this channel. Im saving up to send a pair or two of thrifted shoes to you for new soles.
That’s awesome, Michael! Glad to know our videos have helped. 👍 We’re always happy to help!!
Michael Deming same. The video on AE First Avenue boot resoling - a week later, I had a pair of lightly used First Avenues, my first dress boot. I now have 11 pairs of dress boots LOL!
When you really get into quality shoes, you'll find out that Allen Edmonds is at the entry-level.
I honestly enjoyed learning the "origin" story guys! I would have loved to see the sandal prototyping process, the shop decoration process, some everyday stuff you deal with would be great content for the future! We like seeing you guys, get into the style stuff also. ;)
Thank you very much! Perhaps we can address some of those in the near future.
Well done gentlemen. Follow your dream.
Hello my friends! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a video so much. Thanks for sharing your story - it was truly inspirational. It feels so good to see truly talented people who are also genuinely kind, honest souls succeed. Really thrilled for you. I’ve been around for most of your TH-cam journey, and it’s been a joy. I’m excited for the ride to take us to new places. Good luck. Just love you guys! A great Heath moment: “I can do that!” Now THERE’S an understatement! 😉
Thank you so much, Anthony! We really appreciate that. You’re an awesome guy, and we’ve enjoyed getting to know you. Thank you for your support from the beginning!! Great guy!!
As someone who runs a family business this really resonates with me. Starting a business is hard work, growing a business is hard work. You guys have a terrific vision for your products and your brand. You have a wonderful attention to detail. Your commitment to old world quality is something that stands out and I think many Americans are starting to crave. Your videos aren't sales videos, they are informative and educational with the marketing trojan horse of building your brand. I appreciate that you can be honest and real about the struggles of starting and running a business. No wonder you are growing at a time when many businesses are struggling. Stories like yours exemplify that if you build it they will come, keep up the excellent work and the humble commitment to quality!
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I've been active duty Air Force now for almost 17 years. Keep up the great videos!
Thank you very much! Aim High!
You are not just clobbers! You are master shoe makers!!!
Thank you so very much!
Congrats, guys! As they say, “no risk, no reward.” What a great story.
Thank you so much! Very true.
Your story is amazing! I’ve been watching your channel for several weeks now and must admit that your videos are compelling. Back in 2003, a couple years before I retired, I bought several pair of Allen Edmonds shoes. I’ve since given all but two pair away. The remaining ones are still in phenomenal shape. I recently had to have the heel cap replaced on one pair, but otherwise they’re perfect. I didn’t realize it at the time I bought them, but am so glad I made the right choice. Last week, as a result of watching one of your videos I ordered a pair of Dalton boots. I hope y’all don’t end up costing me too much in shoe purchases. Finally, I have to say that what you guys are doing perfectly reflects a passage in the book of Proverbs that says, “Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings and not before unknown men.” Thank you for your quality videos!
Thank you so very much! We really appreciate that. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed our videos, and we hope we don’t end up costing you too much. 😉
Heath LAUGHS! Who would have thought? So now you're threatening us with even better videos. Gauntlet has hit the ground with a tremor. You guys have pretty much outdone yourself with this one. For anyone watching you've managed to reveal the source of your success ... you guys have heart. Success couldn't have happened to a better family. Keep 'the videos coming guys.
As always, you’re too kind! Thank you very much!
You two are some of the most likeable guys on TH-cam. Been a fan of the channel for a long time. Congratulations on the new shop.
Thank you so very much!
It's so inspirational to listen to the stories of people who started out with a little dream and watched that dream grow over time. As someone who knows next to nothing about shoe making, I find your videos super informative and generally just relaxing to watch. Thanks for the content and the consistent quality videos you produce. Keep safe, guys!
P.S - can't wait to see your new premises! (Also, for a second when I read your video tag I thought you were closing your channel. Glad that's not the case!)
You’re too kind. Thank you very much!
I have a greater level of respect for Heath now since learning he was a history teacher. I’m also a history teacher and love hearing the origin stories of particular brands and individual shoes/boots. I wish y’all the best in your new shop!
Thank you very much! Thanks for your service as a teacher.
Imagine them making leather belts and watch bands 😆
I’d buy a watch band. Definitely!
Tennessee grads! I don't know if I can watch the videos anymore... I just graduated from Alabama. Roll Tide!
Not to worry, our dad is a Tide grad! 😎
Great, genuine people delivering and great genuine product
You’re too kind. Thank you very much!
Interesting story guys. By the way, Air Force brat here. I was born on Tyndall AFB, about 2 weeks after I was born Dad went TDY to Greenland for a year. He hitched flights back to be home for my first birthday. My parents made every move an adventure, think it made me and my siblings more rounded and resourceful.
That’s awesome, Elizabeth! Our dad was stationed at Tyndall when we were both in elementary school. Loved that area and still go back for vacation most years! We always enjoyed moving to new places and experiencing new things. I completely agree with you on military kids!
These guys are typical Southerners. Likable, charismatic, gracious, friendly. Weird how reality is 180 degrees from what the media portrays.
The media likes to show the worst of everything.
THESE guys are indeed very very well rounded individuals, probably because as they mentioned they’ve been & lived throughout the world, experienced different cultures & the thoughts that go with them. Having said that there are quite a few Southerners whose minds are just the opposite of these gentlemen (I know as I live in the South). I’ll leave it there.
@@LexPips Love the implication that you have to live outside the United States (and especially the South, no doubt) to become a well rounded individual. As far as "minds just the opposite of these gentlemen," there are people like that everywhere, and in my experience it's much more common outside the South, not inside. Indeed, the most vituperative, vicious bigotry is directed these days at white Southerners. In most cases the bigotry is not even stated; it's simply assumed. What does the C. stand for, David? Cohen?
@@billwall267 jesus, you just couldn't resist that last part could you? I think you're proving his point you nincompoop. 🤦♂️
Thank you, Bill! We really appreciate that. Lots of great folks everywhere, but we do enjoy the South. 😉 Again, we really appreciate all of you watching and being a part of the journey!
Saw the video title and froze because I thought you might be retiring from TH-cam. So happy to hear that’s not the case. 😊
Loved hearing your story, it’s so lovely to hear about how you started small and just kept doing what you felt was right and then seen the reward for it. I live in the UK and have never even visited the US but love hearing about your shop, lives, struggles and successes. It’s very engaging and I’m wishing you all the best for your new move.
Thank you so very much!
How about posting some videos focused on the women's sandals with a woman or two commenting on wearing the sandals to drawn more female viewers? Additionally, try a variation of one of Antonio's videos talking about the business challenges you faced as you started up to draw in some business/entrepreneur viewers. Have you done any community service projects that could share some TH-cam exposure? Do you have any regular customers who have made special contributions or significant personal achievements tied to their relationship with you, your families, or your business--do a profile on them. Maybe a posting about how the shoe crafting machinery works for the gearheads in your audience. Talk about the interior decorating of the new place--focus on the artifacts and objects that decorate the business space and why they are important to you. Just some ideas. Good luck on the new site!
Kevin Gould Whew, that’s a lot of suggestions! We appreciate it though. We’re definitely going to do some of those soon, so stay tuned.
Congratulations on the need to upgrade!!!! Cannot wait to see the new content!
Thank you very much!
Congratulations guys!! Very happy for you!! Thanks for all the videos!!
Thank you very much!
Air Force brats, me too. Dad was a Flight Engineer on the B-24 in WW II and the B-29 in Korea. We lived at Johnson AFB in Japan 1954 to 1957. I kept the B-52D flying in Vietnam. Great TH-cam channel.
Very cool! Thank you for your service!
You are good people.You do great by your customers. You never take short cuts on your repairs. You respect the customer. That's why this horrible thing has happened to you LOL. I love those old machines you have. It was so amazing to me the first time I watched you guys. Been here every since. You are truly blessed and deserve it.
Thank you so very much! We are truly blessed in so many ways.
The most important thing with your videos are you, your knowledge and your authentical will to give us good, usable knowledge and content we can rely on! The sound and the rest is secondary. Please keep on doing the great videos you do and I will gladly keep looking at them. I am happy for your success, you have earned it by doing a good job.
Thank you so very much!
You both are smart, your organized, your creative and you have a great young brand. You took a chance and it's paid off stunningly. I'm so impressed. I wish you nothing but continued success and growth and having fun. All the best from Columbus.
You’re very kind. Thank you very much!
When I started watching the channel, there were only a couple hundred subscribers, now there are over 200,000, just amazing, Congratulations!
Boots. Cowboy boot repair, maintenance and refurbish. Not enough of that on TH-cam.
We’ve done a couple videos on cowboy boots.
This is the type of story that gives hope to guys like me who share the same philosophy on the whole ‘corporate world’ mentality. I too was stuck in a massive rut with a desire to be self employed. I’m a tradesman and thoroughly enjoy working with my hands and thinking through a project or process. A lot of times I wouldn’t be afforded an avenue to think on my own. Ego seems to get the best of a lot of people. So I would just put my head down, cinch up my belt and work as hard as I could all the while dying a little inside each time. I did work for some great people along the way too but it just wasn’t fulfilling. I’m so grateful for you guys sharing your story. About 8 months ago my wife and I took our first steps to self employment. It’s been a grind and we haven’t hit the jackpot yet but the fulfillment of the whole situation is GREAT and I anxiously (emphasis on anxious 😟) await our future. Thanks a million times for sharing. I deeply admire your work and craftsmanship. It’s quite inspiring. I’m originally from western AZ so we were either barefoot or had flip flops/sandals on so I will definitely be checking out your sandal videos. Most of my family on my dad’s side hail from TN and a very good friend from growing up played basketball at University of TN. ‘It’s an orange thing..you wouldn’t understand.’ Go VOLS!!
Cool video guys. Its nice to know the history and glad you are doing so well. You both seem like true southern gentlemen and deserve much success.
Thank you so very much!
Nice to see the brothers working together and doing a great job. Thanks for sharing your story.
You guys are the best and deserve much success.
Thank you so very much!
So far it's been wonderful and I've enjoyed every video! Looking forward to seeing more.
Thank you so very much!
Go Vols! Went to grad school there and worked from '90 to '00 in K-town.
Go VOLS! We loved our time there. Loved football season and Kappa Sig!
Congratulations to both of you. Most guys like me don’t really know which brands are really worth the money and what you all show and recommend helps me when I decide on which brands to buy and most importantly which ones to avoid. Thank you both for all your hard work. I loved hearing your story.
That's pretty cool. Following your interest is a key to happiness.
What a terrific and fascinating story! I found your channel about 4 months ago, but it has really changed how I think about shoes. Your videos are awesome and the appeal is much more than your knowledge of the industry. My grandfather was a cobbler, but he left the business before I was born so I never actually saw him work on shoes. However, he was an extremely meticulous and detail oriented person and when I see your videos, I always think of him. I'm sure working with shoes was also a labor of love for him and that comes through in your videos too. I'm also an entrepreneur who made the transition from corporate america 24 years ago. Yes, there have been challenges. Yes, my wife didn't always agree with my business decisions. But I got to see my 3 children grow up and never missed a school function or sporting event. And of course, there's much to be said about spending most of your time doing something you're passionate about and that you enjoy. I look forward to more great video content and I wish you all the best in your new location!
Wow, t you very much! Congratulations on your business as well. You can’t put a price in spending time with family! ❤️
Very enjoyable to get the back story on your journey. I was a tad surprised as I thought, from your company name, that you grew up with a cobbler Dad and were taking over. LOL Trust me, men do not get information on good shoes ANYWHERE, so good on you for jumping into the YT forum to help educate the unwashed masses! I'll be receiving my two pairs of those gorgeous men's sandals this coming week and look forward to a quality pair of flip flops!
Thank you so very much! Yeah, I suppose we backed into this business. 😂
Hi Trenton & Heath, been watching your videos for a while. I decided to try and resole my Iron Ranger on my own. I found some local shop who supply all materials for cobblers.
Definitely will be doing a handsewn because I don't have a machinery at home. What tools do I need for starters?
Here's what I have in mind right now :
- Outsole
- Beveling tool : to cut the edge
- Awl : to pierce and make a hole for the threads
- Some threads - for sewing the outsole to the upper
- Cutter - to cut the excess sole
- Contact cement - to glue to the upper to the outsole
- probably some leather midsole to replace the cork
Anything that I missed?
When I bought my first pair of exspensive to me boots from a high end western boot store in Scottsdale AZ I never knew how much I lucked out that they were such good quality. After learning from yall about shoes i know how to better take care of my leather and make it last. Thank you from the bottom of my rough and trouble heart! I'll have to look at your ladies sandals as I am looking for some sturdy ones . If yall haven't already I would like a how to look for quality sandals and maybe some hurachas to purchase
Great story! Very humbling and sincere. You are so knowledgeable and it has been so appreciated. Best of luck. God bless!
You’re kind. Thank you very much!
You two are definitely an American success story. I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot about shoes, and being from Florida definitely sandals (flip-flops). Tell your dad this veteran says thanks for his many years of service.
Thank you so very much! We’ll tell him and thank you for your service as well.
You pair are true brothers! watching you bounce off each other is special.
I just came across your channel this last week and have really enjoyed it. The two of you are very refreshing and authentic. I love seeing things restored whether it is an auto, a house, or a quality shoe. The other thing is there is something that appeals to the sense of longing for craftsmanship and commitment to excellence. Keep up the good work and I am glad that you are making these videos to share your work and product.
25:28 ITS OK TO CRY HOMIE!!!💪🏾 MUCH RESPECT!!!... IM WATCHING BECAUSE I WANT TO BE YOU
What an inspirational story. Making of a great American business.
Thanks for doing this video. I never knew you were brothers. Always enjoy your content.
My sister had a 65 Mustang. God she loved it. The color was "Chantilly Beige."
Congrats! Hard work pays off! Also, love that it's a family affair.
I've been watching your videos for a while and never realized you two were brothers. I'm into boots. I started out buying mostly Frye, but only the ones that said full grain. I branched out to Trickers, Churches, Etro, and now into Truman Boots. I have over 50 pairs. I use them all. So they get used about once every 2 months. I have the Cloud Burst Kudo being made by Truman right now. I love your videos.
Really appreciate the story of how this came to be. When my grandfather arrived in the states after fighting in the Korean War, he bought a shoe cobbler business from an Italian guy in southcentral L.A. I remember one time as a child he took me to a very dark musky warehouse where he was picking up some shoe soles.
Great video, fantastic story. Very personal. Thanks for sharing, guys. It's inspiring
Thank you very much!
I just love seeing you guys fix shoes.
Thank you very much!
If you follow your passion the rewards will come over time, no instant gratification, just real world long term satisfaction and security. Give it a few more years and you guys should consider running a shoe making course like the Accademia del Lusso in Italy.
Great video! Thanks for giving us a look into your personal lives and what has driven you to this point.... ..
Trenton when you start to restore your mustang you should DIY the interior yourself!! Incorporate your cobbler skills into custom upholstery!!😉
For me men’s shoes are beautiful. I joined the Trenton & Heath family in February and have watched everything, including many of your referrals, during these last months. Due to having very wide feet, at times I have bought more refined men’s shoes for beauty and comfort. Always worth the investment and take them to Nils Kalf here in Amsterdam when they need work. You both have made life in lockdown much more tolerable, especially because I am not using those shoes much at the moment! ;-) Thank you good luck in your new place.
You’re too kind. Thank you so very much!
Congratulations. It's immensely gratifying to create something with your own hands and be in charge of your own business.
I'm not religious but I believe God has a plan for everyone! And he had a great plan for you guys!!! I Appreciate so much what you guys do! I work with my hands, I make jewelry and really admire your craftsmanship and professionalism!!!
Thank you so very much! We feel God has been with us all the way!
It's great to see a couple of guys with imagination, and who really know how to hustle and go after what they want. Way go go guys, all the best to you both.
Thank you guys classic and modern that is all about thank you guys from Oklahoma 🙏
Hey, gentlemen, thanks for your videos! I have such RESPECT for what you do-during the past two years I've taken a (general) leathercraft class that's offered where I live in northern Indiana from November-April, and I've acquired various leather-working skills along the way but still haven't learned how to use a sewing machine. I'm a musician by training and have been a pipe Organist in the past, which you would think-and you would be right-requires lots of specialized knowledge and physical coordination, but from what I've seen of what it takes to just maintain and THREAD a sewing machine, and then to use it skillfully without going astray or making mistakes, I think machine-sewing is actually harder to do well than is Organ playing. Even so, it's been fun for me to watch you cobbling shoes and knowing pretty well what the various steps and tasks were that you were illustrating.
At age 64 I find myself newly challenged with metatarsalgia following breaking a toe last winter, and if you have any recommendation for a COMFORTABLE shoe to buy/wear for everyday wear and for taking walks, I'd welcome your advice. With the COVID-19 lockdown it's been harder to go looking for shoes in person, and much of the merchandise I can find locally is cheaper quality commercial brands that aren't nearly as well made as shoes were made forty years ago, plus I'm not sure their shapes inside really give the right kinds of foot support that I need either. I recently tried mail-ordering a new type of shoe (a Xero? shoe-which has a very minimal sole) but although it fits well I'm not convinced it's really what I need.
Thanks again for your interesting and well-done videos. Happy Labor Day 2020 to you both and best of luck to you in your new shop as well-Don
Very happy for you too and your success. Keep up the amazing work . I love watching you guys restore and breathe new life into these shoes .
Honestly I started watching this channel about 2 weeks ago and yesterday i was able to put sole protectors and metal caps by myself on my 4 shoes so, thanks for starting this channel
Somehow I didn’t know you guys were brothers. The family story makes this channel even better! I’m blessed to work with my dad every day too.
I really enjoy you guys just sitting there and talking to us about you. It's always interesting to get to know more about the folks that I spend time watching. Both of you are just so down to earth. Thanks for sharing your time and your life with all of us. Looking forward to how this all plays out with the new store/shop. I've been with you guys since almost the beginning and didn't even realize it. Congratulations on the move.
Thank you so very much! We really appreciate that! We love making content for you all, so it means a lot to hear that folks, like you, are enjoying it.
What a great story and business model. So cool it's a family business. Love the videos!
I 💯 freakin love this video. My family also left the corporate life to start our blue collar business. Wish you all the very best and send many many blessings to y’all and your success.
I came across your channel 3-4 months ago and I’ve enjoyed your videos. I’ve learned a lot from your videos.
I always enjoy hearing about someone’s journey and your journey was a fun one to hear about.
Thank you for what you do and the content you produce. Keep up the great work.
Really enjoy watching your show I’m Australia 🇦🇺. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much, mate!
Awesome to get this type of content thanks guys!!
Thank you very much!
Dude! I never even knew you guys made Southern polished.... never read that far down on the Potter & Sons website!!! Y'all need to add a 30 second note at the end of your new P&Ss videos, since I only met you guys on YT, and now I gotta save up and buy some SP sandals! So cool!
I would enjoy seeing you do interviews or visits with top shoe brand experts around the world. Italian shoemakers, British shoemakers, heck maybe even the shoe gurus at Nike. What does the future hold for shoes and shoemakers, different materials, processes? It would be great to hear brief snippets about the history of shoes, since you are history buffs, woven into other videos. Great channel and looking forward to seeing the next chapter.
We have done some videos with several shoe companies and plan on visiting the Allen Edmonds factory next year.
Congratulations on all your success
I love seeing the side by side befores and afters by all the angles. It is so gratifying to me to see the transformation. kee up the good work.
Appreciate (and use) your local cobbler! I do.
Totally enjoyed hearing about your history. I am looking forward to the upcoming videos in your new location! Sometimes I hate that I take such good care of my shoes and boots (thanks to your tutelage) because I want to send you a pair to work on. Congratulations on the success!
Thank you very much!
Thank you so very much!
Thank you for your dedication, craftsmanship and authenticity!
Please do a video of the Best of .... Shoes by the categories they fall under..... IE Work Boots, Business shoes etc......
I love watching and learning on all products in the shoe category, THANK you so much.
I found your channel through Baumgartner Restoration and he does a brilliant job of overlaying music or narrative and instructions to his videos. Your channel and his have *SO* much in common. He saw that we all commented wanting to watch every minute of a mind-numbingly detailed canvas cleanse and he literally gave it to us without any condescension. ("The next 45 minutes are me cleaning this thing with a cotton swab with music and no talking. I see you. I'm glad you're here. Let's get started.") We are all in this weird time together and a channel like yours (and his) bring comfort and sanity to THOUSANDS. I don't know if you'll see this, but if you do thank you for reading and his channel is worth checking out.
Looking forward to see more. Hope you keep repairing shoes and doing the shoe magic 👞
Plenty more of that to come. 😉👍👞
Big ups guys. You're the best shoe channel out there. Wishing you continued success!
YOU GUYS EXUDE STYLE, WHICH GOES BEYOND SHOES. YOUR DESTINY MIGHT BE THE DESIGNING OF APPAREL AND THE DIRECTING OF THE MANUFACTURE THEREOF.
Wow, thank you very much!
Congratulations!
Sooo much respect for you guys. Just loved hearing this story, and so celebrating everything you do!
What sells your channel, though, you're already doing. It's the return to artisan quality and high standards, the respect for craft and the values and integrity you have. Honestly, nothing is more enjoyable than knowing such things still exist, are valued, and actually create a viable business model.
All thanks go to you--so grateful to you both for the information you share (I've learned so much from your channel). Too often, quality work and true craft are drowned out in this disposable/fast food world. In that sense, I suspect you restore your viewers' faith in humanity. Much love to you and your families and best of luck with your move!
Congratulations on your success! Keep it up!
I have plantar fasciitis and the beginning of falling arches. I love flip flops, but it’s bad for me to wear them. What if you worked with a podiatrist to make cork footbeds that you could stitch into flip flops or maybe even high quality shoes? At least a good heel cup and good arch support... might be too niche, but it’s a thought for y’all to chew on!😉
Yeah, unfortunately, we don’t. Who know what the future will hold down the road.
So, that explains why you two have distinctly different, but similar Southern, Accents, and I detected a little "Vol" influence too. :)
I was wondering how you started guys you look like you are coming from corporate back ground and said maybe this was the family business specially when i looked at the machines,
I am extremely impressed about how you started this business.
Bitburg Germany was where I spent a little time when my dad was in the Air Force.
God bless you both , to follow the shoe repair occupation it's awesome. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Keep up it. You guys will be bless always. Not only as in business but as a professional crafters. From one crafter to another , you are awesome.
Love the idea of quality flip flops
Yaw keep up the good work, I plan on order some leather care , I have a lot of stuff that utilizes leather, including wear. Great job gents.
Loved this video! Free enterprise at its best. Hard work and innovation.
I love your videos guys! I hope your success continues far into the future!
Thank you very much!
Great video! Really enjoy hearing the backstory of how Potter & Sons came to be. You guys are both down to earth and I feel like you're both very genuine people
I love shoes, heritage boots especially and I'd really love to have a cobbler shop one day. Your stories definitely give inspiration to that dream. Keep up the good videos and I look forward to seeing the new Potter & Sons location.
Thank you so very much!
Super nice I started with repairing shoes as a hobby to relax. Daytime Job Physicist.
But damn repairing /polishingshoes gives you a cirtain relaxation.
I totally support the ebay idea. Start there and find antique cobbler/shoemaker tools.
More difficult is getting hobby leather suppliers with premium quality. Buying leather is easy but getting very good quality takes a while to get as non business customer.
Some shops dont even offer small amounts of Martin, Rendenbach, Baker Leather..and im in germany. Thus, should be easy to get this brands here. For good shaft leather you might have to order in the us. Even if the tanneries are european...
This is fantastic. Thanks for sharing your story. Very encouraging. Keep up the amazing work.