Elite

Acknowledgments

Family

My mom, Susan Hays – I was blessed to have a mother who provided me with an invisible parachute my entire life. She always believed in me but was careful to guide me along the way. Being a mother is hard work and mine always went the extra mile.

My dad, Kirk Hays – I have been blessed with a great father. He showed me that a tough man can have a soft heart, how to work hard at home and on the job, and how to make other people feel valued. I will always look up to him.

My sister, Chelsea Hays – My sister showed me how to dream. She has lived a bright life and will always be a child at heart. She has a knack for seeing the bright side and I hope that it’s rubbed off on me.

My wife Ivy and kids Vela, Elijah, and Shiloh – Ivy has always shown love and support, even when I had to spend considerable time away. She has enriched my life and I couldn’t ask for another helpmate. Even through the process of creating this book, she has been my guidepost in the same way that Abigail Adams was with our founding father John Adams so many years ago. My children have added another dimension to my life. You are the reason that I want to let my light shine as brightly as possible and why I want to be a positive influence in the lives of others. My family is my “why.”

Childhood/Developmental Influence

Moving so much as a kid was hard and I really appreciate everyone out there who welcomed me with open arms, even if my accent was different from yours. While you all mean ...