Ending 2020 giving thanks – starting with these three people

So for those who have been reading my blog for the last decade or so, you know I get pretty darn sentimental and appreciative right about now. In the past I’ve written long posts thanking dozens of people, and while I have a lot more than three people to thank in 2020, I’m going to start with three.

It would be a serious understatement to say that 2020 wasn’t a tough year for everyone, some in similar ways, others in different ways. And on that note I’d like to start by honoring everyone we lost this year, and to give a big 🙏 to all of those who have been saved this year.

While we you can look at 2020 as a year of division, I’m a glass half full kind of guy and I appreciate all of the things people did to strengthen their community and help others. The three people in this post are people who helped me and many others in 2020, and I want to end the year saying “Thank you!” to them, and giving them some love and appreciation. So here we go…

Braden Pollock – Braden I have been friends for somewhere in the 13-15 years range. I’m at that point now where I’m getting too old to remember the exact year, but I have a tight range so we’ll stick with that. Beyond being an exceptional friend, I can proudly say that Braden is #1 on my list when it comes to people I admire and want to be more like in life.

Along with starting and investing in more amazing businesses than I can list, Braden also shares, helps, and connects with as many people as he can. When I first met Braden I thought there must have been some angle, some edge, that he was getting out of connecting with so many people. I quickly learned that it was more about hearing other perspectives and just genuinely appreciating people, their approach, and ideas.

I could go on, no seriously I could, for a whole post just about Braden, but I’ll leave it at this and tell you that I’m honored to call him a close friend and every time I spend time with him I am more inspired. Thank you Braden 🙏, you made 2020 much better for me.

Ron Jackson – as someone that somehow ended up writing a daily blog about domain names, I can say with 100% certainty that my journalist hero is Ron Jackson. Ron is one of the most talented and dedicated journalists I have had the pleasure to get to know in my life.

What I truly appreciate about Ron is how much he cares. For those who have been reading DNJournal for 10+ years like I have, you know that Ron doesn’t just get stories out there. Instead, like an artist, Ron puts together meaningful impactful articles and approaches journalism in the way that I think we wish all journalists would.

On top of all of that, and on a more personal note, I have always been in awe of the amazing marriage Ron and Diana have. If you don’t believe in soulmates, spend some time with Ron and Diana and you will. Thank you both for brining peace and joy to my life in 2020 🙏

Francois Carrillo – Francois has created what I think we can all agree is the go-to resources for Domainers. I am always incredibly thankful that Francois does what he does, he brings the community together and through a lot of hard work has built a truly exceptional resource.

I have a secret plan (that’s not so secret any more) to someday meet Francois in France and do a live video interview with him. It’s safe to say the pandemic might delay my plan by a year or two but I’m really looking forward to the day I can make it happen.

Thank you Francois, you have made my life and countless other Domainers lives better in 2020. I am in awe of your vision for seeing what this industry would become so long ago, and honored to be a part of the vision you helped form.

Okay, well it’s 10:30PM on New Years Eve, time to go! I hope you’re all having happy and safe end to 2020, here’s to an exciting 2021, no matter what lays ahead of us, we’re going through it together! 🙌

Morgan Linton

Morgan Linton