My friend Steve is a daredevil.

I’ve known him for about five years now, and every so often my phone lights up with photos and videos of him and his girls flying down snowy slopes in Utah or Colorado. Just reading his texts, you can feel his passion. There’s an unmistakable energy when someone is fully in their flow state—aligned, present, alive.

The mountains are Steve’s happy place. His zen. What makes this especially interesting is that Steve’s day job lives on the opposite end of the emotional spectrum.

Steve is a successful divorce and criminal lawyer in Boca Raton, Florida. And to all the lawyers out there—I genuinely salute you. The strength and resilience required in that field is no small thing. You witness situations that begin with love, hope, and beautiful intention, only to unravel into pain, confusion, fear, and desperation.

You don’t just practice law. You hold emotional weight. You stay calm when everyone around you is breaking. That takes a special kind of steadiness.

A Dinner, a Mullet, and a Career Story

Steve and I recently grabbed dinner to catch up—on life, work, and everything in between. I asked him about his career path, and he pulled out photos from earlier days, including shots from when he was working on a high-profile case involving Baby M.

There he was sporting a classic 90s mullet and mustache. Absolute glory! As he flipped through the photos, I could see it: that sparkle of pride in his eyes. Not ego, earned pride. The kind that comes from showing up, doing the work, and growing into yourself over time.

So I kept asking questions. And what he shared was full of quiet gold.

What Steve Did Differently

Here’s what stood out:

• He knew he didn’t want to work for someone else.
  That clarity mattered. It gave him direction early, even when the path itself wasn’t obvious yet.
• He read relentlessly—and took action.
  He didn’t just consume books for inspiration. He did the action steps. There’s a big difference between reading something and actually implementing it.
• He built relationships with established lawyers.
  Instead of seeing them as competition, he approached them honestly. He shared that he was starting out and asked if they would refer clients who couldn’t afford their higher rates. That humility—and professionalism—opened doors.
• He stayed true to who he is.
  No over-polishing. No pretending to be someone else. Just consistency and integrity.

Balance Isn’t Optional

Steve is incredibly active. Skiing. Rollerblading. Constant motion.

When you own your own business, it’s easy to glorify long hours and desk time. But staying sedentary throws everything off. Balance doesn’t happen accidentally—it takes discipline to get out of the chair and do something physical that lights you up.

For Steve, movement fuels clarity.

He Didn’t Do It Alone

This part matters.

Steve has a team, and he speaks very highly of a woman named Barbra, openly recognizing how instrumental she’s been in his success. He shares credit freely.

Too many entrepreneurs believe they have to do everything themselves. In reality, that mindset often slows growth and leads to burnout.

Support isn’t weakness. It’s strategy.

Collaboration Over Competition

Steve maintains strong relationships with other lawyers.

Some people see this as risky. But it’s actually smart. Collaboration creates support, shared understanding, and opportunities that competition never will. When you surround yourself with others who truly understand the journey, everything gets lighter—and stronger.

Open Doors and Generosity

One thing I deeply respect about Steve is that he doesn’t slam doors on people. He values relationships, regardless of where someone is in their life or career. There’s joy in keeping connections open.

And then there was the small—but meaningful—moment at dinner. I didn’t go expecting him to pay. I was there to check in, laugh, and connect. But he generously picked up the check. It wasn’t expected and it was kind. It also created an opportunity to reconnect again soon and reciprocate. That’s how real relationships work.

The Takeaway

Owning a business takes tenacity. It takes drive. But real success is built through genuine connection, balance, and generosity.

I’m grateful for the nuggets of wisdom Steve shared with me—not because he was trying to teach, but because he was simply willing to share his experience.

And honestly? Watching someone who’s found their flow on the slopes and in life is a reminder that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of joy.

Sometimes, it’s built because of it.

Want to make your vision come to fruition? Schedule a consult today.

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