Swing Away

How It Started

On September 15th, 2022 I found myself without a job wondering what I would do next. I didn't have a business plan, anchor clients or mission statement. Heck, I didn't even have a name for the business. But, I believed that there was a better way to serve end users and solve problems. On September 16th, 2022 we founded White Oak Solutions and got to work.

It's been a wild ride. There were plenty of sleepless nights and anxiety early on. We were fortunate to quickly find our voice and begin providing an alternative approach that resonates. As of yesterday, our team is up to five core members. Next week you'll see us announce a new team member.

This has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life. It's made me a better father, friend, and partner. I'd like to share one lesson I've learned this year, which is deeply rooted in my upbringing.

The Good Ol Days

I didn't have what you'd classify as a good dad. He wasn't very helpful when it came to teaching ethics, empathy or how to maneuver the journey towards becoming a man, but he did teach me the value of hard work and living within your means. But, perhaps the greatest lesson was in rolling the dice if you believe in your mission.

My father couldn't read or write. That's not an exaggeration. He dropped out of school at an early age and never had a family who valued education. He survived by managing to scribble his name and navigate the awkward situation that his disability created. Despite his limitations, he was a successful business man and serial entrepreneur who signed his own paycheck since he was 20 years old. I learned that anything was possible given time, hard work and dedication to the craft.

Let's Play Ball

I love baseball. I couldn't get enough as a kid. I love the smell of freshly cut ball fields, the sweet sound of bombs off the bat and talking smack. An element of baseball that I've always hated is taking the first pitch. "Taking a pitch" is the act of not swinging the bat, under any circumstances. Throughout my playing career, every coach had one signal for this -- holding up their index finger. Some of my coaches were so bold they'd verbally tell us to take the pitch and force the pitcher to throw a strike. This is most commonly utilized when the pitcher is wild or the coach doubts the ability of the player to excel. I know you purest are going to cry when you read this, but your boy wants to hit dingers.

Fortunately, my dad hated taking the first pitch. Consider his life experience. He made everything happen for himself with no safety net. Despite his flawed nature and limitations, he had an innate belief in himself. I can't express the joy I felt when he said, "Don't listen to your coach. If you get a good pitch, swing away." And I still do to this day.

Ballgame

On September 16th, 2022 I saw a good pitch and I took it for a ride and we're not done yet. You'll continue to see us add the best talent in the industry, because we believe there's a better way to help you procure IT.

It's been our great honor to accompany our clients on their IT journey. Here's to many more!

PS - You've only got one life. If you have a dream, you should invest the time and hard work that it takes to make it a reality.

Y'all be good and thank you,

DB