Those words of my colleague echoed in my mind as I sat reflecting on my career journey over the last several years. “Building” It’s a term often associated with construction, brick, and mortar. But in my life, building has been so much more. It has been about creating something from nothing, nurturing it, and watching it grow. It has been about the intricate dance between passion and perseverance, love and sacrifice, dreams and reality.

The foundation of my professional life was laid in my early twenties when I decided to step into the world of entrepreneurship by starting a video production company. Starting a business is like raising a child; it requires constant attention, unwavering dedication, and an immense amount of love. The sleepless nights spent poring over business plans, the endless cups of coffee, the countless rejections, and the fleeting moments of triumph—each one a piece of the business that I was building.

In those early days, I sought advice from those who had walked the path before me. One conversation with a seasoned colleague who owns a fast food franchise known for their amazing chicken stands out. When I asked him, “What is one piece of advice you would give me as I start my business?” he looked at me thoughtfully and replied, “Why would you only ask me for one piece of advice?”

He went on to share a practice that would become a benchmark for how I measure leadership and how to build a business. “I don’t load my daily schedule down with tasks,” he said. “Rather, I intentionally allow time throughout the day to engage in conversations with my employees.” This simple yet profound advice served as a foundational building block for me. It taught me the importance of presence and availability, of being a leader who listens and understands.

Building has been the core of my journey—whether it’s a business, relationships, or personal growth, I’ve always been drawn to the process of nurturing ideas into something tangible. My early days of entrepreneurship, from starting a video production company to learning the nuances of leadership, have shaped how I approach every opportunity. The lessons I learned from seasoned professionals, like my colleague who emphasized the importance of presence and listening, have remained with me throughout my career.

This is why I’m particularly excited that Ripl Creative is supporting the Startup Mountain Summit. It’s an event that resonates deeply with my experience and values—bringing together entrepreneurs who are just as passionate about building something from the ground up as I am. The Summit, hosted by our friends at FOUNDERSFORGE, is more than just a conference; it’s a place where big ideas can take root, grow, and thrive. And the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals while soaking in the beauty of Northeast Tennessee. That’s just icing on the cake.

As a marketing agency, we know what it takes to turn dreams into reality, and we’re thrilled to be part of an event that helps others do the same.

Kyle Long
Cofounder, Ripl Creative

Climb Higher with the Startup Mountain Summit — Join Us on the Journey!