A lot of people have helped shape the ideas and experiences that led me to write The Hunt, but my family has been the beating heart of that process. I want to thank my mom and dad for introducing me to hunting and for encouraging me to be passionate and follow my dreams. I also thank my brother Andy, who, in addition to being an incredible partner in business, has taught me that blood really is thicker than water. Panda, without your support I would never have created OutdoorHub, nor would I have written this book. And I especially want to thank my wife, Nadine, and my three boys, Hunter, River, and Fischer, who make every sunrise and sunset more special. I feel so blessed to have such an amazing family that supports my obsession with the outdoors and passionate commitment to living life to the fullest.
Friends and fellow hunters have walked this trail with me, too. I’m sending out a big thank-you to Gary Strange, who taught me to deer hunt, and to Jay Livingston and Eric Cherry. You guys are my first and second phone calls for hunting updates, and I love you. I’m grateful to all of my awesome hunting pals, and to everyone who enjoys the great outdoors. It has taken me years to realize the importance of simply loving the hunt, but now I get it. This book is about just that. I also want to thank Pete Davis, my most trusted friend and ally when it comes to helping each other through good times or bad. A huge thank-you goes out to one of my best friends, Rob Goldman; I’d be lost without his advice, support, and love. You’re the man, Rob! I also would like to thank Toni Ventimiglia, Heather Stewart, Ethan Chamberlin, and Guy Schueller for their belief in Carbon Media Group and in me, as a friend. To the great teams at Carbon Media Group, Farbman Group, and Nuco Health—thanks for being awesome. All of the guys in the Old School and Kompressor forums have helped me too, by pushing me to keep it real and be my best. And, of course, I’m also grateful to all of my investors who backed me when I went into business in the great outdoors.
A lot of heavy lifting goes into getting a book into print. I want to thank Lauren Kerwin, Eleni Kelakos, Alesya Opelt, and Amie Kuciban for their constant and much-needed help in managing the writing process. I owe a big round of thanks to Josh Linkner for his friendship as well as his excellent advice and encouragement. And I want to thank Lorna Gentry, who helped me pull this vision together, along with Karen Murphy, Christine Moore, and John Maas of Jossey-Bass, whose expert guidance helped turn that vision into a book we all can be proud of. Without their support, this book would be merely an unfulfilled dream. Above all, I want to thank my agent, Esmond Harmsworth, for his savvy leadership and keen insights, as well as for his hard work and support.
The Hunt wouldn’t have been complete without the contributions of the many friends, hunters, and colleagues who took time to speak with me about their own hunt for success. Thanks for putting up with my requests for interviews and advice. Your wisdom has added so much to this book. Special thanks to Dan Gilbert, who, in even a quick conversation, can amp me up and transform my way of thinking. And I’m sending another special shout-out to my boys at Michael Waddell’s Bone Collector: Michael Waddell, Nick Mundt, Travis “T-Bone” Turner, and Jim Schiefelbein. We are always there for each other, and I will always be your Yankee pal from Michigan.
Lastly, I am incredibly grateful to Ellsworth, Michigan, and its unreal beauty. So many of my connections to the outdoors—and the universe—have developed within the area north of the 45th parallel, and I cherish every moment I am able to spend there. A lifetime of hunting and hanging at Timber Ridge Ranch has made me the man I am today.