I just think of insurance as one of the tools I happen to be currently using in order to fulfill a larger purpose, is all.

Reminds me of that first interview I did with Elizabeth Lessner back in the day for offbeatcolumbus.com — ‘restaurateur does not define me.’ It just so happens that kick-ass food joints are one of the tools through which she fulfills a much larger purpose, too.

(Incidentally, ANY halfway good idea I’ve ever had w/r/t brilliant is due DIRECTLY to the example of clients like her; great clients inspire great service.)

That said, to anyone reading this, Ryan is WAY more than just this one part of his life and to turn the tables I would like to say that Ryan inspires me and is the kind of person that keeps me getting up in the morning.

All I can say is you should keep track of Ryan and figure out how you might contribute to the work he’s doing, expand upon it, whatever. Columbus is going to be an even greater city thanks to Ryan, believe me.

What’s interesting about this is I don’t think of myself as an ‘insurance specialist’ any more than I think of myself as a ‘blogger’ — though indeed, technically, I suppose I’m both.

Maybe it’s just that (I feel) neither sufficiently defines me. *Insurance specialist* certainly doesn’t [puke].

No, here’s what it is: both are just parts of a much larger Big Picture project that ties together EVERYTHING I do. And you captured it above: building community. Or — another way of putting it: helping to build a local economy that sustains itself, our community, and a healthy environment, too.

For me, that ALL fits under the title of Evangelist for Columbus. That’s how I think of myself. And I’m just one of many (including yourself).

Last note re: digital and analog worlds: this takes us back to the talk you lead at Independents’ Day. The true power of the social media lies in taking these connections and relationships we’re building online and turning it into offline action. People who are using these tools well move effortlessly between the two.

Glad to be working side-by-side with you towards the same common-good goals. Thanks for EVERYTHING you do!