We finally did it. After months of talking about it, Brandon and I pressed record on our very first episode of Glad You Asked. No script. No safety net. Just two people with a mission to bless lives and the slightly terrifying realization that people might actually listen.
Brandon calls himself a “grumpy old man” at 40 (his wife says he has “resting grump face”). He’s built his career in the wonderfully weird worlds of dental scrap and RV sales. Me? I’ve coached the Green Bay Packers, led a school, and now I’m diving headfirst into the startup world as Gladly’s Director of Impact, a title we made up before we had anything to impact.
This conversation captures why we decided to build Gladly Network, and why we believe business can be both profitable and purposeful.
The Grumpy Old Man Who Wants to Bless Lives
Despite Brandon’s self-proclaimed cynicism and “resting grump face,” there’s something deeper:
“I actually genuinely care for people. I may not want to be around them sometimes or a lot of the time, but I really do like our emphasis on blessing lives.”
That contradiction is exactly what makes Brandon special—and what makes Gladly authentic.
Why I Said Yes to This Crazy Adventure
When Brandon first pitched me the Gladly concept:
“Here’s an idea that we’re going to go out and bless lives and try to make an impact and help people thrive.”
My response? “It’s bold enough and sounds nuts enough that I think this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”
Watch or listen to this moment → [VIDEO]
What We’re Actually Building (And What We’re Not)
“It’s not gonna be coupons you’ll never use. It’s not an HR portal full of forms… It’s a network built on purpose.”
We’re creating something different—a thoughtfully curated network connecting people with brands that give back.
No garbage. No gimmicks. Just good choices made simple.
The Power of Perspective
Brandon dropped this truth bomb during our conversation:
“It’s just not that important. Like, none of this, right? It’s all temporary. Something else is going to be important tomorrow.”
Watch or listen to this moment → [VIDEO]
That’s the mindset driving everything at Gladly. We’re not about hustle culture or grinding 24/7. We’re about working smarter, living better, and remembering that work is something you do, not who you are.
Starting Where Trust Already Lives
“Our reps are more than just scrap buyers… People ask us what have you seen in other offices or what’s going on in your life.”
Brandon’s dental relationships are real relationships built over the years. That existing trust creates the perfect foundation for introducing Gladly’s mission.
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Our Red Panda Philosophy
When I asked Brandon about Gladly’s spirit animal, his answer was perfectly him:
“Red pandas. They’re cute. You can watch them all day. I feel like they’re doing something important, even though they’re just like chilling.”
That’s us, doing important work without taking ourselves too seriously.
How This First Episode Shaped My Perspective
Recording this reminded me why I left the predictable path. My whole life and career, all I’ve wanted to do is help people thrive. This is just a different and more exciting way of doing it.
Brandon might look grumpy, but beneath that exterior is someone who genuinely wants to make the world better. We’re not trying to be perfect. We’re trying to be real. And yes, we’ll definitely need that “bless lives” counter (ding ding ding!).
Ready to Join Us?
Your business doesn’t have to choose between purpose and profit. Brandon and I are proof that sometimes the most unlikely partnerships create the most meaningful impact.
Want the full conversation (and to hear Brandon explain why we might burn something down metaphorically or literally)?
Watch the full episode on YouTube
