Here's what we did to get there.

The Problem With Matcha Supply

With matcha, you can't run on one supplier. It's low yield, low quantity, and if something happens on their end, they'll just cap you. Since Domo is a matcha concept, running out isn't an option. That would be unacceptable.

So before anything else, we needed a stable of suppliers deep enough that no single one could squeeze us.

Why We Showed Up in Person

Morgan and I went to Japan in March. We had talked to a bunch of suppliers beforehand, and a lot of them were kind of getting back to us, kind of not. So we just started walking into places. That's how we got most of our accounts: by going over there and showing up.

They were more than happy to meet with us. It's just the way business works there. It's a lot more personal. We had wondered whether it was overkill to fly out. It wasn't.

Uji and Wazuka

We went to Uji first, the matcha capital, about a 20 to 30 minute train ride from Kyoto. That's where most of the businesses are. Matcha is a big part of the city.

But the actual farms are in Wazuka, about a 40-minute drive south. That's where it's really rural: matcha fields, green tea, all of it. 50% of the world's matcha is made there.

We met growers, saw the farms, and watched how everyone does the process a little differently. The bushes are smaller than people expect, only about waist high. The whole thing is highly hand-done, which is why the supply doesn't scale easily. We came home understanding the supply chain in a way we couldn't have from email.

Hojicha Too

We sourced hojicha on the same trip. It's a roasted green tea, and it'll sit alongside matcha on the Domo menu. Same logic: multiple suppliers, same trip, same care.

Where We Are Now

The product is decided. The suppliers are lined up. The space is in the hands of the trades. From here it's the calendar.

Follow along on Instagram for opening updates.

There's still a little bit of things to be done. But as far as people are concerned, the offices are filling, and the goal now is to build a waitlist long enough that a second location starts to make sense.

The Operations

Running a co-working concept is operationally new for me. Getting access, security, and technology working together at the same time is a whole different business model than anything I've done before, and I've had to learn it from scratch.

I'm doing both sides. With the capital partner, I'm managing the financing and the construction, all the little plans that go into getting a building like this stood up. On Off Chance, which created Junto House, I'm building the infrastructure for an actual office to run and function for the needs that everybody wants.

The Design

The goal was never a generic co-working spot. The goal was somewhere people are actually proud to bring their clients and customers to.

Most co-working spaces are generic. I wanted somewhere members are proud to bring clients.

The goal was somewhere members are proud to bring clients and customers, not a generic co-working spot.

People are loving the design. That was the goal. The design is what's bringing people in, and it's why offices are leasing as quickly as they are. I wrote about this on my blog here.

We've also done professional photos of the space, so the design is being captured the way it should be.

The Waitlist

Right now we're focused on filling what we have. If the waitlist gets long enough, that's the signal we need to think about a second location. It would have to be the same standard. Same intentional design, same level of finish, same feel.

What's Next

For now, the work is operational. Keeping the access, security, and technology running smoothly. That's the part I'm still learning.

Learn more at juntohouse.com.

The Origin

It started simply. At OffChance, we needed a workspace that matched the standard we hold for everything else. So we built one. Natural light in every room. Brass hardware. Solid doors that actually close. Materials you can feel the weight of. A meeting room you'd be proud to walk a client into, not one you'd apologize for.

The Vision

Once the space came together, the idea got bigger. What if we opened the building to a small circle of people operating at the same level, each in a different field? No overlap. Twelve studios filled with businesses that complement rather than compete.

The Value

The thinking is simple. When every person in the building does something different and does it well, the room becomes more valuable than any one studio. Your next hire, your next partner, your next client might be working ten feet away.

Join Us

That's Junto House. Private studios, intentional design, a small circle where every seat is filled with purpose. We're open and accepting founding members. Studios from $975/month.

If you're looking for a workspace that matches the standard you hold for your work, this is it. A curated community of people who do different things well, all under one roof.

Learn more at juntohouse.com.

But for my wife and me, travel is a non negotiable priority. We believe that exposing our children to the world at a young age is one of the best investments we can make in their development.

Keep reading below to know more why we think traveling with our 3 kids is the best investment.

Building Emotional Tolerance

One of the greatest benefits of travel is helping children learn that they can do hard things.

By exposing them to new locations, different food, and unfamiliar situations, they learn to cope with anticipatory anxiety.

When they navigate a long flight or a new city, they build self confidence and become more adaptable. These are life skills that stay with them long after we return home.

A Collaborative Process

We like to involve our kids in the planning process as much as possible.

Recent surveys show that 70% of parents with Gen Alpha kids are now letting their children help make big travel decisions.

When children have a voice in where we go or what we do, they become more engaged. It turns the trip into a team effort and strengthens our family bonds.

It is no longer just a trip we are taking them on; it is an experience we are building together.

Developing Social Skills

Travel is a massive catalyst for social and emotional growth. Whether my son is learning to say "merci" in France or playing hide and seek with kids who speak a different language, he is learning that there is more than one way to live. I noticed this a lot during our adventure through Tokyo and Bali. By the end of that three week trip, our kids understood the routine and were ready for anything.

We are big believers in the Montessori style of education, which encourages children to learn through experience rather than just sitting in a classroom. Travel is the ultimate classroom.

Experiences Over Possessions

My wife and I are not very materialistic. We would much rather spend our resources on a trip than on more toys or possessions. Travel removes you from the habits of home and forces you to be present. It is about creating shared core memories, like the ones I shared in my highlights from Bordeaux and Lisbon.

While our kids might not remember every single detail of a trip when they are older, the impact on their worldview and their confidence is permanent.

Adapting to the World

Seeing the world through a child’s eyes also changes how we travel as adults. We notice small details, like how fast kids ride their bikes in a different country or how universally loved certain shows are across the globe. It promotes open mindedness and tolerance.

We want our kids to grow up as well rounded, worldly individuals who are ready to face whatever the world throws at them.

Conclusion

We consider traveling with our kids as an investment. It teaches them resilience, curiosity, and the importance of human connection. While it takes more planning and a different mindset, the plentiful rewards make every flight and every challenge worth it.

Do not wait until your kids are "old enough" to remember every detail. Start building those foundations and those memories now.

It was an adventure with my wife and kids, and honestly, one of the most rewarding trips we've taken as a family.

Below are my trip highlights. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my other article where I took my kids to Japan, Indonesia, and New Zealand.

Bordeaux, France

We spent our first five days exploring Bordeaux, a city that proved surprisingly family-friendly.

The compact downtown is extremely walkable, and the trams easily accommodate strollers.

We did a Bordeaux river cruise with wine tasting, wandered through Christmas markets, and soaked up the festive atmosphere

The Vineyard Experience

The biggest highlight was visiting the Troplong Mondot family estate, a stunning chateau in the French countryside.

During our wine tour, my son and daughter drove a little electric jeep around the vineyard while we tasted wines. They got to explore the farm and stay entertained while we enjoyed the estate. It was the perfect balance.

Then came the part where I was stressed out of my mind: dining at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix.

I checked with them beforehand about bringing the kids, and they were incredible. They catered the experience toward our children, and somehow, my kids actually behaved.

The whole experience at the vineyard was beautiful and felt like the heart of what French countryside living is all about.

Saint Émilion

On our way back to Bordeaux, we stopped in Saint Émilion, a medieval town dating back to the 1300s. This UNESCO World Heritage site is still fully functioning, and walking through those ancient streets was the highlight of the entire trip.

The preservation is remarkable. You feel like you've stepped back in time, but there are cafes and shops woven into the old stone buildings.

Where We Ate in Bordeaux

• La Tupina - Rustic comfort food like confit de canard
• Symbiose - Refined, seasonal plates
• Le Table de Hôtes - Michelin-starred restaurant run by a Top Chef France judge (though day-to-day food in Bordeaux didn't wow us as much as we expected)

We also visited the Cité du Vin, Bordeaux's impressive wine museum, on our last day there.

France Gallery

I took way too many pictures on this trip. I will only upload my top 12 below.

Lisbon, Portugal

After five days in France, we flew to Lisbon on a Friday evening. We landed around 6 PM and headed straight to the hotel.

My wife and I have a system when we travel with kids: we each get one night to ourselves. Mine was that first night, and I went to Prado, a modern restaurant focusing on local Portuguese ingredients and natural wine. It was exactly what I needed after a long travel day.

Pastéis, Monasteries, and Making Friends

The next morning, we visited the Jerónimos Monastery, one of Lisbon's famous UNESCO sites. We kept it quick with the kids, then headed to Pastéis de Belém, the legendary bakery where we ate fresh pastel de nata. If you know, you know.

I also met up with a friend who's an entrepreneur living in Lisbon. He's originally from Russia, lived in Germany and London, and landed in Lisbon after having kids. We talked about Portugal's tax incentives (10 years tax-free if you move there) and what life is like raising a family in the city. It gave me real insight into why so many people are relocating there.

The Aquarium and Coastal Escape

We spent one day at the Oceanário de Lisboa, one of the largest aquariums in Europe. My kids absolutely loved it. The scale and variety of marine life kept them mesmerized.

Another day, we took a trip to Cascais, a relaxed coastal town about 30 minutes from Lisbon. It reminded me of Malibu's relationship to LA: a beautiful, laid-back beach escape from the city. The weather was perfect at 60 degrees. We went to the park, grabbed food, and just enjoyed the slower pace.

On our last night, we ate at Time Out Market, a massive food hall with tons of different cuisines and live music. It was lively and fun, the perfect way to cap off the trip.

Portugal Gallery

Below are my favorite pictures from my Portugal folder.

Traveling with Kids

Traveling with young children comes with inevitable challenges. My daughter Remy caught a fever during the trip, which was stressful. But navigating the local healthcare system in France was surprisingly easy. A doctor came directly to our hotel, examined her, and provided medicine for about 80 euros total. If we'd done that in the US, it would have cost an insane amount of money. The experience was a reminder of how different healthcare systems can be.

Final Thoughts

Our time in France and Portugal reminded us why we prioritize these trips. Whether we were watching our kids drive a jeep through a vineyard or eating pastéis in a centuries-old bakery, these are the moments that stick with you.

Lisbon, in particular, left a huge impression on me. The weather in December was incredible (60 degrees the whole time), the food scene is thriving, and the city has this welcoming energy that makes you want to return. While Japan remains my number one travel destination, Lisbon is now high on my list for a return visit.

Family travel isn't always relaxing, but the rewards are always worth the effort. We're already looking forward to our next adventure.

My focus has shifted to stabilization, growth, and finding a consistent rhythm in both work and life

Below are some of the things I want to achieve this year.

Integrate Supercrush

Following the acquisition, Supercrush faced a lot of external pressures like tariffs and supply chain breakdowns. Instead of smooth scaling, we had to focus on restructuring. This year, my priority is integration and clarity. We are tightening our systems, logistics, and leadership so the brand can move from recovery mode into a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Open Domo

Domo is more than just a café to me. It is a physical manifestation of the broader OffChance philosophy. My goal for 2026 is to get the physical space open and operational. I want to see it embedded in the community, moving from the construction phase into daily execution and consistent culture.

Launch Junto House

With Junto House, the focus is on launching a space that blends hospitality and community. Alongside this launch, I am working to stabilize our broader real estate portfolio. I want these projects to feel durable and aligned with a long term vision rather than feeling experimental or fragile.

Establish Personal Rhythm

As my kids enter school and routines become more predictable, I am making an intentional effort to create a healthier personal baseline. This includes consistent training, walking based cardio, and structured workweeks. The goal is to show up with more energy, clarity, and confidence.

Prioritize Family Travel

Travel remains a non negotiable priority for our family. We do not view it as an escape, but as enrichment. Experiencing new places together is a part of our life design, not something we postpone for "someday." I want to keep building businesses that support this freedom.

Read some of my travel articles here.

Conclusion

This year is about fewer fires and more foundations. I am moving away from constant pivots and toward a defined path. By building businesses and routines that support the life they are meant to serve, I can focus on what actually matters.

It is time to stop reacting to the world and start building with direction. I am excited to see these projects come to life and to find a better rhythm along the way.

What are the big intentions you are setting for your year?

Up until now, I have bootstrapped everything. I have never raised money before. To be honest, I would feel a lot worse losing other people’s money than losing my own. Because of that, I want to be extra careful. I need to make sure I know exactly what I am doing before I take a single dollar.

The Playbook

I have been reading a book called Investing in Real Estate Private Equity by Sean Cook. I actually found this recommendation through a tweet by Moses Kagan. He is a big real estate guy in LA that I follow.

This book is teaching me the standard for how to raise money for these kinds of deals. It provides a formula and a framework. It helps me understand how to pencil a deal, value it properly, and present it to people in the right way. It breaks down the game for both the sponsor and the investor.

Assessing Risk

When it is my own money, I can be a little more risky. I have belief in myself. But that belief only goes so far with other people.

I need to be able to tell the story of what is going to happen with their money accurately. I need to let them know what they can expect. This book is teaching me how to look at things from a technical standpoint. It helps me assess risk and take out variables to protect the investors.

My Unique Offer

The way my businesses work together is unique. I control both sides.
Investors would have the opportunity to invest not only in the real estate but also in the concept that is going on the real estate. They can pick one or the other, or they can pick both. That is an interesting thing I offer that other people do not.

Conclusion

This is my testing ground. I am learning a lot about the real world application of development. It is very relationship-based. By using this book as a guide, I am building a new part of my business. I am creating a list of potential investors for when the time is right.

If you are interested in seeing how we structure these future projects, or just want to follow along as we expand, keep an eye on this space.

If you are interested in potentially investing in our future projects, send me a message and let’s chat.

New Shows I’m Watching

Pluribus just launched on Apple TV+, and it’s from the creators behind Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. If you know me, you know I love those shows. Pluribus is releasing episodes weekly, and it’s really good so far. I don’t want to spoil anything, but if you enjoyed the style of their previous work, you should definitely check this one out.

I’m also getting pumped for the final season of Stranger Things, which is starting soon.

My Current Podcast Rotation

I usually listen to business podcasts like All-In or My First Million, but lately I’ve been getting into The Kevin Rose Show and The Tim Ferriss Show. Kevin Rose and Tim Ferriss actually did an episode together recently—it was like the best of both worlds for me.

What I appreciate about Kevin Rose and Tim Ferriss is specific: they’ve chosen unconventional lives. I do a lot of different things. I bounce around. I don’t follow the conventional business playbook like many people do, and these guys share that same mindset. They prioritize their journey and their families. They’re not just grinding for the sake of grinding. It’s refreshing to listen to people on a similar path.

Conclusion

It’s important to find content that resonates with how you want to live. For me, it’s about enjoying the journey and doing things differently.

I’m always looking for new recommendations. If you have a show or podcast featuring people living unconventional lives, connect with me —I’d love to hear your suggestions.

On that list was Theodore Rex, which for a long time was one of my absolute favorites. However, the Houston food scene is always evolving, and a recent visit showed me just how quickly things can change.

This time, I'm diving into two recent experiences: a disappointing update on an old favorite and the exciting arrival of a new contender that has already shot to the top of my list.

Disappointing Change

Theodore Rex used to be a top-three restaurant in Houston for me and a staple on my recommendation list. It was a place I would recommend without hesitation.

However, they recently did a big overhaul of their menu, and unfortunately, it's just not good anymore. The new dishes lack flavor and aren't memorable at all.

It's a real bummer to see a once-awesome restaurant go from a definite go-to spot to a place I probably won't return to, especially considering it’s not a cheap meal.

New Contender

On the other hand, a new restaurant called Baso has been an amazing experience. It immediately rocketed into my top three in Houston.

Baso serves Basque food, a unique style from the region between Northern Spain and Southern France.

The chefs use local Spanish ingredients but cook them with French techniques, with a big emphasis on cooking over a fire. The food was incredible and memorable.

Some standout dishes were:

• Grilled Oysters
• Fire-roasted Prawns
• The best pork chop I have ever had in my life

Baso is a smaller place, perfect for a special occasion. Just be sure to make a reservation, as you'll definitely need one to get a table.

Conclusion

This experience shows how a restaurant's reputation is always on the line. Theodore Rex, once a personal favorite, fell short with a single menu change. In contrast, Baso arrived with a strong concept and excellent food, quickly earning a top spot.

It is a reminder that in a competitive food city like Houston, consistency and quality are everything. While it's sad to see a favorite decline, it's also exciting to discover new places that raise the bar.

Thanks for reading!

If you enjoyed this, read more of my thoughts on the Houston food scene.

This has been a long journey, but we have secured a one-million-dollar loan to bring this project to life.

We are targeting an opening date of March 2026 for this unique 4,200-square-foot space.

Financial Hurdles

Bringing a new business concept to life is never easy, and securing funding was our first major challenge.

Because Domo is a brand-new venture, it took two full years of work to get the bank to approve our one-million-dollar loan.

We also faced high construction quotes, with some initial estimates coming in as high as 1.8 million dollars.

It required a lot of perseverance to align our vision with a realistic budget.

Permitting Pains

Beyond financing, navigating the city’s permitting process proved to be extremely difficult. This was a major hurdle for the project. The city has recently changed rules, including regulations about sidewalks that impacted our property and triggered a series of complications.

A lot of time was spent working with architects and designers to create a plan that was both true to our vision and compliant with the city’s strict codes.

We eventually got the project approved by having it designated as a “bakery” for permitting purposes, even though it’s a cafe, which was necessary to move forward.

Conclusion

The start of construction marks a huge milestone for Domo. This project has already been a lesson in navigating the complex worlds of business financing and city permits. It took a year and a half of planning and problem-solving just to get the loan and approvals sorted out.

This journey highlights the dedication it takes to create something new from the ground up. We are excited to finally be in the building phase and are looking forward to sharing our mindful cafe concept with Houston.
Visit our website (COMING SOON!) for exclusive updates on our progress as we work towards opening Domo in 2026.

More than just a collection of desks, Junto House is a new co-working space in Houston designed for entrepreneurs and creators who are dedicated to growth, both for themselves and for their community.

The Concept

The inspiration for Junto House comes from Benjamin Franklin’s club from 1727, called the Junto.

It was a small group of people committed to mutual improvement and improving their city. That small group went on to create incredible things like the first lending library and fire department.

Our vision is to create a similar environment, a community of highly vetted people who are actively working to build something meaningful.

The Space

Junto House will offer private, dedicated office spaces in a thoughtfully designed environment.

We are now officially pre-leasing these offices ahead of our November opening. This is a chance for founders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to secure their spot in a workspace built on substance and quality.

My wife Morgan and I will also be working on-site, fully invested in building this community alongside our members.

Future Vision

The launch of the co-working offices is just the beginning. Our long-term goal is to evolve Junto House into a social work club, complete with exclusive events and dinners to foster connection and collaboration.

We also have plans to expand the brand into "Junto Stays," which will be small, curated vacation getaways, like ten-cabin retreats, designed with the same ethos of quality and mindful experience.

Conclusion

Junto House is designed to be more than just an office. It is a concept rooted in history and focused on the future of work and community. With private offices opening this fall, we are laying the foundation for a network of driven individuals.

The modern professional needs more than just a place to work; they need a community to grow with. We believe Junto House will provide that environment, fostering both individual and collective success right here in Houston.

To learn more or inquire about pre-leasing, visit us at juntohouse.com.

Maybe they were right, but we believe in spending money on experiences and memories, not just stuff.

If you're unsure about a trip like this, let me tell you: it's totally possible and one of the best things you can do for your family.

This is the story of our trip.

Tokyo, Japan

Our adventure started in Tokyo, Japan, in August. This was a bad time to go; Tokyo was super hot, about 95 degrees. We stayed in an Airbnb in Ebisu which was a great spot for families.

We visited Tokyo DisneySea, which is one of the most beautiful Disney parks I've seen. It's by the water, so you get a nice breeze.

Tokyo is an amazing city. But it seems made for families of four or less. With five of us, restaurants often didn't know how to seat us. They struggled to find a spot for our fifth person.

Here's an important tip: use a luggage delivery service from the airport. The only hard times were when we tried to move around the city with our suitcases.

Here are more pictures from Tokyo.

Bali, Indonesia

After Tokyo, we flew to Bali, Indonesia. This part of the trip was slow and relaxed. We stayed at another Airbnb in Ubud, and it was incredible.

Our best move in Bali was hiring a driver named Panda. He was amazing, and I'd tell anyone to hire him. Most travel in Bali is by scooter, so having a driver for our family was key.

We only planned one thing to do each day. We'd visit a nice beach resort, the rice paddies, the Bali Zoo, or the Monkey Forest. Then we'd go back home to relax.

My advice for Bali: really research where you're staying. Traffic is awful. A two-mile drive can take 40 minutes. Pick a central spot to cut down on travel time.

New Zealand

Our last stop was four days in New Zealand. This was a huge change. We crossed the equator and went from summer to winter.

We stayed in an eco Airbnb in the mountains. It had no heater so we had to build a fire every night. The pace was very slow. We'd go to town, eat, shop, and then go home.

The best part was our drive to Hobbiton. My wife and I had been there eight years before and took a picture. This time, we took the same picture with our three kids.

What We Learned

Traveling with kids gets easier the more you do it. And the longer your trip, the easier it gets. By the end of our trip, our kids understood the routine. They knew when it was time to get on the plane.

Second, change what you expect. This isn't a solo trip. We planned one main activity per day and left lots of time to just explore. Don't plan too much, or you'll get stressed.

Finally, don't overthink it. Travel means making memories. And those memories are priceless.

Building a life that allows for this kind of travel was a big part of why I left my corporate job. I share more about that journey in From Corporate Safety to Entrepreneurial Freedom.

Conclusion

Our three-week trip was full of different weather, cultures, and experiences. It showed us that family adventures don't need to wait until kids are older. Do them now.

We loved it so much that we've already signed our kids up for an international preschool exchange program in Japan next year. The world is big. And there's no better way to see it than with the people you love, no matter how old they are.

Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or Patron View for more updates.

I’m a big Notion fanatic. I’ve put my life and my companies all on it. It’s the engine that keeps things moving.

But beyond that, there are a few other key tools we use for everything from deep research and marketing to daily communication and design.

These are the apps and software I rely on to stay organized and productive.

Project Management

Notion is the brain, and the engine behind everything that I do.

We use it for SOPs, all of our document organization, project management, and tasks.

It’s the central hub where we house all of our documentation and keep our teams aligned.

Marketing Stack

For our e-commerce businesses, a lot of what we do is researching our target audience and our competitors. We use ChatGPT for that deep research to inform our marketing.

Then, in conjunction with ChatGPT, we use a software called Icon.com for ad creation for all of our Meta ads. I’ve been trying to hype that up to people I talk to; it has been really useful.

Email Stack

I just started with Fyxer.ai. It’s like an automated email draft organization thing. My executive assistant uses it to filter through replies, and it helps streamline that whole process.

I also just hopped on Notion Mail. I’m liking that so far because I think it will eventually integrate with my main Notion workspace more so than any other email client.

Design and Communication

Our business is huge into Canva for design. For video calls, we use Google Meet since we’re already in on the Google Workspace.

Conclusion

So that’s a quick look at the core tools I rely on every day.

Here’s a quick rundown of my list:

• Notion
• ChatGPT
• Icon.com
• Fyxer.ai
• Notion Mail
• Canva
• Google Meet

The right tools can make or break your productivity when you’re juggling multiple things everyday. Find what works for your workflow and stick with it.

Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or Patron View for more updates.

These are the places I go back to again and again, whether it’s for a specific dish, a great vibe, or a Tuesday night special.

Here’s a look at my personal list of must-visit restaurants in Houston.

Theodore Rex

This is one of my favorite restaurants. It’s like a slice of Brooklyn here in Houston.

I lived in New York for a little bit, so it’s nice to have a little bit of that here.

The menu is always changing, so I feel like I get something different every single time, which keeps it exciting.

Find it here: Theodore Rex on Google Maps

Nancy’s Hustle

I can tell you exactly what I order at Nancy’s Hustle. I always get the Nancy Cakes, and I always get the Parmesan Cheesecake.

If you’ve never had it, it’s like a savory dessert, but man, it’s freaking good. You have to try it.

Find it here: Nancy’s Hustle on Google Maps

Better Luck Tomorrow

For a great bar that also has really good food, it’s Better Luck Tomorrow.

It’s in a retrofitted gas station, so it has great vibes, great drinks, and a great bar program.

It’s a small menu, but it’s really good food—it’s not just like bar food.

Find it here: Better Luck Tomorrow on Google Maps

Squabble

The spot I go to the absolute most is Squabble.

It’s kind of just like modern European. What’s great about this one is that Tuesdays are half-off martinis and half-off oysters.

It’s a great Tuesday spot—I pretty much go there every Tuesday.

Find it here: Squabble on Google Maps

Truth BBQ

For barbecue, I would definitely say Truth BBQ is the spot.

It’s off of Heights Boulevard and it’s one of the best in the city.

Find it here: Truth BBQ on Google Maps

Tacos Doña Lena

For the best taco spot, honestly, it’s a place called Tacos Doña Lena. I mean, you can just tell it’s good.

There’s usually a long line, but it’s worth it.

Find it here: Tacos Doña Lena on Google Maps

Conclusion

These are the places that I keep going back to.

The Houston food scene is always evolving. I wrote more about this in The Ever-Changing Houston Food Scene.

Here’s a quick rundown of my list:

• Theodore Rex
• Nancy’s Hustle
• Better Luck Tomorrow
• Squabble
• Truth BBQ
• Tacos Doña Lena

I’m always looking for new spots to try, so I want to hear from you.

What are your favorite restaurants in Houston? Let me know by sending me a DM on my socials.

Follow me on Instagram, TikTok, or Patron View for more updates.

When OffChance recently completed its first acquisition of Supercrush, the journey revealed valuable insights about managing six-figure deals, international logistics, and the complexities of cross-border business operations.

The Deal Overview

This deal happened a little under 2 months ago, and I’m excited to share that OffChance has made its first acquisition: Supercrush, a Canadian e-commerce brand in the beauty and hair care/accessories space!

Here are some of the insights from the deal.

Complexities and Costs

With a six-figure deal, we had to balance thorough due diligence with keeping legal costs reasonable. Initially, we aimed for perfection, which pushed legal fees into the five-figure range—a cost that didn’t make sense for this deal.

We shifted our focus to essentials in the contract and handled most of the due diligence ourselves, which kept costs in check and allowed us to move forward efficiently.

Inventory Transfer Challenges

Moving inventory across borders was more challenging than expected. Customs clearance delays and coordinating shipping schedules added complexity.

This taught us to build in more flexibility and have stronger contingency plans. Next time, tighter coordination with logistics partners will be key.

Understanding the Market

With 80% of Supercrush’s customers in Canada, we prioritized maintaining their experience but underestimated the costs.

Shipping, duties, and broker fees were more than expected. We learned the importance of understanding local logistics and negotiating better rates upfront.

External Factors

The Canada Post strike and potential tariffs hit us harder than expected, causing shipping delays and increased costs.

The ongoing strike has impacted our holiday sales, with Canadian customers unable to receive their packages. This affects not just us but businesses across Canada during this crucial season.

Our products are manufactured in Canada, and while we planned to continue R&D there, potential tariffs have us considering a move to US production for sustainability.

Timing and Execution

We aimed to close by September to capitalize on the holiday season. Delays set us back, and we had to scramble to get things in place just as the holidays began.

The intensity made it harder to solidify team roles, but we learned a lot and feel confident in our path forward.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Supercrush represents more than just OffChance’s first deal—it’s a masterclass in navigating the complexities of cross-border e-commerce acquisitions.

This acquisition journey is part of a bigger story. I share more about building OffChance in From Corporate Safety to Entrepreneurial Freedom.

From managing legal costs effectively to dealing with unexpected external factors like postal strikes and potential tariffs, each challenge provided valuable learning opportunities.

Despite the lessons and challenges, we’d do this deal 10 out of 10 times.

We’re excited to grow Supercrush further and take it to the next level. The previous owners built a great foundation, and we’re ready to build on that. I’ll be sharing more about this journey here!

If you’re in the US (sorry Canada! It’s not our fault!) and need some Christmas gifts, check out supercrush.com and make bad hair days a thing of the past!

Taking the leap from a stable corporate job back into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship isn’t a decision most people make lightly.

After years of building businesses, experiencing the devastating impact of 2020, and finding refuge in corporate stability, I recently made the bold choice to quit my job at Monday.com.

This is the story of why I decided to bet on myself again, despite the risks, and what I’m building next.

The Leap Into Uncertainty

A week ago was my last day at Monday.com. I’m feeling free, but there’s also uncertainty.

For the first time in a while, there’s no safety net.

My wife, Morgan, and I are fully relying on the businesses we’ve started.

I didn’t quit because our businesses were thriving (it’s been a tough year, actually), but because I believed in betting on myself again.

The Journey

Quick backstory: In 2017, we started a small handmade goods store that grew into Forth & Nomad, a 4,000 sq ft retail/café concept.

2020 hit us hard. I took a job at Monday.com to provide stability, especially with our first child on the way.

Returning to corporate life felt strange after entrepreneurship.

Monday.com was great, but I felt the urge to build again.

I realized I love juggling multiple projects, so I embraced this trait after hearing Andrew Wilkinson of Tiny speak.

Building OffChance

That’s when OffChance was born. It’s a holding company and clubhouse for unconventional endeavors. We create, grow, and buy unconventional brands.

My goal is to build these brands publicly, sharing transparent data to inspire others.

In 2023, we paired our brand portfolio with real estate, forming Somco Capital.

We’ve purchased two commercial properties and invested in a Houston startup. Both properties begin development this year, with a new café concept, Domo, opening next year.

The Catalyst

Why leave my job?

Many projects were slow-moving, but there’s a new business I’m excited about: RemoTeams! We’re a remote staffing agency helping build dream remote teams.

Half our team is in the Philippines, giving us an edge in sourcing various positions. We provide ongoing support and delegation help, setting us apart from typical headhunters.

Conclusion

Leaving the security of a corporate job to pursue entrepreneurial ventures is never easy, especially when there’s no guarantee of immediate success. But sometimes, the biggest risk is not taking any risk at all.

By betting on myself and embracing the uncertainty, I’m not just building businesses—I’m creating a legacy of transparency and inspiration for other entrepreneurs who might be standing at their own crossroads, wondering if they should take the leap.

I plan to build everything publicly, sharing information to help others.

For resources and insights into our operations, check out offchance.com.

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