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KrismanX · 1 March 2018, 06:23 AM

As most people did, I too had a crazy 2017(and 2016, and 2015...WOOF). Anything and everything that could happen--did happen.

After all the dust settled and the rain stopped pouring, I saw the shiniest silver lining life had ever presented to me: A unique opportunity to realign my life and realize a dream.

Today I make that jump. I am leaving my nice, safe, prestigious 5 year position at a major financial institution to become a commercial beer brewer. I have been home-brewing with my best friend for the greater part of a decade now, and about 3 years ago that friend got hired at an up and coming brewery in SoCal after the owners tasted a bottle of our latest home brew. Fast forward 3 years and he is now the head brewer at that same brewery, they are expanding faster than expected and he approached me as the only other person he knows who can do what he does.

I am 31, have no major family or financial obligations, and I have a strong safety net in place juuuust in case I ever need to go crawling back to my suit and tie shackles. I'm surely going to be one of a very select group of brewers who own and pine over luxury timepieces; but I'm definitely okay with that.

Truth is...regardless of how this decision actually came to fruition in my life, many people are held back by the invisible shackles which we forge and lock to our Selves. Our minds are very good at creating "valid reasons" as to why pursuing our passions will lead to our irreparable demise. Radical change can be just that, and our lizard brained fight/flight responses keep our imaginations in check with this "fact": You can't be a rockstar. You can't survive as JUST an artist. You can't do what you want. You do what you have to. We fill our minds with the negative comments of others recorded and played back in our own voice to justify our current situations and why staying in those situations, no matter how bad, still makes sense...Instead of justifying why such a change is not only necessary; but imperative and paramount to living a personally fulfilling and successful life.

As scary as change can be, it is one of the only guarantees in life. Be the change you want to see.

"Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you."
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."
"Whether you think you can, or think you can't...You're right."

I'm holding off on a second watch for now to finance the building of my Personal Freedom Machine. This is my ultimate goal: Automate income and eliminate wasteful action/expense to decrease obligation and increase freedom of time and choice. Anyone who has achieved any level of this goal, I would LOVE to hear from you.

Let's get it, 2018. Vent closed.

antbkny · 1 March 2018, 06:29 AM

Grab life by the balls Kristofer!

Snow-Dweller · 1 March 2018, 06:32 AM

Good for you, and good luck.

I decided as a young man that the rat-race wasn’t for me. I left London and went to live in a ski resort, where I ended up in the bar and restaurant business. Carpe diem.

GerardoG · 1 March 2018, 06:32 AM

Congratulations on pursuing your dream! Remember: keep ALWAYS dreaming, that will bring fresh ideas!!!

Best of lucks and CHEERS!

Brenngun · 1 March 2018, 06:38 AM

Kris, the world can never have too many beer brewers. I'm a little thirsty now so get to work will you!

superdog · 1 March 2018, 06:39 AM

LOVE THIS.

GOOD for you!!!

herts9 · 1 March 2018, 06:40 AM

Best of luck! Life is too damn short to spend more than one second not as happy as you deserve!

77T · 1 March 2018, 06:42 AM

Much Success in your new endeavor.

Now...about a TRF IPA brew - call Steve for the super secret recipe...

FTX I · 1 March 2018, 06:43 AM

Congrats & Good luck.

mannyv11 · 1 March 2018, 06:44 AM

Congrats and I can't wait to hear about your success!

tritium8 · 1 March 2018, 06:53 AM

Good for you! You got this! I'm you don't mind sharing the name of the brewery, I'm in LA and would definitely be down for checking out your beers. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post it.

teqp · 1 March 2018, 07:01 AM

Good luck in your new endeavor. I wish you all the success. I have friends that live in San Marino that we often visit, so if the brewery is around there, please let me know. I also wouldn't mind trying your brews.

cop414 · 1 March 2018, 07:09 AM

Good for you Sir, never ever let weeds grow around your dreams

TheVTCGuy · 1 March 2018, 07:09 AM

Need an assistant?

littleolemoi · 1 March 2018, 07:10 AM

That's swimming to the ship rather than waiting for it to come in for you!!!!

Good luck and best wishes!!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

function12 · 1 March 2018, 07:41 AM

It's not working if you are doing what you love to do!!!

Good Luck!!!

datejustrms · 1 March 2018, 07:53 AM

Good for you! All the best at the brewery!

PLNYC · 1 March 2018, 07:55 AM

This is amazing to hear! I too am considering leaving the suit and tie for personal freedom! Excited to see what the future holds for you!

swils8610 · 1 March 2018, 07:57 AM

Go for it!!!! Have no regrets!!!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

brandrea · 1 March 2018, 08:04 AM

Awesome Kristofer, I'm truly happy for you and I hope it all works out!

The work will be hard, but the rewards will be many.

No Matter how it works out in the end, you'll never have to wonder "what if" Good on you!

KrismanX · 1 March 2018, 09:03 AM

Thanks, everyone!!

It’s called MacLeod Ale Brewing Co in Van Nuys, CA. We make traditional English and Scottish ales

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

GradyPhilpott · 1 March 2018, 09:06 AM

dba · 1 March 2018, 09:48 AM

Very best of luck to you.

HobokenRolex · 1 March 2018, 10:30 AM

Way to go! Do they ship to the east coast?

RW16610 · 1 March 2018, 10:46 AM

Good stuff

Congrats on taking this exciting step in life

DJ TT 2002 · 1 March 2018, 10:47 AM

Fortune favors the bold!!!!

Best of luck

Etschell · 1 March 2018, 10:48 AM

the only risk in life is not taking any risks.

good luck sure it will work out well.

Hairdude1 · 1 March 2018, 11:25 AM

Congrats! My wife and I just opened our first business in Dec of 17 and couldn't be happier.

pickettt · 1 March 2018, 01:57 PM

It's been my experience that most people believe that for a person to increase their own station in life, they must decrease someone else's. It's a shame. In my community's culture, it's known as the "crab barrel mentality." However, having been the recipient of the love and the tutelage of a successful friend and businessman, I've had incredible (as in I can't believe it sometimes) success in running my own businesses. Because of this, I like to see people embark on their own business endeavors and I love to see them succeed. Good luck and Godspeed.

javert34 · 1 March 2018, 02:41 PM

One of my closest friends and mentors once remarked to me when I was at a crossroad:

"No one one their death bed has ever said, 'I wish I had done less with my life.'"

Congratulations, best of luck and Godspeed in you newest endeavor.

1 March 2018, 06:23 AM	#1
KrismanX "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Real Name: Kristofer Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: my feet. Posts: 2,364	A Leap of Faith As most people did, I too had a crazy 2017(and 2016, and 2015...WOOF). Anything and everything that could happen--did happen. After all the dust settled and the rain stopped pouring, I saw the shiniest silver lining life had ever presented to me: A unique opportunity to realign my life and realize a dream. Today I make that jump. I am leaving my nice, safe, prestigious 5 year position at a major financial institution to become a commercial beer brewer. I have been home-brewing with my best friend for the greater part of a decade now, and about 3 years ago that friend got hired at an up and coming brewery in SoCal after the owners tasted a bottle of our latest home brew. Fast forward 3 years and he is now the head brewer at that same brewery, they are expanding faster than expected and he approached me as the only other person he knows who can do what he does. I am 31, have no major family or financial obligations, and I have a strong safety net in place juuuust in case I ever need to go crawling back to my suit and tie shackles. I'm surely going to be one of a very select group of brewers who own and pine over luxury timepieces; but I'm definitely okay with that. Truth is...regardless of how this decision actually came to fruition in my life, many people are held back by the invisible shackles which we forge and lock to our Selves. Our minds are very good at creating "valid reasons" as to why pursuing our passions will lead to our irreparable demise. Radical change can be just that, and our lizard brained fight/flight responses keep our imaginations in check with this "fact": You can't be a rockstar. You can't survive as JUST an artist. You can't do what you want. You do what you have to. We fill our minds with the negative comments of others recorded and played back in our own voice to justify our current situations and why staying in those situations, no matter how bad, still makes sense...Instead of justifying why such a change is not only necessary; but imperative and paramount to living a personally fulfilling and successful life. As scary as change can be, it is one of the only guarantees in life. Be the change you want to see. "Life doesn't happen to you, it happens for you." "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." "Whether you think you can, or think you can't...You're right." I'm holding off on a second watch for now to finance the building of my Personal Freedom Machine. This is my ultimate goal: Automate income and eliminate wasteful action/expense to decrease obligation and increase freedom of time and choice. Anyone who has achieved any level of this goal, I would LOVE to hear from you. Let's get it, 2018. Vent closed. __________________ No sticker left behind. "Better three hours too soon, than a minute too late." "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us." ref. 116520 Daytona - 10/2014

1 March 2018, 06:32 AM	#3
Snow-Dweller 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Real Name: Clive Location: The Alps Watch: collections change Posts: 6,284	Good for you, and good luck. I decided as a young man that the rat-race wasn’t for me. I left London and went to live in a ski resort, where I ended up in the bar and restaurant business. Carpe diem. __________________ . The path from WIShood to WISdom can have many turnings... ——————————————————————————————————— . 16803. 16570. 18038. 114300. GMW-B5000D.

1 March 2018, 06:38 AM	#5
Brenngun 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Rick Location: Smokin' Heaven Watch: Rolex & Tudor Posts: 3,867	Kris, the world can never have too many beer brewers. I'm a little thirsty now so get to work will you! __________________ Simple solutions solve complexed problems more often than complexed solutions solve simple problems!

1 March 2018, 06:39 AM	#6
superdog 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Real Name: Seth Location: nj Watch: Omega Posts: 24,834	LOVE THIS. GOOD for you!!! __________________ If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it? IG: gsmotorclub IG: thesawcollection (Both mostly just car stuff)

1 March 2018, 06:42 AM	#8
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,024	Much Success in your new endeavor. Now...about a TRF IPA brew - call Steve for the super secret recipe... __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

1 March 2018, 06:29 AM	#2
antbkny "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Real Name: Anthony Location: Brooklyn, NY Watch: Dblue Posts: 6,723	Grab life by the balls Kristofer!

1 March 2018, 06:32 AM	#4
GerardoG Banned Join Date: Oct 2005 Real Name: Gerardo Location: Here Watch: ALL of them Posts: 32,098	Congratulations on pursuing your dream! Remember: keep ALWAYS dreaming, that will bring fresh ideas!!! Best of lucks and CHEERS!

1 March 2018, 06:40 AM	#7
herts9 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Real Name: Brian Location: Kentucky Watch: 116610LN Posts: 2,034	Best of luck! Life is too damn short to spend more than one second not as happy as you deserve!

1 March 2018, 06:43 AM	#9
FTX I "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Real Name: Flavio Location: N/A Posts: 14,654	Congrats & Good luck.

1 March 2018, 06:44 AM	#10
mannyv11 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Manny Location: MA Watch: DD,Sub,GMT,Daytona Posts: 4,512	Congrats and I can't wait to hear about your success!

1 March 2018, 06:53 AM	#11
tritium8 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: N8 Location: L.A. Watch: 216570 Posts: 1,745	Good for you! You got this! I'm you don't mind sharing the name of the brewery, I'm in LA and would definitely be down for checking out your beers. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post it.

1 March 2018, 07:01 AM	#12
teqp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Real Name: Phil Location: SoCal Watch: 116613LN Posts: 3,052	Good luck in your new endeavor. I wish you all the success. I have friends that live in San Marino that we often visit, so if the brewery is around there, please let me know. I also wouldn't mind trying your brews.

1 March 2018, 07:09 AM	#13
cop414 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Tim Location: Pennsylvania Watch: 14060M Posts: 72,261	Good for you Sir, never ever let weeds grow around your dreams __________________ Rolex Submariner 14060M Omega Seamaster 2254.50 DOXA Professional 1200T Card carrying member of TRF's Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons TRF's "After Dark" Bar & NightClub Patron P Club Member #17 2 FA ENABLED

1 March 2018, 07:09 AM	#14
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	Need an assistant?

1 March 2018, 07:10 AM	#15
littleolemoi "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Real Name: Guess?? Location: East Coast Posts: 1,534	That's swimming to the ship rather than waiting for it to come in for you!!!! Good luck and best wishes!!! Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

1 March 2018, 07:41 AM	#16
function12 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 518	It's not working if you are doing what you love to do!!! Good Luck!!!

1 March 2018, 07:53 AM	#17
datejustrms "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 2,799	Good for you! All the best at the brewery!

1 March 2018, 07:55 AM	#18
PLNYC "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Mars Posts: 1,683	This is amazing to hear! I too am considering leaving the suit and tie for personal freedom! Excited to see what the future holds for you! __________________

1 March 2018, 07:57 AM	#19
swils8610 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Real Name: shannon Location: usa Posts: 9,211	Go for it!!!! Have no regrets!!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

1 March 2018, 08:04 AM	#20
brandrea 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Real Name: Brian (TBone) Location: canada Watch: es make me smile Posts: 78,135	Awesome Kristofer, I'm truly happy for you and I hope it all works out! The work will be hard, but the rewards will be many. No Matter how it works out in the end, you'll never have to wonder "what if" Good on you!

1 March 2018, 09:03 AM	#21
KrismanX "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Real Name: Kristofer Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: my feet. Posts: 2,364	Thanks, everyone!! It’s called MacLeod Ale Brewing Co in Van Nuys, CA. We make traditional English and Scottish ales Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ No sticker left behind. "Better three hours too soon, than a minute too late." "All we have to do is decide what to do with the time that is given to us." ref. 116520 Daytona - 10/2014

1 March 2018, 09:06 AM	#22
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	__________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

1 March 2018, 09:48 AM	#23
dba 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: David Location: Gardnerville, NV Watch: 16710 Posts: 2,706	Very best of luck to you. __________________ Current: 16710 Previous: 16760 Fat Lady, 16613 Bluesy, 16800, 14060, 16710 Pepsi, 216570 Polar, 116710LN, 16610, 216570 Polar (again), 16713, 216570 Polar (yet again), 16710 Black w/ Pepsi Insert Hope is not a strategy.

1 March 2018, 10:30 AM	#24
HobokenRolex 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,066	Way to go! Do they ship to the east coast?

1 March 2018, 10:46 AM	#25
RW16610 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Rommel Location: Toronto Canada Watch: 116710LN Posts: 9,205	Good stuff Congrats on taking this exciting step in life

1 March 2018, 10:47 AM	#26
DJ TT 2002 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Hollywood 1950 Posts: 4,103	Fortune favors the bold!!!! Best of luck

1 March 2018, 10:48 AM	#27
Etschell "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: FL Watch: platinum sub Posts: 15,884	the only risk in life is not taking any risks. good luck sure it will work out well. __________________ If you wind it, they will run. 25 or 6 to 4.

1 March 2018, 11:25 AM	#28
Hairdude1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Alex Location: Chicago Watch: AP,PP, Rolex Posts: 37,156	Congrats! My wife and I just opened our first business in Dec of 17 and couldn't be happier. __________________ Instagram: @Hairdude Watches in Collection 5070R, 5522A, 214270 MK1, 228238 16750, 26401, 5711, 116718, 116710LN, 116300, 16710"Coke", 372, 15300, 15703 (All Flipped) Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member 'WIS-CON' Las Vegas Int'l GTG 2018

1 March 2018, 01:57 PM	#29
pickettt "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: California Watch: Shiny One Posts: 5,450	It's been my experience that most people believe that for a person to increase their own station in life, they must decrease someone else's. It's a shame. In my community's culture, it's known as the "crab barrel mentality." However, having been the recipient of the love and the tutelage of a successful friend and businessman, I've had incredible (as in I can't believe it sometimes) success in running my own businesses. Because of this, I like to see people embark on their own business endeavors and I love to see them succeed. Good luck and Godspeed.

1 March 2018, 02:41 PM	#30
javert34 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Colorado, USA Watch: 16570 & 14000M Posts: 129	One of my closest friends and mentors once remarked to me when I was at a crossroad: "No one one their death bed has ever said, 'I wish I had done less with my life.'" Congratulations, best of luck and Godspeed in you newest endeavor. __________________ Don't go around saying that the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first - Mark Twain

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