At Tanner LLC, our purpose is to help Utah’s best-in-class teams realize their full value through accurate accounting, strategic consulting and real relationships. Seeing the people and businesses we know and work with succeed is satisfying to our firm, professionally and personally.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous challenges to the way we live and the way we do business. Still, Utah’s economy has shown its resiliency and, by many measures, ranks as the best in the United States.
This week, I was invited to speak as Utah Business Magazine honored its Utah Fast 50 and Emerging Elite companies. Tanner was a Presenting Sponsor of the event, which recognizes established companies, their exponential growth and revenue, and their roles in driving business in the state.
(above: Scott Robinson, Trevor Peterson, and Jonathan Dudley of Tanner LLC)
In my remarks, I told the audience how I could see many parallels between the award recipients and traits of Grit, as quoted from Angela Duckworth’s book “Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance”:
“There are no shortcuts to excellence. Developing real expertise, figuring out really hard problems, it all takes time―longer than most people imagine….you’ve got to apply those skills and produce goods or services that are valuable to people….Grit is about working on something you care about so much that you’re willing to stay loyal to it…it’s doing what you love, but not just falling in love―staying in love.
“Three bricklayers are asked: “What are you doing?” The first says, “I am laying bricks.” The second says, “I am building a church.” And the third says, “I am building the house of God.” The first bricklayer has a job. The second has a career. The third has a calling.
“Grit depends on a different kind of hope. It rests on the expectation that our own efforts can improve our future. “I have a feeling tomorrow will be better” is different from “I resolve to make tomorrow better.”
[Having grit means you] “have a fierce resolve in everything you do. [It means you] “demonstrate determination, resiliency, and tenacity. [It means you] “do not let temporary setbacks become permanent excuses. [It means you] “use mistakes and problems as opportunities to get better—not reasons to quit.
Tanner LLC sincerely congratulates all of the Fast 50 and Emerging Elite award recipients!
Each recipient company, and the people on your teams, have truly shown an amazing amount of grit. You’ve also elevated our community by growing your companies and following your passions.
