There’s a quiet force that transforms people faster than any book, podcast, or motivational quote ever could.
It’s proximity.
Not just being near someone—but really sharing space with someone who’s done the work.
Built the thing.
Lived the pain.
Pushed through the ceiling. And still shows up, open-handed and generous.
Built the thing.
Lived the pain.
Pushed through the ceiling. And still shows up, open-handed and generous.
Let me set the stage here.
Last week, I taught a two-day class to a room full of ambitious restoration professionals dedicated to grow their business with strong commercial principles.
Phoenix, Arizona
It was a strong lineup—strategy, structure, leadership, the usual gear we run with.
But something happened outside the curriculum that hit even harder.
Phoenix, Arizona
It was a strong lineup—strategy, structure, leadership, the usual gear we run with.
But something happened outside the curriculum that hit even harder.
We were hosted by a business owner who opened not just his doors, but his heart and his journey.
Sergei Guk. An industry icon many have never heard of. The way he wants it.
Sergei Guk. An industry icon many have never heard of. The way he wants it.
He gave a simple tour of his facility, answered questions with no fluff, and spoke openly about both wins and wounds.
It lasted maybe an hour.
It lasted maybe an hour.
By the end of the class, nearly every attendee said that hour alone was worth the entire trip.
Why?
Because proximity collapses time.
It makes the possible feel personal.
It unlocks belief.
There’s something powerful about being in the presence of someone who isn’t trying to impress you—but is willing to invite you into their story.
You don’t just learn—you absorb.
You don’t just listen—you shift.
You don’t just learn—you absorb.
You don’t just listen—you shift.
We all want the hack. The shortcut. The quick win. But the truth is, the fastest way to grow is to get close to someone who’s already growing—and generous enough to let you close.
That’s the kind of community I want to build.
One that doesn’t gatekeep the good stuff.
One where the air itself builds belief. One where being around the right people at the right time isn’t rare—it’s the norm.
One that doesn’t gatekeep the good stuff.
One where the air itself builds belief. One where being around the right people at the right time isn’t rare—it’s the norm.
If you’re building something, don’t underestimate what your story could unlock in someone else.
And if you’re searching for your next breakthrough—get in the room. The right room. Because a few hours of proximity might do what a year of white-knuckling couldn’t.
If you have been a part of our community, then tell someone.
If you haven’t, start here. My friends want to be yours.
https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy
If you haven’t, start here. My friends want to be yours.
https://www.restorationadvisers.com/RBA-Academy
Klark
PS. Thank you Sergei and Scott
PS. Thank you Sergei and Scott