There comes a special moment in everyone’s life, a moment for which that person was born. That special opportunity, when he seizes it, will fulfill his mission— a mission for which he is uniquely qualified. In that moment, he finds greatness. It is his finest hour. — WINSTON CHURCHILL
It’s not every day you get to build a company that will be as impactful as GigLoft. It’s exciting as hell to think that I’m meant for it.
Why do I feel that way? Well…. . . . .
Engrained in my personality is a need to share my knowledge (see: advice) with others, often without asking. Everything I learn, I strive to teach. Usually this is for the better.
I inherited this personality trait from my paternal lineage, including my grandfather whose go-to line is:
“alors, je t’explique” (“alright, I’ll explain to you”).
It’s a famous inside joke in the Chevallier family.
Papy showing me how it’s done. 👌
Probably in large part thanks to my French family and upbringing! More on this soon.
Cousins Ronan et Charlotte at another cousin’s wedding. Guess how old I was.
At 16 years old, my very first job was at Fry’s Food & Drug as a courtesy clerk — basically the bottom of the totem pole, but I loved it. Despite my lack of discipline and maturity, I consistently went above and beyond for our shoppers. I’d jump at the chance to help them find a specific item, put something back if they no longer wanted it, and help elderly and disabled folks out to their cars.
Yes, I was sixteen in this photo. Maybe even seventeen.
At my second job working back-of-house at a sushi restaurant, I always jumped at the opportunity to carry a dish out to customers or offer to clear their plates. I’d revel in the time spent interacting with patrons, seeing to their needs, and generally being helpful.
Later in college, I got a job working phone collections for a power company. Despite the often horrendous way callers would treat us, I somehow always found a way to stay motivated. I was, after all, helping them. Helping them set up a payment plan to pay off their debts, helping them turn their power back on, helping them in the ways we could.