Gratitude Without the Expression of Gratitude Is No Gratitude at All
"It's one thing to be grateful. It's another to give thanks. Gratitude is what you feel. Thanksgiving is what you do." - Timothy Keller, New York Times bestselling author and pastor
We are explicitly told – 38 TIMES – to "give thanks" throughout the books of the Old and New Testaments. In light of this, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, my brothers and I couldn't help but reflect on how grateful we are for all the ways in which the Lord has blessed us this year.
Thus far, 2019 has been an incredible year of growth for Weatherford Capital. We added a key member to our investment team, completed five new investments, realized two exits, and more than doubled our assets under management. Although we are proud of these outcomes, none of this would be possible -- or enjoyable -- without the meaningful relationships we share with each of our partners. A successful career and physical health are well and good, but without supportive, loving relationships, we'd be unable to truly flourish. After all, relationships are the only things that matter in the end.
Our relationships drive Weatherford Capital. It’s not solely the connections and affiliations most traditional private equity firms point to in their annual investor letters -- intermediaries, executive networks, or limited partners. Our relationships with each of these individuals are certainly vital and truly honored, and we can’t thank our partners enough for the trust they place in us every day. But the people who don’t generally receive public acknowledgments are just as critical to our success.
Family
As an investor, steward of others’ capital, and assuring positive business outcomes, this line of work can be quite demanding. There have been times -- in the middle of multiple closings, each with pressing deadlines -- when our work commitments eclipse the amount of time available in a given day. We end up working evenings and weekends and we’re on the road regularly. This isn’t uncommon as an investment manager, but we recognize that it is just as challenging, if not more so, on our families. We are so grateful to our families for their love and support; without them by our sides, we would not be where we are today.
Colleagues
Within Weatherford Capital, a direct correlation can be found between our investment success and the quality of our team members. This year we improved in every facet of our business. A great foundation has been set and it is representative of the hard work and creative ambition of each member of our team.
Each of our colleagues embodies what we as a firm strive to live out each day. We are proud of how they carry themselves with confidence while simultaneously displaying genuine humility. Each member has the courage to manage up (when needed), they are thoughtful in giving feedback and open in receiving it. Showing up each day with the right attitude they inspire a work environment marked by teamwork and servant leadership. Always seeking opportunities to learn, innovate, and improve; our team loves to compete, plays to win, and enjoys the thrill of pursuing the audacious goals set out for them. This collective effort and enterprise are what allows us to meet the needs of our partners and those of each other on a day-to-day basis. We are very proud of each of you, and consider ourselves lucky to call you teammates.
Investors and Partners
We are fortunate to have partnered with some of the world's most reputable investment managers. We are humbled by this opportunity and take our responsibility as co-investors very seriously.
As a value-added minority investor, we will leverage our experience and deep relationships to drive growth and promote a culture of empowerment and passion within each of our portfolio companies. We aim to build trust and meaningful long-term relationships through stewarding our financial, social, and intellectual capital in the service of delivering healthy business outcomes aligned to the common good.
We are invigorated by the momentum of our firm in 2019 and are excited about the opportunities ahead in 2020. We believe our success has been and will continue to be predicated on a handful of guiding principles:
Partner with great people
Serve our partners’ interests before our own
Maintain a disciplined investment approach
Relentlessly seek ways to create transformational and enduring value
Strive for integrity, humility, and excellence in all things
During this holiday season, please know that as the Weatherfords gather around their dinner table, we will be giving thanks that the Lord has placed each of you into our lives. We fully recognize that fleeting pleasures are senseless and insignificant if we don't acknowledge that the source of life’s goodness lies primarily outside ourselves. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian, and pastor. said it best: "In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." With that, we give thanks for the privilege of your time, your friendship, and your continued faith and confidence in us.
-Drew, Will, and Sam Weatherford
