CREDITS
This project wasn't realized alone. Many people have—directly or indirectly—influenced how I have shaped The ForrestXYZ.
FIRST
Austin Kleon for his bombshell of a book, Steal Like An Artist. It reminded me that most people borrow techniques to perfect and realize their craft, and that's natural. Thank you for changing my life forever.
Check his work out: http://www.austinkleon.com/
NEXT
Dan Koe, whose timeless wisdom and ability to excel in multiple fields reminded me that this project is not only possible but also needed for myself and others in the 21st century.
See what I mean: http://www.thedankoe.com/
FINALLY
I want to thank my wonderful wife, Chelsea, for always being supportive of my entrepreneurial endeavors, for hearing my new ideas, for being my sounding board, for listening to me practice my instruments, speeches, and so much more.
You are my best friend. I love you, period.
OTHERS
There are many others I wish to thank, and I'm not sure this website can handle them. I'll provide a shortlist, knowing that I definitely missed a few great ones at the time of this writing.
GOATS
Elon Musk – Working 100 hours for yourself > Working 40 hours for someone else
Gary V – Staying optimistic when the going gets tough
John Mayer – For being a musical chameleon
Taylor Swift – Your compassion for your fans and team is legendary
Tim Ferriss – Emphasizing: Productivity > Being Busy
Walter Lewin – Making physics enjoyable and mathematically approachable
Anyone involved in scambaiting, such as Pierogi, Kitboga, Jim Browning, etc. Keep fighting the good fight!
COLLEAGUES
Aaron O. – Boss music director and bigger boss producer
Abigail W. – Being the first person I met who also loves music and nature
Alli C. – Reminding me to keep the creativity in my craft
Andrew H. – For your selfless sacrifice to make others' lives better
Andy C. – Your chillness while being a boss in Music X Photography X Business
Benji D. – Being a music director with empathy
Chris C. – Encouraging me to learn the saxophone in 18 months
Erin Z. – Pushing me from surviving to thriving. RIP
Geoffrey P. – Keeping me grounded when my thoughts go wild
Isaac R. – Smoking me in my first rap battle as my co-instructor, 2016
Kailey L. – Commanding excellence while being an actual human being
Leah D. – Keeping sustainability at the forefront of everything
Lindsey P. – You're pretty weird and talented, yet you own it
Luke S. – For being a Jedi / Sith Lord of combining logic with music
Mikey M. – For combining joy and energy in music
Nathan R.V. – For challenging me to be forever young in my ventures
Stephan H. – The excellent you bring on stage while being easygoing
Warren G. – Racing me to Portland, OR, on a whim from NY; Music X Engineering
TEACHERS
Avik C. – Showing me the joys of chemistry
Cassandra C. – High standards and never putting up with my crap in orchestra
Charles A. S. H. – Introducing me to systems thinking
Elmore 'Cootie' H. – Being a boss martial artist and jazz teacher at 95 years old. RIP
Gary S. – Teaching me engineering prowess
George E. – Pushing me as a jazz trumpet player
Irene K. – Teaching me my first instrument
Mary L.P. – Reminding me to choose joy
Nasri A.A. – Making calculus fun and applicable
Pete J. – For keeping me dialed in and on track with my many interests
Scott C. – Pushing me to break my musical limits
Thomas A. – Teaching me how to manage people with empathy
Wallace W. – Teaching me patience and long-term thinking
FAMILY
Mom – Driving me to hundreds/thousands of rehearsals, always listening to me. RIP
Dad – Encouraging me to pursue my dreams on the West Coast. RIP
Ryan – Your devotion to work to provide for your son/my nephew
Ron-Jay – Giving me a place to stay when I moved to Portland
Grandma Betty – Always asking how my adventures were going
Charlene (aka Mom 2) – Always keeping this wild child on his toes
FORMER STUDENTS
Cathy B. – For being twice my age and willing to learn new things
Olya S. – Pushing me to teach and add value to others full-time
...and so many more that I'll add on a different day.