Take a look at our February newsletter!
FEBRUARY 2024
407.702.7905
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
FINDING YOUR 100-FOOT WAVE HOW GARRETT MCNAMARA’S TENACITY CAN INSPIRE YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY
Recently, I’ve been watching a documentary series called “100 Foot Wave,” which follows legendary surfer Garrett McNamara in his quest to ride — you guessed it — a 100-foot wave. This
In business, we don’t always make that sale, the projects we plan don’t make the cut, and sometimes we’re rejected. In surfing, sometimes they miss the wave, sometimes their ride isn’t up to par, and sometimes they fall. But what those who
documentary has been fascinating for a few reasons. The first is that much of it takes place in Nazaré, a small town in Portugal. As many of you may know, my family is Portuguese, from a region called Madeira, so a lot of the footage feels nostalgic. However, the second reason I’m drawn to “100 Foot Wave” is seeing McNamara chase his dream, get knocked down repeatedly, only to get back up and start over time and time again. And I don’t mean this in a sadistic way in that I enjoy watching him fail, but more so, I’m inspired by his ability to push forward despite his setbacks.
are successful in both arenas have is a regimen or process that grounds them so they can fall back on it in times of difficulty.
But what those who are successful in both arenas have is a regimen or process that grounds them so they can fall back on it in times of difficulty.
For McNamara and even myself, it’s a structured routine. Every morning, he wakes up early to meditate before going out to the ocean, where he exercises by moving rocks underwater. Then, of course, he surfs. While these actions may seem insignificant compared to riding a 100-foot wave, they allow him to persevere and push forward even after failure. These fundamental routines prevent doubt, negative self-talk, and rumination, which can be the antithesis of success and help all of us pull ourselves up after a failure.
Sometimes, those setbacks are missing the perfect wave, but other times they’re suffering life-threatening injuries, getting slammed against rocks or sucked under a wave that has the equivalent power of a cannon. But, regardless of which setback he suffers, McNamara always tries again. In many ways, McNamara is no different from business people. Both need sponsors and have to satisfy the financial aspects of their jobs, but there’s a mental component to chasing the next big wave that isn’t dissimilar to pursuing business success. That intense focus on their dream pushes them forward — sometimes to the brink.
So, this month, I encourage you to ask yourself, “What is my 100-foot wave?” What are you striving for despite the setbacks and challenges along the way?
And, when you’re knocked down, what do you have in your toolbox to help you get back up? The answers to these two questions ultimately set you up for the ride of your dreams.
Robert Burns
1
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
407.702.7905
I saw the Broadway show “Wicked” when it came to town a few years ago, and the main characters were captivating! They bring the production to life. Similarly, I always tell clients that your landscape is like a movie or Broadway show — and high- quality trees are the A-list actors. The Best Trees for a Picture- Perfect Landscape LIGHTS, CAMERA, FOLIAGE!
When you choose to use quality trees in your landscaping, their size and beauty carry the rest of the supporting cast: shrubs, flowers, pottery, lights, etc. Without great trees, nothing happens. So, here are several of my favorites that you might want to use in your next project. Crape Myrtle Blossoming with beautiful red flowers for 100 days of the year in Florida, the Crape Myrtle is very ornate and stately. Its branches bend in and out, which brings a unique characteristic to your landscape. Eagleston Holly A lovely evergreen holly that creates small round berries in the cooler months, the Eagleston Holly is far less subject to disease than other species in the holly family. It’s becoming increasingly popular because it’s an excellent privacy hedge that requires relatively little care. Japanese Blueberry These lustrous trees are captivating year-round. The foliage emerges with an orange- red tinge, then moves into a brilliant shade of emerald green before settling into a dark, lustrous green. Mature foliage returns to orange-red before blazing into a brilliant crimson before the leaves drop. It’s an evergreen, so the changes happen
GAVIN’S GUYS
Hi there, newsletter friends, it’s Gavin! A few months ago, my dad and I went out on the lake to go fishing, and I’ll tell you, fish weren’t the only thing that got hooked that day! Ever since then, fishing has been all I want to do!
Now, when I come home from school and sometimes on the weekends, I head over to my grandpa’s house. He lives just up the street, and his house is on the lake, so I usually grab some fishing poles, walk over there, and go fishing for hours with him!
HOOKED ON FISHING!
We mostly catch bass, but sometimes, I’ll use the net to catch minnows, too. Then, I’ll use those minnows as bait, cast my line far into the lake, and reel slowly back in to make it look like the minnow is still swimming. Then, BAM! I’ll get a big bite on my line and reel in like crazy to get it to shore as fast as I can. Sometimes, the bass are small or medium-sized, but other times, they’re HUGE! Just the other day, I caught a bass so big that it felt like even if I stretched out my arms all the way, I wouldn’t be able to wrap my arms around it. I couldn’t believe a bass that big even existed! But fishing isn’t all play. There’s a lot of work that goes into it, too! Before we head out, we have to make sure we have all the bait and tackle we need, and then we have to row out into the lake for a long time on our kayaks. Then, once we find the perfect spot, we cast and wait for a bite. Sometimes, we have to wait a long time before we catch any fish, but that’s what makes it so exciting. You never know when or what you’ll catch! So, even though it’s a little chilly outside, I plan to drop my line and keep fishing until I catch a fish so big that it breaks a world record! —Gavin Burns
2 LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
407.702.7905
OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST!
gradually, with dark green foliage peppered with beautiful older leaves throughout. There are also seasonal white flowers and ornamental blueberries that give it its name. Bracken’s Brown Beauty It’s rare that anyone sees this gorgeously full tree and doesn’t stop and stare. Bracken is characterized by its upright multiple branching with dense, lustrous dark green foliage on top and a gradient of velvety soft brown below. It’s a tree that’s stood the test of time and is a well-deserved favorite in the industry. There are many more trees that I adore and that grow perfectly in Florida. Just call me if you’re ever curious about giving your landscape a fresh start with some new leading-role trees!
Robert and the BLG Environmental team have been great to work with. The vision Robert put together and presented us for our front and
backyard exceeded expectations. From his plant and flower suggestions to colors and placement, our yard received a much-needed upgrade. We also appreciated the open communication with Robert and his project manager, Danny. During the duration of the project, Danny kept us informed on the timeline and answered any questions that we had along the way.”
– Jason S.
Robert Burns
HAVE YOU HEARD THE GOOD NEWS? “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” GALATIANS 5:16 “He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.” PROVERBS 16:32 “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” 1 CORINTHIANS 13:4–8
EASY OUT
3
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM
BLGENVIRONMENTAL.COM 407.702.7905
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
P.O. BOX 521090 ● LONGWOOD, FL 32752
Schedule a Free Design Consultation with Robert Burns
WE MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS BEAUTIFUL
1
Business Lessons From the Surf
2
Elevate Your Outdoor Space With These A-List Trees! Gavin’s Guys: Hooked on Fishing!
3
The Good News Hear From Our Clients Take a Break! Rainwater Harvesting: A Sustainable Revolution
4
RAINWATER HARVESTING HELPS KEEP OUR PLANET GREEN CASH IN ON RAIN
Rainwater harvesting has been increasing in popularity as people seek sustainable and environmentally friendly options for freshwater. Rainwater harvesting is exactly what it sounds like, collecting and storing rainwater for various uses, such as landscaping and household needs. Here are three reasons why rainwater harvesting benefits individuals and the planet.
promising lower utility bills and reduced expenses. It’s an investment in the environment and your financial well-being, making it a win-win solution that contributes to sustainable living while strengthening economic stability. Community and Global Initiatives Communities and governments worldwide are promoting rainwater harvesting through incentives, subsidies, and awareness campaigns. In some regions, it has even become a legal requirement to further spur people into action and contribute to a sustainable future. Rainwater harvesting has become a collective movement toward a greener world, demonstrating the power of communities coming together for the common good.
Sustainability Rainwater harvesting is celebrated for its dual-purpose approach: It conserves a precious resource while offering practical solutions to everyday needs. It helps reduce water scarcity, easing the burden
on traditional water sources, and lowers energy consumption and carbon emissions. It’s a vital step in preserving our planet’s limited resources and safeguarding the environment for future generations.
The craze for rainwater harvesting signifies a fundamental shift in how we approach and manage
potable water. As the world grapples with environmental challenges, rainwater harvesting offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable long-term solution. It is no longer just a trend but an integral part of the journey toward a greener, more sustainable future, ensuring a better world for everyone.
Cost Savings and Financial Benefits With the escalating costs of municipal water services, rainwater harvesting provides a financial incentive,
4
LANDSCAPE - HARDSCAPE - IRRIGATION - OUTDOOR LIGHTING
407.702.7905
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator