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JULY 2023
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become an asset to the team is to take those tasks off their plate.
What Working as a Dishwasher Taught Me Lessons From Triple Fresh Market
Writer Sahil Bloom calls it “swallowing the frog.” When you’re willing to swallow the frog for your boss, you can quickly become their most valued employee — especially when you complete the undesired task with efficiency and professionalism. It’s a lesson that has paid many dividends in my young career. I would encourage any young professional to get comfortable “swallowing the frog”! I’d also remind young job seekers to pay attention to the details. Dishwashing isn’t glamorous, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do it well. I always tried to do the little things well; ensuring I was putting all of the meat grinder pieces back together correctly, or placing the knives back in the correct order. It’s essential to take pride in your work, whatever it is. Mom and Dad always taught me, if you can’t do the little things right in life, you’ll never be able to take care of the big things. Since becoming a partner at Patriot Wealth, I’ve seen how those details set good businesses apart from great ones. You must be able to do the little things well day in and day out. The proof is in the pudding; Triple Fresh Market has flourished for almost 50 years under Jim’s exacting leadership. It’s a lesson I try to apply every day.
Many teens across America are working their first jobs this summer, bagging groceries, flipping burgers, and waiting tables. It’s hardly the stuff dreams are made of, but it is a paycheck — and a significant learning opportunity. I still remember my first job at Triple Fresh Market outside Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Triple Fresh Market has a fascinating history. It was built in 1818 by an abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Gideon Pierce. In 1863, the Webster family bought the store and sold everything from groceries to Model T parts. It changed hands again in 1987 when Jim Petro took over. The store became a butchery and a deli as well as a local place to buy groceries. That rich history isn’t necessarily what appealed to me; I couldn’t drive yet and needed a job I could reach on foot. My older sister also worked at Triple Fresh, so it seemed a natural choice. I’m sure I was quite a sight walking down the side of the road with my bright green apron on. I was a dishwasher and responsible for cleaning all the butcher and deli equipment during my 4–11 p.m. shifts. Many people look back fondly on their first jobs, but honestly, this one was
mediocre at best! Anyone who has ever worked as a dishwasher knows it’s not glamorous work. But while I didn’t have a good time working at Triple Fresh, I remain grateful for the experience. For a start, the job was humbling. When you’ve never been employed, any business that hires you is taking a chance. I’d never proven myself in any capacity, and it was important to learn you must start somewhere. Usually, that place is at the bottom. As a young person, you also tend to spend much time thinking about what you want to do for a career but much less time pondering what you don’t want to do. Being a dishwasher helped me realize I didn’t want to do that. The work was difficult and didn’t pay well — I didn’t want to do it forever. I knew if I wanted something different that I would have to acquire more skills, work hard and eventually my opportunity would come. It took me a few more years working jobs I liked a bit more to learn another lesson I’d pass along to anyone going to work for the first time. No matter what you do, someone above you always has work they don’t enjoy. The fastest way to add value to your workplace and
–Austin Kobilka
These articles are designed to provide general information on the subjects covered. They are not, however, intended to provide specific legal or tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties or to promote, market, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Please note that Patriot Wealth and its affiliates do not give legal or tax advice. You are encouraged to consult your tax advisor or attorney. Investment Advisory Services is offered through Retirement Wealth Advisors (RWA), a Registered Investment Advisor. Patriot Wealth and RWA are not affiliated. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values. Opinions expressed are subject to change without notice and are not intended as investment advice or to predict future performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Consult your financial professional before making any investment decision.
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Furthermore, if you’re at the store and see something you want, stop and ask yourself, “Do I need this?” “Will this purchase help me reach my goals?” “Can I wait to buy this at a later date?” Taking a moment to distinguish between “want” and “need” will help you practice self-control. It’s also beneficial to create a budget and outline your monthly expenses so you know how much disposable income you actually have after you meet your financial obligations (bills). Creating a budget and prioritizing needs over your wants will help you cut ties with your overspending habit and avoid unnecessary consumer debt and stress. Everyone’s financial situation and goals are different, and budgeting can be difficult. However, a financially savvy friend or financial advisor can help you outline steps to maximize your financial resources. Smart spending habits are at the core of financial success, so don’t wait to get started!
I Spent How Much Money?! BREAK YOUR HABIT OF OVERSPENDING
When you go to the supermarket, you may find something you love. So, you put it in your cart without a second thought. When you shop online, you do the same thing. Later, when you check your bank account, you’re shocked you spent more money than anticipated. It’s time to ask: Do you often make impulsive purchases? If you feel your money is burning a hole in your pocket, you can change that and be more in control of your spending! HOW DO PEOPLE DEVELOP THE HABIT OF OVERSPENDING? Money is personal — everyone has a different relationship with it. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the emotional needs and habits that play a role in your spending habits.
We are all bombarded by advertisements and social media pressure. Businesses use strategies that give a sense of urgency to their consumers — some even provide a one-click checkout option. Additionally, influencers often film themselves shopping with full carts and link their products to an Amazon wish list or “store” so you can easily buy the same things. HOW DO YOU BREAK THE OVERSPENDING HABIT? Becoming aware of your spending is the first step, and several online banking apps allow you to track it. They can calculate how much money you spend at certain stores and how often you use businesses and services. When you see the actual amount you’re spending, it can put things in perspective!
THE BEST KIND OF LIBERTY HOW TO SECURE FINANCIAL FREEDOM
Independence Day on July 4 honors our nation’s founding and the freedoms we hold dear. But National Financial
But you’ll need a financial planner as a guide in your journey toward financial freedom. Having a partner like the advisors at Patriot Wealth can help you refine your goals and craft a strategy to make them possible. At the same time, we can’t create money out of nothing. You must be as committed to your financial goals as we are; no plan will be successful without the client onboard. Anyone aiming for financial freedom will need to make sacrifices at first. Financial freedom comes from paying down debts, saving as much as possible, and budgeting carefully. Most importantly, few people secure financial freedom without investments. But everyone must decide how much risk they’re willing to take. Living the high life often requires a high level of risk. If that thought makes you queasy, you might have to rethink what’s realistic. Fortunately, financial freedom is possible if you’re willing to do what it takes. At Patriot Wealth, we’ll do everything possible to help you achieve that goal. This Independence Day, consider what financial freedom means to you, and give us a call if you want to discuss your strategy.
Freedom Day on July 1 celebrates a different kind of liberty. We all dream of having enough money to call all the shots in our lives. But what does financial freedom mean — and is it attainable? We’d define financial freedom as the ability to own your time. Someone who can wake up every day and determine where they’ll go, what they’ll do, and who they’ll do it with is financially free. Those aren’t things we can do when we rely on a regular paycheck. Financial freedom, in essence, is not having to work for a living. It sounds like a lofty goal, but it’s possible with the right mindset and strategies. However, financial freedom will also look different for everyone. Someone who wants to spend their days on a yacht in the Mediterranean will need far more resources than someone who wants to hide out in a cozy cabin, drinking coffee on the porch. Before turning your dream of financial freedom into a reality, you must determine what you truly want. It’s not a question your financial planner can answer for you.
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I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM
We All Scream for Local Ice Cream!
It’s not summer without an ice cream cone, so that’s probably why July is National Ice Cream Month. There couldn’t be a better opportunity to share a few of our favorite places to get a scoop. Here are some of the best spots to enjoy a refreshing, creamy dessert beyond anything in the grocery store’s frozen aisle.
TAKE A BREAK
TWO ROOSTERS You won’t get flavors like this anywhere else. How many other ice cream shops do you know that serve blackberry hibiscus, strawberry and honey, or coffee bourbon? In addition to those “forever flavors,” Two Roosters also has a monthly rotating menu of new creations for visitors to try. Trust us when we say you’re in for unique and divine flavors. Visit TwoRoosters.com to find your nearest location and check out the complete list of flavors. FRESH FRESH Local Ice Cream lives up to its name by making its ice cream by hand every week with dairy from free-range, local cows. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a creamier cone than this. Like Two Roosters, FRESH regularly offers unique flavors on a monthly rotating menu. But they’ve also got plenty of favorites in stock if you’ve got a taste for butter pecan or cookie dough. Plan your visit by going to FreshLocalIceCream.com. AMORINO We have to admit that gelato is different from ice cream. But if you enjoy the Italian take on this frozen dessert, Amorino is a must-try. With its origins and flagship store in Paris, it’s not the hyper-local take of our other two favorites, but it is worth a trip. Amorino serves its creamy gelato in the shape of a flower, and the flavors run from spiced white chocolate to passionfruit. There are also other desserts, like macarons, on the menu. This gelato may be a little pricey, but it’s worth the splurge. Learn more at Amorino.com . Austin considers himself an ice cream fanatic, so please feel free to reach out if you have any favorite spots he might have missed. He’ll be more than happy to try your suggestions!
THE BEST BROCCOLI PESTO PASTA
INGREDIENTS • 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving • Red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups broccoli • 1 lb penne pasta • 2 cups basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed • 1/4 cup pine nuts, plus more for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Add broccoli and cook until tender (around 4 minutes). Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a blender. 3. Bring water back to a boil and add pasta. Cook until al dente and reserve 1 1/4 cups of pasta water. 4. In the blender, add basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, salt, and Parmesan cheese to the broccoli and blend until smooth. Slowly add pasta water until a sauce forms. 5. Drain pasta and transfer back to the pot. Mix sauce and pasta together until fully coated. 6. Top with more Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and chili flakes if desired. Inspired by TheModernProper.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
How Austin Started at the Bottom PAGE 1 Do You Know How Much Money You’re Spending? PAGE 2 Celebrate Independence Day With Financial Freedom PAGE 2
Broccoli Pesto Pasta PAGE 3
The Best Ice Cream Cones in Raleigh PAGE 3 Sandy Toes, Sunny Skies, and Beach Bliss PAGE 4
DISCOVER YOUR IDEAL SEASIDE RETREAT FIND THE PERFECT BEACH RENTAL
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One of the most important decisions anyone will make regarding their vacation is where they stay. This is especially true for summer vacations at the beach. Everyone has a different idea of their ideal vacation, and where you stay can make or break the trip.
a condo or apartment overlooking the beach will likely work. If your family is large or you’re worried about the kids being too loud, consider a single-family beach house instead. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION You probably already know what beach to visit, but choosing a specific unit can be challenging. Is a rental with a grand view of the beach and the ocean worth the cost, or is one without quite the view (but less expensive) still acceptable? You’ll also need to examine the surrounding area to ensure it has everything you need. If you don’t want to drive much once you settle in, choose
a rental within walking distance of the beach, shops, and restaurants.
THE EXTRAS You should consider a couple of other things when booking a beach rental. If you plan to bring your pets, ensure the rental you book is pet-friendly. It’s also worth investigating if the beach itself is dog-friendly, as bringing your furry friend to the beach can make the vacation even more enjoyable. Many rentals also provide beach toys, body boards, and more so you don’t have to spend money buying or renting them at shops. Read through the rental description, and don’t hesitate to ask the owner any questions.
Here are a few things to consider before booking a beach rental for your vacation.
SIZE MATTERS How many people are coming on your trip? Is it just you and your significant other, or are children coming? You will want to pick a rental to fit your family’s needs. If your traveling party is small,
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