Like the stripes to the flag. Like a boy to his dad. I can’t change who I am, right or wrong. So I hold on.
- Dierks Bentley, “I Hold On”
The Day Helene Changed Everything
My wife and I run Magnolia League out of our house (literally a "garage brand"). No outside investors, no employees, just a small family business. After years of hard work, we finally built some momentum—and an amazing community we can't thank enough. Our family also gained momentum as we welcomed our first child over the summer.
On Friday, September 27th, I woke up to find the first floor of our home a foot underwater. Our home, business, things you can’t replace—washed away by Hurricane Helene.
Strength in Community
In Tribe by Sebastian Junger, he points out that groups are far closer in times of tragedy. They have to trust each other and work together to overcome the challenge at hand.
While our family clung together in the upper level of our home, the rain finally stopped and water seeped out of our home. Friends arrived at the scene and worked with our neighbors to get our son to safety. Our neighbors broke their fence and used it to build a bridge across our river of a backyard. Friends crossed the bridge, wading in knee deep water to secure our infant son.
I’ll never forget this scene; nor their acts of courage and compassion.
Since Helene, we've been deeply moved by the outpouring of support. Family and friends flew in from all corners of the country. Our church stepped up to provide daycare for our son as we navigated the complexities of piecing our life back together.
Our neighborhood, all impacted in varying levels of severity, came together and we've never felt closer.
I was ready to throw in the towel—shut the business down, tear down our home, sell, and move on. But the community gave me strength.
The Road Ahead: From Heartbreak to Hope
Atlanta is home. It connects the people, places, and experiences that shaped who I am. It will never be anything but home.
My business embodies my values and a mission I believe in—helping people feel more confident and connected while finding meaning in active and outdoor pursuits, so they may find meaning in another pursuit: life.
So I hold on. To the things I can count on to keep me going strong.
We will rebuild our home. Magnolia League will restock, reload, and continue growing. My Atlanta community, Magnolia League community, and family keep me going strong.
Thank you for supporting our journey and for supporting our small, family business made in America.
Our heart goes out to all those impacted by one of the worst hurricane disasters in American history. You have our deepest empathy. Trust each other, stay united, and keep the faith. We'll get through it and rebuild—together.
