Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

My biggest inspiration is anyone who builds with purpose and doesn’t romanticize the struggle, they solve it. I’ve seen it in business, in engineering, and running a rescue where everything depends on consistent execution. That experience taught me that clarity and care beat hype every time. MOOD is currently my way of bringing that same mindset to human connection.

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated by purpose and proof. I reconnect to why I’m building, then I look for real progress, even if it’s small. When things get heavy, I simplify the next step, execute it, and let momentum return. Consistency keeps me moving, results keep me focused, and the mission keeps me grounded.

What would you do with the $25,000?

I’d use $25,000 to bring the team together for a 3-day “Launch Sprint” in Lafayette: align on V1, talk more go-to-market, tighten funnels/metrics, and leave with a 90-day execution plan. The remainder will cover operational costs and relieve some of the pressures of bootstrapping the company as we are pre-revenue.