12/10/2025
You’re Going To Win
About a year or two ago, Priscilla and I were having one of our many work conferences next door at the bar at Oakfire Pizza. Late afternoon, it was one of our typical discussions where we quickly rip through the issues of the day, the challenges we’re facing, and the path forward. Hurried, overworked, and overwhelmed, we didn’t bother to lower our voices as we quickly shot from one topic to another. An older gentleman was hovering by the bar waiting for his to-go order. As he paid and got his order, he stopped out of nowhere and said “You’re going to win.” I asked his name, he said Doug, then he turned to leave without another word.
Life as a self-employed person is full of ups and downs, and usually more downs than ups. There’s always something going sideways or some new fire to put out. While successes happen along the way, as the top dog you don’t get a lot of kudos, you just get the stress and the headaches, and the continued self-induced interrogation of your own judgement.
But every now and then you get reminded that, by and large, you’re doing it right. We recently found out that the readers of the Killeen Daily Herald voted Level 3 as the Best Of Central Texas - Banquet Facility. On top of that, Drinks Near Me was awarded One Of The Best for places to dance. On the real estate side, the Killeen Daily Herald readers voted our company as one of the Best Of Central Texas - property management firms, and One Of The Best real estate sales firms. To round out the list, the Belton Journal announced that our real estate company was the Reader’s Choice Winner for property management firms in the area.
We had no idea we were even nominated in some of these categories. While we’ve won some accolades in the past, we’ve never had such a sweeping affirmation of the hard work and investment that our little ventures have required. It’s a great feeling and just about the only way you’ll ever pat yourself on the back when running down your dream.
Words fail sometimes, but I’m going to give it a shot. Thank you – to everyone out there who made this happen. First and foremost, our incredible staff at Linnemann Realty, Level 3, and Drinks Near Me. We’re so damn lucky to have the smartest, hardest-working, magnificently loyal people in our corner. These awards are all you, and we know it. We’re also grateful to the Killeen Daily Herald and the Belton Journal for setting up these contests and for continuing to make America believe in newspapers. And finally, our customers, clients, and friends, who all obviously came out to support us, in droves. You guys are all amazing.
In closing, we would like to thank Doug. Doug, wherever you are, you have no idea how much those four words meant. We remember that day, and we repeat those words to ourselves when times are tough and we need a boost. And you were right – we did win.
Thanks to all, and here’s to all of us winning in 2026.
M & P