Day 10 of Gratitude - Tony Hudson

31 Days of Gratitude - In an attempt to publicly express my gratitude for the people that have impacted me in some way in 2015, I'm setting out to write one post a day sharing what I appreciate about them or what moment that marked me. Some of these people I know well, some I've only met, and some I'm just getting to know. There is no ranking to these posts and they aren't meant to put anyone on a pedestal. They, like you and I, are imperfect people with their own flaws, some you may have experienced. Despite those flaws, I believe we all need to have our positive characteristics called into light and celebrated. This is that attempt. 

I have tremendous respect for Tony Hudson. Tony started a nonprofit organization called, Blue Jacket, Inc over 10 years ago, which started out as an organization that created a no-bullshit training program that helped felons getting out of jail earn their second chance at making a positive mark on society and ultimately stay out of jail. Tony has led this organization through a lot of ups and downs and through some really significant philosophical changes in the past couple of years. He's a natural and extremely humble leader that is not afraid to acknowledge what he doesn't know and do what no one else wants to do. 

This idea that nothing is above him nor below him as an organizational director is one of the things that I've related to Tony on since I met him. We both run organizations that we're deeply connected to, ran when no one wanted much to do with us, and we've had to be responsible for every aspect from writing letters to mowing grass to cleaning the toilets to running board meetings and asking donors to get on board. We're young, passionate guys that feel a deep sense of conviction and calling to do what we do at just about any cost. I'm grateful for this shared bond. 

Tony and I have a really fun relationship that involves a lot of truth telling, vulnerability, and giving each other a hard time. I admire how Tony can make anyone feel like they are valuable and important regardless of how challenging their past may be or how wealthy they may be. He is generous with his praise, gives away credit where it's due, and is truly grateful for the way folks support his organization. Those that know him should agree. 

I'm grateful for your spirit and I'm glad you invited me to move the NL offices into your building despite the lack of heat, the crumbling walls, and hearing your loud voice ringing through the hallways. It's been a blessing to get to know you and I appreciate your generosity over the years. Knowing there are other guys like you doing work that is meaningful yet less than glamorous is encouraging to me. You're making a difference.