I Didn't Chase the Big Screen—But I Built Something That Matters

Growing up in Hollywood, I was surrounded by movie stars, dreams bigger than life, and the magic of film. I always thought maybe one day I’d be on the big screen. I’m 42 now, never chased that dream—but anyone who knows me knows I still carry a big personality and a deep love for movies.

That love came from my dad. He passed away 13 years ago, but some of my best memories are watching movies with him, not just watching but laughing and talking about it for days / years to come.

I remember seeing The Rock in Alameda, California. As we walked out of the theater, we looked across the water and saw Alcatraz, just like in the movie. Or the time we watched Tombstone, and that weekend—we drove to Tombstone.

So yesterday, while waiting for Lauren, I opened a magazine through our CXperks platform— and there it was: A beautifully written article about Val Kilmer on People Magazine, one of my favorite actors and magazines. (I even have his autograph on a graded Doc Holliday Funko—reminds me of my dad every time I see it.) Val passed recently, just like my dad did (young) in their 50s/60's.

So, as I finished reading, I quietly said goodbye to Val… and honestly, it hit me.

I was using the very product we built—CXperks—the exact way it’s meant to be used.

- Not scrolling mindlessly

- Not frustrated while waiting.

But instead, reading something meaningful. Remembering. Reflecting.

That moment reminded me: We’re not just creating tech — we’re creating experiences that matter.

"The customer experience is the next competitive battleground."— Jerry Gregoire, Former CIO of Dell

"In the world of Internet Customer Service, it’s important to remember your competitor is only one mouse click away."— Doug Warner, Business Executive

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."— Maya Angelou

#CXperks #CustomerExperience #FoundersStory #Gratitude #ValKilmer #InnovationWithHeart