I’ve been working Saturdays since I was fifteen years old. That’s 23 years of showing up early, rolling in with sleepy eyes and bed head, mixing up a pre-workout, and getting to it. When I finally sat down and added up the hours, I realized I’ve put in the equivalent of almost 11 extra years of full-time work compared to the average 40-hour-a-week schedule.
That’s more than 22,000 hours of extra effort — time spent learning, sweating, laughing, and building something that matters.

When I saw that number, I was honestly blown away. It put a lot into perspective.

But this isn’t a post about bragging or proving anything. It’s about what that time represents — dedication, patience, gratitude, and the kind of work ethic you only develop by living it.

The Grind Behind the Scenes

It’s easy to look at where Munday Scientific and Microscope Marketplace are today and think it all just came together neatly. But anyone who’s ever built something from the ground up knows it doesn’t happen overnight.

The truth is, the grind hasn’t just been behind a microscope. For me, it started — and still continues — at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House, our family restaurant in Sanford. Long before I was handling microscope service calls or logistics, I was unlocking the restaurant door before sunrise, working alongside my Grandmother Faye Schulz, my Aunt Teresa, my Aunt Jamie, and a group of friends and coworkers who’ve become like family.

If I’d spent all that time focused solely on Munday Scientific, maybe the company would have grown faster — but honestly, I think I would’ve burned out. The restaurant grounded me. It taught me patience. It gave me perspective. It reminded me every day what it means to serve others with a smile and a kind word.

I wouldn’t trade those memories — or those sleepy early mornings — for anything.

Work Ethic, Gratitude, and Growth

Running a small business isn’t just about fixing equipment or making deals. It’s about showing up, even when no one else is watching. It’s about staying humble, patient, and thankful, even when things get tough.

There are definitely days that test me — that 2% of the time when I think, “Screw this place.” But 98% of the time, I love it. Both of them. The microscope company and the restaurant. Because this life isn’t about avoiding hard work; it’s about finding purpose in it.

After more than two decades of long days and short nights, I’ve realized that success isn’t really measured in money — it’s measured in growth, in people, and in the quiet pride of knowing you’ve built something with your own two hands.

It takes time to develop anything meaningful. It takes patience, gratitude, and a real love for people. Those are the things that build a business — and a life — worth having.

Family, Support, and What Really Matters

I’ve been blessed with an incredible family. From grandparents to parents, step-parents, aunts, uncles, brothers, and sisters — everyone has always lifted me up. Even if we haven’t spoken in a while, all it takes is one phone call, and they’re there. Every single time.

And then there’s my wife Samantha. When we got married in 2018, she became the anchor that keeps me steady. She supports every dream, no matter how big or how chaotic it gets. She never puts me down — she builds me up. She’s as much a part of everything I’ve built as I am.

We hope to have children one day, and when that time comes, I want them to grow up seeing what it really looks like to work hard, stay humble, and care deeply about the people around them.

My family reminds me to take time for myself — and they’re probably right — but they also know that’s just not how I’m wired. I’ve always been that person who’s happier in motion, building, working, dreaming.

Looking Ahead

At 38, I’m proud of what’s been built so far — but even more excited for what’s still to come. I don’t always know what the final goal is. Maybe it’s not one thing at all. Maybe it’s just about continuing to grow, to build, and to reach my full potential.

I’m coming to learn that it’s not really about the money — it’s about becoming the best version of myself that I can be, for the people who’ve helped me get here and the ones who will come after.

More than 22,000 extra hours, two businesses, early mornings with preworkout instead of coffee, and a lifetime of lessons later — I can say one thing for sure:

If you love what you do, you never really work a day in your life.