What Lasting Friendship Is Built On
I am so grateful I had the opportunity to walk the city of Nashville with Derek Carbone as part of Dialogue Miles™. Three hours together could’ve easily turned into ten, and it still wouldn’t have been enough to catch up properly.
I truly value our friendship of close to 25 years now.
What Holds a Friendship Together Over Time:
Friendship, when it lasts, is rarely accidental.
It’s built on:
Trust
Loyalty
A willingness to be direct when it matters
In our case, a healthy dose of radical candor
Our Boston roots gave us an instant connection when we met in 2001. Two New England guys who could talk endlessly about the Pats, Sox, and all things New England, particularly Woburn and Worcester.
Showing Up, Consistently:
Throughout the best days and the toughest moments at Standard Register, Derek consistently showed up. Whether it was:
Time spent working through ideas in an office
A quick conversation in the Marriott gym
A glass of wine after a long day in Boston
There was always a willingness to engage, support, and challenge each other when it mattered. From our earliest days at Standard Register, we’ve shared not just professional successes, but personal milestones, challenges, and more than a few laughs (often laced with sarcasm).
We were together on 9-11 at our first sales meeting for SMARTworks when the first plane hit.
The Conversations That Stay With You
One conversation sticks with me to this day.
We talked about the balance of life on the road and the importance of never missing what really matters. Family first. It’s a lesson that has shaped how I approach my own life, and one I’ll always be grateful for.
Small Moments, Lasting Impact
Even outside of work, Derek’s generosity and connections ran deep.
There was that time he arranged a law office for a crucial call I needed to take while in Boston. And of course, Boston College ties were alive and well when his cousin’s law firm connected to my son Matthew later. The Eagles know how to stick together.
A Simple Takeaway
A takeaway from our walk and our friendship is this: Showing up when it matters builds loyalty and a support system that strengthens us.
Closing Thought
Dialogue Miles™ creates space for those conversations to surface naturally. Without an agenda, without pressure, just time to think, reflect, and reconnect. Sometimes, that’s where the most meaningful clarity shows up.
Derek, I’m grateful for the friendship, the shared experiences, and the many conversations that have shaped how I think, lead, and live. Here’s to the memories we’ve made and many more Dialogue Miles™ walks together.
