15 Years? Hard to Believe!
Yesterday, we held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate 15 years in business. It’s hard for me to believe that much time has passed since I started Pioneer Strategies. On the one hand, it seems like it was yesterday. On the other hand, it’s almost like I don’t remember ever doing anything else.
Our first client in 2001 was Concept Golf, a company owned by the late John Toepel, Jr. John was a former PGA Tour player who authored two books promoting a different way of approaching the game of golf. I was saddened by John’s untimely death a few years later.
I submitted the paperwork to reserve our company name on August 1, 2001 and then submitted the articles of incorporation for what is now Pioneer Strategies on September 6, 2001. When I received the completed paperwork from the N.C. Secretary of State a couple of weeks later, I stared in disbelief at the official incorporation date of September 11, 2001.
Yes, you read the correctly: our official incorporation date was 9/11/01 — an anniversary that we remember for far less positive reasons. I will never forget where I was when I heard about the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and I will likewise never forget our incorporation date.
As many of you know, I attended N.C. State and lived in Raleigh for a number of years after graduation. Pioneer Strategies was based in Raleigh from 2001 until 2008, when I moved home to Brunswick County and brought the business with me. We still have relationships and clients in the Triangle, but are more than pleased to be headquartered here in Brunswick County (aka God’s Country — come visit if you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation destination).
We are grateful to the countless clients, friends and associates who have supported us throughout our first 15 years, and we we look forward to forging a path into the future.
The photo above is from our 15-year ribbon-cutting, which was held at our office on September 12, 2016. Thank you to the North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce, Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce, Southport-Oak Island Chamber of Commerce and Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce for their support of our celebration.
