In this episode of The Edge of Excellence, Matt is joined by Ryan Coon, entrepreneur and former CEO / co-owner of Avail. Ryan outlines some of the invaluable lessons learned from his early career experiences. He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and networking, particularly how connections made during internships and college can lead to unexpected opportunities later in life. You'll learn about the serendipity of reconnecting with former colleagues and mentors in various professional contexts, illustrating the long-term benefits of maintaining a robust professional network. Ryan reflects on the journey of growing his business from a small startup to a thriving company, the strategies that led to their success, and the importance of being intentional and deliberate with one's time and efforts. You'll also get a glimpse into the high-stakes world of acquisitions, detailing the unique process Ryan underwent when his company caught the interest of major industry players. Don't miss another episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today! What You Will Learn In This Show: How connections made during internships and college can lead to significant professional opportunities in the future.Strategies for being deliberate and intentional with your time to achieve high performance in your professional endeavors.The importance of maintaining confidence and persistence in the face of rejection, and understanding it as part of the journey to success.The value of building optionality in your career and business decisions, ensuring you have multiple paths and opportunities available.And so much more... Resources: Ryan's LinkedIn