All posts in Friends

Congrats: Feb 2012

By On February 10, 2012

Sometimes in life you take a time out and stop to smell the roses. This is one of them. Several key updates have happened to several people that have impacted my life, so feel compelled to write a congratulatory note.

Just want to take a time out and say “Congrats” to many people this week…

You guys are an inspiration. Keep it up.

- Terry

Buffalo, Westbound

By On January 1, 2012

Buffalo Westbound

I captured this moment on film… me leaving Buffalo, NY for San Francisco. I nearly passed the exit ramp for fear of “officially” closing a chapter in my life and moving away from people I grew to know and respect. I didn’t get to say goodbye. Dan. Curtis.

It was that small synaptic reflex that made me realize how affected I was. How much I love Buffalo.

I began to reflect… all the cool people I met, the awesome range of food from locals, the hipster scene in Elmwood Village, the awesome architecture / cultural history, Niagara Falls, Ellicottville, Toronto, Delaware Park, snowboarding, and most importantly, my friends.

These are the people that pull together and try to inspire or drive change in the community. They love Buffalo and want to see it prosper. They are super smart and ambitious. They take pride in the city and get excited about new technology. They geek out on food and design. They love the Sabres. And they pushing for Buffalo to become a startup hub.

They step up. They create things. They try to leave the world a little better off.

To quote Chris Sacca…

I think people from Buffalo have something going for them – I have never met more genuine salt of the earth folks than who we all grew up with. Use that understanding of real Americans to your advantage as you strike out into the rest of the country. ~ FormSpring

Call me sentimental, but I had a flood of thoughts as I approached the exit lane for I-90. This would become the point of no return… a sort of official end to this part of my life and on to the next part: Mountain View, CA.

A voice inside me said, “You’re realizing your dream. It’s ok to keep going.” I remembered why I’m leaving. What my raw passion is. What I want to achieve in this brief life and the products I am building. What impact I want to make on others. My children. My wife.

So with that push, I entered the exit lane towards Cleveland. Soon I will be in California again, only this time it’s for good and inevitable.

I’m not a native Buffalonian, but I felt like it. There’s a sense of family that I guess I needed which I’m grateful for.

Being an entrepreneur can be a lonely path, full of hard, life-changing decisions. It’s important to believe in what you are doing and to do it with high level of confidence.

Don’t worry, the dots connect. A part of me will always be connected to Buffalo.

In Honor of Clay Quackenbush

By On October 19, 2005

During my “wilderness” days, building Cycle Mart (now called Terry’s Bike Shop) in Hot Springs, Arkansas, I would frequently go to my dad’s bar (Terry Martin’s Lounge) and listen to live music.  In fact, every Wednesday through Saturday you could listen to great music and relax with friends.  Most notably there would always be Clay Quackenbush every Thursday night…

Clay was one man that lived life and loved music. Something I strive for everyday. But, on Monday, October 3rd 2005, Clay lost his long fight with cancer. He was a classically trained trombone player who had the talent of many men.

I had the pleasure and humbling experience of listening and watching him pursue life through his music… all while knowing the end was uncomfortably close.

For him to remain humble and at peace seemed impossible to many. But, I feel through his music he was able to live like nothing else mattered. Perhaps this captures the essence of something far greater than I can comprehend; the essence of life and the balance of music as medicine for the soul.

“A toast to you Clay. I'll see you sometime.” - Terry Martin

“A toast to you Clay. I’ll see you sometime.” - Terry Martin

 

October 10, 2005

Smilin’ From the Bone Yard
Hot Springs recently lost one of the finest musicians to play in the city of vapors. Clay Quackenbush, known for his infectious smile and his smooth trombone play, lost his long fight with cancer on Monday, October 3. Thursday evening, October 6, Clay’s family and friends gathered at Terry Martin’s Lounge to celebrate the life of one of the most courageous men I’ve ever known….  READ MORE