Dear Friends,

 

On the drive home from Tampa, Joe and I went back through each day of the show together. As we talked, we both felt the same thing in our hearts — this one was special. To us, it was a nine out of ten. Not because of one moment or one person, but because of the way it all came together…the laughter in the halls, the buzz in the ballroom, the feeling that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.

 

There were so many highlights: Bethany setting the tone as our keynote, the excitement of launching the Ideal Essentials line with IDD, Matt shining alongside GCAL, and Joe leading important conversations around tariffs. Each piece mattered. Each piece added up to something unforgettable.

 

But the truth is, I could never do this alone. My deepest gratitude goes to my CBG team — Laurie, Charlotte, Tanise’, Frank and his team, and Sandra. You are my strength and my sounding board, and each of you gave your best to make this show what it was. And let’s not forget our tiniest teammate, Elvis, who kept watch with all the seriousness only a little puppy can bring — keeping our hearts light while keeping us “secure.”

 

To our retailers and suppliers: you are the heartbeat of CBG. You bring the energy, the trust, and the spirit that makes all of this worthwhile. Every handshake, every conversation, every smile added to the magic we all felt in Tampa.

 

I also want to say this: I know others on our team may want to share their own reflections, and I welcome that. This letter is simply mine — from the heart. CBG has left its handprint on my heart, and being together in Tampa reminded me why: because we are more than an organization. We are a family.

 

Thank you, truly, for making this show not just a success, but a memory I will carry with me.

 

With love and gratitude,