Newsletter #1

Hello!

This is my first non-introductory newsletter, so it might be a bit rough around the edges, but here goes nothing.

For this newsletter, here’s what I’m aiming to do:

• Start with a little story about The Hero’s Journal

• Talk a bit about what’s going on at Atypical

• Share what I’m currently reading and how it resonates with me

• Close with the coffee bean I’m using this week and how I like it

Sound good? Cool, let’s jump in.

The Hero’s Journal

Context, context, context…

Back in 2018, I was wrapping up my last year in my MBA program, still running for the university track team, and juggling three jobs. My unofficial “part-time job,” though, was telling my roommate and best friend, Nick Vitellaro, whether his latest business idea was any good. Every day brought a new idea—writing ebooks for Amazon, streaming League of Legends, even creating little knick-knacks. We’d explore each one for a bit, only to usually land on, “eh, not the best idea,” and wait for the next one.

Then, on May 15th, 2018 (my mom’s birthday, funnily enough), while Nick and I were trying to plan a trip to the Nike employee store in Portland, he casually dropped an idea in a text. The context here is key—his suggestion came so nonchalantly.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll share the whole story of The Hero’s Journal. I’ll leave it here for now because, looking back, I realize that the best part was exploring ideas without needing them to become something huge. We weren’t aiming for a billion-dollar enterprise—just a thought experiment to help us grow.

At the time, we had no idea what this daily focus journal/planner would become. The willingness to explore the idea was enough for us.

Life Atypical

There’s a bit of a past-and-present theme here, if you’re following along. In the Introduction Newsletter, I mentioned I’m working on a new business with a partner called Life Atypical (or just Atypical). I didn’t share his name, but here it is: I’m building it with one of my best friends, Trey Drechsel. Trey is a professional basketball player in Lisbon and creates content on the realities of life as an overseas player.

At the end of December 2023, I had a one-way ticket to Lisbon to stay with Trey and his wife, Carlie, for an indefinite amount of time. I arrived two days before Christmas, and I was there for two…maybe three reasons: first, to spend time with Trey, as I was his only friend who hadn’t yet visited him; second, I’d never been to Europe; and the potential third reason was to explore the idea of turning his personal brand into a genuine business.

I was there for two months, and while it was fun, the conversations about his brand’s potential are what really stuck with me. As we explored Lisbon, Cascais, and Sintra, we naturally started talking about what it means to be Atypical and what the brand could represent. Just two friends, learning from each other and discovering shared values.

In the months since, we’ve done even more exploring. We’ve clarified what it means to lead an Atypical life and why it matters. We’re working with a company called Audience Labs to help tell better stories through video and convey the values of the Atypical brand.

The best part? It’s been fun. We’re building for the sake of building, guided by a shared vision of an Atypical life and learning more along the way.

The journey’s just beginning, but it’s been great so far.

What I’ve Been Reading

Recently, one of my best friends, Pete, and I were chatting about feeling stuck in a rut. Neither of us wanted to admit it at first, but we both were in one. So, we decided to read a book together. I was just starting “How to Know a Person” by David Brooks, so we went with that. The next day, I told Nick, and he decided to join in, too.

I’m about two-thirds through, and I’d rate it a solid 8/10 so far. Brooks’ “The Second Mountain” is one of my all-time favorite books, partly because his writing feels so personal and present, like he’s in the room with you.

This book has its ups and downs for me. Brooks does an incredible job defining personality types and naming emotions we often overlook. That said, if you have a close relationship with someone who has considered or chosen to end their life, be aware: Brooks shares a very personal story about a friend who made that choice, and it was so raw and relatable that I broke down for hours.

It’s heavy, but if you’re looking for something that moves you, this is a strong choice.

Coffee

One day, I’d love to open a coffee shop. I really enjoy coffee and love the vibe of a good café. My espresso machine is the crown jewel of my apartment, and I love making someone’s favorite espresso drink whenever I get the chance.

I thought it’d be fun to review my coffee of the week here.

This week, I’m drinking an Ethiopian coffee from a roaster called Achilles Coffee. I wish I could start with a glowing review, but this one’s just okay—nothing wrong with it, but nothing to write home about either.

Next week, I’ll grab some beans from my favorite coffee shop in San Diego, so hopefully, I’ll have a more spirited review.

The End

Feels strange to write anything after “The End,” but here we are. I’m working on honing my storytelling skills, so this newsletter is my little “show and tell.” My plan is to send one out every Friday with stories, lessons, books, coffee reviews, you name it.

That’s all for this one.

Kyle