In this episode of Tea with Rich, we welcome Erik Dodier, my business partner of 3 decades, who is two days from his retirement after 30 years at the helm of PixelMEDIA (aka RafterOne). 

This episode is a doozy, as I surprise Rich with our guest, and we get into a number of way way back stories about Erik and I as collaborators, business partners, and learning to trust and work with each other.

We start, ish, with a discussion on Erik's upcoming transition from an ultra-structured work-life to the unknowns of retirement, and he shares some his early thoughts on how he may spend his first few weeks and months, and the emotional challenges of stepping away from a long career. The group of us reflect on our personal experiences with retirement, and the anxiety that can accompany significant life changes.

We then, sort of, let Rich take over the Podcast, and ask questions of Erik and I around our personal and working relationship together over three decades, how we got through the hard times, and our thoughts on culture.

Erik Dodier and Rich Lyons reflect on how they met, their journey together in the business world, and the importance of building relationships. We then dive into the dynamics of our partnership, Erik and I, and the magic that was Pixel.

We share insights on overcoming challenges, the evolution of company culture, and personal growth, including the significance of tattoos as a form of self-expression. The discussion continues with an emphasis on the value of trust, communication, and the realities of entrepreneurship, providing listeners with a candid look at our experiences and lessons learned over the years.

Chapters

00:00 - Introductions and Shooting the Sh!t

01:38 - Erik on “Stepping Away" and Transition Plans

04:21 - Potential Hobbies Post-Retirement

09:55 - Eriks Health Gadgets and Wellness Routines

11:09 - After 30 years of work - How do you Make the Transition Out

20:35 - Erik's Discusses his Background and Decision to Step Away from Pixel/RafterOne

31:37 - Navigating Life After Retirement

34:52 - Erik Recalls the First Time He Met Rich Lyons

36:25 - Erik Talks About the Art of Transitioning Clients Between the Two of Us

38:00 - Erik on the First Time TJ/Thomas Swore in Front of Clients

40:27 - The Hidden Magic of Being 50-50 Partners from the Start

43:08 - The Dynamics of Friendship and Business

47:30 - (Q) How Did You Guys Get Through the Hard Times?

54:52 - Perspectives on the Evolution of Company Culture

01:00 - Erik's Talks About His Desire for a Tattoo. Maybe.

01:02 - We Are Constantly Evolving and Maturing. Embrace it.

01:06 - Erik Summarizes His 30 Years in the Entrepreneurial Arc.

01:09 - Closing comments.

Peace. -t

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