What’s up, my name is Lane. I’m the owner of Pick It Up, a small business I started to help make the world a cleaner and better place. Courtney had asked me to write a letter quite some time ago. I was excited to get it started and then found myself stuck. It felt hard to write something inspiring when I hadn’t accomplished all of my goals with Pick It Up. I started it back in 2019 right before Covid-19 hit. From then on, almost everything was an uphill battle. I considered giving up countless times. Heck, I still do sometimes. Until I stop thinking of what I haven’t accomplished or what others are saying, and start thinking of everything I have accomplished.

I remember when Covid-19 hit and they announced there would be no group gatherings or beach clean-ups permitted. I had people telling me starting a small business was going to be hard and to quit while I was ahead. I almost listened, but now I’ve removed over 4,000 gallons of trash from local beaches. I committed to starting a small business, dedicated to making the world a better place. I started doing beach clean-ups multiple times a week. I filed Pick It Up as an LLC and designed a product line with 9 items including hats, T-shirts, and hoodies promoting Pick It Up’s message. I got Pick It Up TradeMarked with the USPTO and much more! All of which had their own struggles and tested me many times. However, if I were to have given up in those stages, I wouldn’t have accomplished and learned all of the things I have.

I wouldn’t have made the amazing memories or met the incredible people along the way.  So my inspiration is cheesy, simple, but true. It won’t happen overnight, but if you quit it won’t happen at all. Don’t give up on something you truly want even when things get tough. I can’t guarantee you or I will accomplish everything we want to, but I can guarantee we can do a lot more if we don’t give up. You never know what you can do or who you will meet if you keep working towards your goals. Keep going and spread some love along the way. You got this.