Dear 2020:

In prophetic fashion, we learn the most from that which challenges us the greatest and challenge you did indeed. But even in your finest hour of provocation- you taught us what is most important-each other. You taught us to appreciate the simplicity of living, our great outdoors. You taught us to walk back from the busy schedules, the travel and you allowed us to spend valuable time with those we love the most-family.

Social Psychologists have written about the impact of the quantity of interactions that an adult has in their 20’s and compared it with the quality of interactions that we have with individuals in our 30’s as primary predictors of the quality of our relationships in our 50’s

By Sofia.I.Sandoval

How Entrepreneur & leader Louis Sandoval’s experiences paved the way for the man he is today.

(Shared with permission from Sofia I. Sandoval- written as part of her 8th grade ELA project).

2020 has been a grind. There, I said it- the understatement of the year.  It has been one proverbial punch in the gut and disappointment after another.  It has taken us everything to beat the issues (self-inflicted of course) created by this pandemic.  At every level, there has been no shortage of sacrifice.  The pandemic has challenged us personally, professionally and in every way possible.  

(The Following is a Speech that I gave at the US Sailing Board of Director's Meeting in July 2020 to raise awareness that the Sport of Sailing needs to evolve its outlook on being more inclusive if it is to survive. Often, Individuals like myself are hesitant to speak out because we fear retribution for calling out the obvious. However, if not us to speak out, then who?

Sailing like most of boating is perceived as predominantly an activity of being white and wealthy. If Sailing and boating is to transcend generational boundaries and thrive- it is important for a fundamental pivot to occur. There is no better time than the present for that.)

I came in off the unusually sunny lakefront deck and entered the crowded room. The club was bustling with activity as the revelry of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities carried into the Mac Bar. I stopped to speak with a few members as I walked through the bar, a few others stopped me to talk and ask how our vacation had gone. As I made my way through the club, I entered the fireside dining room, seated at the first table was a face I hadn’t seen at the club in some time- I remembered him we served on membership committee many years ago. I was very young at the time, a new member that was eager to participate in an organization that fascinated me.

A lesson of delayed gratification, and long-range perspective.

As many know, I'm a huge advocate for the Sport of Sailing. Partly because it's my chosen vocation, but mostly because I have seen how (if you are listening) sailing is a great metaphor for life, business and the human condition. It's an opportunity to get away from the fast pace of everyday life, connect with the elements and recharge.

Raising a boy in today's world is not easy. Masculinity is criticized and frowned upon. The political correctness of the world doesn't allow boys to be rambunctious boys. The educational system brands such as having attention issues and 'too much energy'.

Today marks your 87th Birthday Dad. Not a day goes by that I don't think about you. That I'm not reminded of our last conversation together which you punctuated with