Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. This time last year, we were designing, developing and testing (the app) Loqui. 

It wasn’t a business venture; it was a deeply personal response to a stark truth: we live in a world more digitally connected than ever, yet millions are battling profound loneliness. I was driven by the vision that no one should have to face those challenges on their own. To look back now, just one year later, and see that initial spark of an idea transformed into a living, breathing community with almost 500 people is truly humbling. We are no longer just designing and testing; we are actively connecting people with other people when they need someone to talk to. 
The organic growth of Loqui has been the most rewarding validation of all. Since launching in January, we’ve facilitated over 37,000 minutes of confidential talk time between almost 500 amazing users. When I think about those numbers, I see countless instances where someone chose to reach out instead of suffering in silence. I am deeply grateful that the people in the application. There is immense value in human-to-human connection, and people are willing to invest in a safe, judgment-free space to talk.

My profoundest gratitude goes to our community of Active Listeners, they are the heart of the app. The commitment of these 100+ individuals is extraordinary. They volunteer their time to go “online” and offer a supportive, non-judgmental presence, often logging in outside of traditional hours because they know someone somewhere needs an ear. This platform simply wouldn’t exist without their empathy and dedication. Their selfless act of holding space for a stranger is what makes the application work each and every day. Whether discussing a tough breakup, job anxiety, or deep loneliness, it is the very core of what makes Loqui a necessary and successful resource for so many. 

To every single person who has used Loqui: thank you for placing your trust in this platform. For the Talkers, thank you for the courage it takes to open up and share your stories anonymously. Your vulnerability proves the essential need for this connection. For the Listeners, thank you for your compassionate service. This journey has been one of the most fulfilling professional experience of my life, and I am incredibly grateful for the organic growth, the stability of the app, and most importantly, the people who have built this community. For anyone new, Welcome. And to all the almost 500 people inside the Loqui Listening Community, thank you for making connection possible. I am incredibly Grateful for you this Thanksgiving. 

Back in 2004, the biggest challenge on my mind was getting every ounce of horsepower out of my car. Vin Diesel said "I live my life a quarter mile at a time. Nothing else matters. For those ten seconds or less, I'm free" while playing Dominic Toretto in the Fast and the Furious. My High School friends and I felt that every Friday night. The photo above we are changing spark plugs on an ’03 SVT Cobra Terminator. Seeing the photo today 20+ years later reminds me of a time when the only things that mattered were friends, fast cars, and freedom. 

We didn’t know it then, but those moments working together, problem solving, and forming connection were shaping something much deeper than just working on cars.

Looking back, it’s funny how simple life seemed then.  Often times you don't realize you're in the good old days until they're gone. If I could go back to this moment and be in High School again with the biggest worries being horsepower and math class, I absolutely would.

The truth is, we often chase future milestones without realizing the most peaceful, grounding moments are usually the ones happening right now when we are in the present, unguarded, and simply connected. I am reminded of a quote: 

Today as adults, our challenges are more complex. We deal with career demands, bills, uncertainty, mental overload, and sometimes grieving the loss of someone very close to us. The list goes on. But the same simple lesson applies: we must slow down and notice what’s right in front of us Today. The people we talk to, the moments of real connection, and the memories we are making. These ARE the good old days right in front of us Today.

That’s exactly why we built the application Loqui Listening. A space where people can feel heard, without judgment, and find someone to talk to when they need it most. It’s not about fixing anyone’s “problems,” it’s about sitting with them while they figure out the next turn.

Whether you’re a talker or a listener in the app, Loqui is a reminder that life feels lighter when someone truly listens. Because sometimes, the most powerful kind of horsepower isn’t under a hood, it’s in the human heart. Thank you Jason and many other good friends for providing that the last 20+ years.