365 Squarey Monsters: Why Opportunity Is Only the Beginning

Sunday, July 19, 2026

Why Opportunity Is Only the Beginning

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The Opportunity Beyond Opened Doors

Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned about why people flourish have come from my brother Kevin. Born with a cognitive disability, Kevin has always had a genuine love for people and a desire to help others. It wasn’t always easy for him to use those gifts, but whenever someone gave him the opportunity to contribute, he grew in remarkable ways.

This month marks the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark law that expanded opportunities for millions of Americans with disabilities. But every open door still needs someone willing to hold it open.

👉 See why opening the door is only the beginning.

How Smile Farms Took Root

A little more than 10 years ago, I got a call from Walter Stockton, who runs my brother Kevin's home at Independent Group Home Living. Walter believed Kevin would continue to grow if he had meaningful work to do. It was a simple observation, but it planted the seed for something much bigger.

That conversation led to Smile Farms, where people with developmental disabilities discover purpose through meaningful work. Today, 14 campuses across the New York metropolitan area provide opportunities for hundreds of Smile Farmers each year, proving what can happen when someone is given the chance to contribute.

👉 See how one phone call grew into a movement

Most people hope to inherit wealth. At 27, Dr. Silver Kung inherited $10 million in family debt instead. In this week's Power & Impact, he shares how that challenge became the foundation for building a $3.3 billion investment firm. Our conversation explores disciplined investing, AI, clean energy, lifelong learning, and the mindset that helped him transform one of life's toughest setbacks into lasting success. Watch our conversation.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: In last week’s Celebrate Your Story , I sat down with Jason Eichenholz — a technology entrepreneur holding more than 85 patents — to talk about Jonathan’s Landing, the inclusive community he’s building for adults with autism and other neurodiverse individuals, inspired by his son Jonathan. We get into the “services cliff” families face as children with autism reach adulthood, and how entrepreneurship can meet it. Watch now.

SUMMER BIRTHDAYS? If you have a summer birthday — or have celebrated one with your children — you know these occasions come with their own unique joys and challenges. I'm collecting your favorite rituals, creative ideas, and memorable celebrations to share with the Celebrations Pulse community. Read the story and tell me yours.

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? Some of the best Celebrations Pulse stories have come from readers. If there’s a life transition, family tradition, celebration, or community story you’d like me to explore in an upcoming letter, I’d love to hear from you.