Drew Thompson
📍 Charlotte, NC | Capital Markets at Crescent Communities
📝 Editors Note
I’ve received feedback to occasionally add my voice into weekly posts. I’d like to do so today (and step a bit outside my comfort zone) by sharing a commencement speech I really enjoyed and some related topics I’ve found interesting.
Recommendation. On your way to work or during your quiet time this morning, I recommend you take twenty minutes to listen to this commencement speech (David Foster Wallace - This Is Water). If you’ve heard it, listen to it again. I found the message refreshing, humbling, and calmed some intense anxiety I’ve been feeling about a challenge at work.
Politics 😱. Last week, a friend lamented the inability to talk politics at the family dinner table (I’m sure most of us can relate). However, a truce was struck by agreeing to focus on political issues and not political leaders. Apparently the conversation became much more cordial, collaborative, and there was the slightest movement of heels becoming unstuck.
Humility. Lastly, I heard a sermon a few weeks back that centered on stubbornness and our collective aversion to (or fear of) ‘changing our minds’. Why don’t we celebrate when someone changes their mind? Along those lines, how many people managers appreciate when someone acknowledges a mistake with a plan to move forward vs. digging in their heels to explain why it was not their fault?
Without further ado….
Why Drew?
A fellow Charlottean, Drew is a great guy that I have gotten to know better from playing golf together up in the North Carolina mountains. He has also been a OG subscriber to Rambull. I always appreciate his emails when he finds a recommendation from a profile that he really enjoys, with my favorite being “Feel like my life is becoming easier each week I read this whether it’s a product, life hack, media suggestion, etc.” Thank you, Drew!
Follow Drew on Instagram @Dthom618
Self-Description
In a love/hate relationship with my golf game, University of Tennessee football and the Carolina Panthers. Dog Dad to Tucker, our insane Bernedoodle.
Drew’s Recommendations
Written in his own words…
Travel
My wife and I have been using Out of Office for most of our travel the last 10 months. We’ve found great hotels, restaurants and things to do on there. It has been incredibly helpful navigating places like Anguilla, Palm Beach and Portland (Maine). We’ve also built up a great wish-list of places we’d like to visit.
Content
For those in Charlotte, I highly suggest the Charlotte Ledger newsletter. The editors really do a great job of picking a variety of stories to highlight. It helps me stay up to date on things (big and small) happening in the city and is easy to read. I cover the Carolina’s for my job and frequently find myself quoting the newsletter in my investment memos/conference calls.
Product
I’m going to sound like a nerd, but I’ve finally found a clothing brand that fits well all around (shirts, pants, shorts, jackets). I also like how I can wear any of it to the office and also the golf course or other casual events. The Hugo 5-Pocket Pant has been a game changer for me.
Watch
“Superfan” Episodes of The Office
I’ve been watching the “Superfan” episodes of The Office on Peacock recently. They are generally 5-7 minutes longer than what was originally aired, so it’s great to see some bonus material that’s still hilarious even though it didn’t make it in.
Food & Beverage
For those in the Charlotte area: Veronét Vineyards is a great place to hang out, drink some wine and eat one of their enormous charcuterie boards. We went recently with a big group and had a blast. It’s a nice little escape that is not too far away from home.
Music
I listen to the Daily Drive each morning on Spotify. It’s a great collection of some of my favorite songs at the moment, news and other podcasts. Towards the end of the playlist, Spotify starts recommending new music that is similar to what I’ve been listening to.
Want to get in touch with Drew? Email him at Dthom618@gmail.com
Thank You, Drew!
Hey Rob - great to read your voice/perspective too!
DFW's speech is something I watch regularly. If you have a few spare months this summer - dig into Infinite Jest. It's life-changing (and quite humbling for anyone who writes)