The term network was not part of anyone’s vocabulary, nor was the concept. We all just worked together, most of us passing through. It was the launchpad for entrepreneurs, executives, athletes, and politicians. It was also the home for people in transition, semi-retired, or those needed a few extra dollars around the holidays. We were a family, in all ways. We loved, hated, laughed, and cried, but most importantly we were united. We had each other’s backs and we used the customer as the central point of focus when our opinions caused us to separate. We learned from one another, competed against one another, and celebrated with one another. We were part of this ecosystem, it wasn’t perfect but that is what made it function.