About
Kevin Sykes
Co-Founder
The year was 2010, and the furniture company I’d worked at for nearly a decade was going bankrupt. With the economy in the dumps, and a new baby at home, I was at a crossroads.
For the first time, I decided to forego the expected corporate route, and I co-founded my e-commerce company, Modern Digs.
Within 6 months, I was generating livable income and was, what I considered, “on my way.”
Looking back now, I recognize how lucky I was. For years, I’d been a “good-little-worker,” and picked up valuable skills that served my new venture well. I’d also just been fortunate – anybody that tells you “luck isn’t real,” or “make your own luck,” is… well, either better than me, and/or oblivious to times in their life when fortune smiled on them!
Since then, there have been mostly ups, and some downs. Throughout, I’ve worked from home, watched my children grow up, grown Modern Digs into a 7-figure business, and completely remodeled my home in Austin.
The path has been winding, but it has instilled a few key lessons into my mindset.
First, there is immense value in doing things yourself. Whether it’s installing a fireplace, or building out Google Ads scripts to automated your Shopping campaigns, nobody – from contractors to marketing firms – is going to care as much about the success of your project as you do!
Second, for most of us, environment matters. Your home and your “stuff” have a direct impact on your mindset, happiness and your ability to forge your own path.
And, finally, building the life you want involves a ton of work, developing the right skills, and… luck. Almost everyone will catch a little bit of good luck now and then. The best we can all do is situate ourselves to be ready for it when it comes along!
Drew Sykes
Co-Founder
(Arguably the stronger, better looking, kinder, smarter and more modest brother)
I began coaching gymnastics immediately out of high school. I didn’t want to do anything else. I HAD to other things – wait tables, clean dishes, personal training, after school counselor – but, that’s only because I liked eating.
I noticed that I had a natural talent for coaching. Not to brag, but years of being coached had helped me to be an effective communicator.
My athletes began to grow and learn. The more they learned and improved, the more I wanted to learn about coaching. It was a self-reinforcing cycle.
I went to seminars, clinics, other coaches, world champions, Olympians and psychologists for advice. All, so I could have more knowledge, more information.
My athletes began winning competitions. And my teams began winning championships. First State Championships, then Regional Championships.
But, I wanted to win Nationals! Be the best in the country!
So… I looked for more knowledge. What were the top-tier coaches doing? What were they investing their time in? What skills? What drills? I was surprised to learn… it was planning.
It felt so mundane and slow. How could this one skill create such a difference? Nevertheless, I tried it.
After the first year, every one of my athletes was further along than I expected. Scores were higher in competitions. And somehow we had beaten the expected Regional Champions and retained our team title.
I was hooked! I started pouring over different planning strategies and ways to help athletes peak for competitions at the right time.
And then one day I realized… I had spent 20 years dedicated to other people’s children and I don’t see mine enough. The top coaches in the country barely see their kids and their families.
I was at a crossroads. That’s not what I want for my life.
Now, I’m going to use my abilities to plan and goal set, to help my kids. My hope is that I can help other people’s lives too.
