Every year leaves a mark, and not always in the ways you expect.
This past year was less about headline moments and more about quiet, foundational work. It was a year of recalibration, reaffirming what matters, letting go of what doesn’t, and making thoughtful decisions about where to invest time, energy, and leadership. In business, that kind of year doesn’t always feel flashy, but it is often the kind that sets everything else in motion.
I’m increasingly focused on how we grow, not just how much. I’ve never been interested in getting “big” just for the sake of being big. Companies don’t last because of financial engineering or brute force alone. They last because they invest in their people, build careers worth staying for, and solve real problems for patients, physicians, and partners that others overlook.
More than a Business
This year also reminded me how energizing it is to build something new. Launching BioTrust brought its share of challenges and learning curves, but it reinforced the importance of doing essential work the right way. BioTrust is one of only a handful of licensed facilities in South Carolina capable of treating and disposing of medical waste, and its purpose goes far beyond operations. In a highly regulated environment, helping hospitals, clinics, assisted living centers, and physician practices stay focused on patient care while trusting experts to manage the behind-the-scenes work is work that truly matters. I’m excited to deepen my involvement as BioTrust continues to grow and mature.
Moments of Connection, Learning, and Perspective
One of the greatest privileges of this past year was the opportunity to spend time in rooms filled with people who are building, healing, teaching, and leading. Conferences and events have always energized me, but this year felt especially meaningful — in part because many of these experiences were shared with Clemons for the first time, bringing back memories of attending industry events with my dad years ago.
NAADAC Conference: UNITE 2025 — Seattle
Although The Success Paradox was published in June 2023, the conversations around it continue to open doors. This year, I traveled to Seattle for the NAADAC Conference: UNITE 2025, where the mission was to innovate, educate, and elevate the conversation around addiction recovery. As a first-time author, I found it both tiring and deeply gratifying. I had the chance to meet incredible readers, connect with professionals doing meaningful work in recovery, and sign over 200 copies of the book. The conference was packed with powerful breakout sessions, thoughtful trainings, and inspiring keynote speakers who all shared new ways to bring hope and healing to those who need it most. It was also encouraging to see the momentum in the “quit-lit” space.
University of South Carolina — MHA Program
Almost three decades ago, I sat in an Accounting class as a student in the University of South Carolina’s MHA program. If I’m being honest, it was the class I struggled with most. Two weeks ago, I had the honor of standing before the students of that same class as a guest speaker. I shared with them that when you stay focused on your why, you can rise above insecurities, mistakes, and perceived deficits. I talked about some wins, but I also shared the blunders because life is fuller when we embrace both the painful lessons and the joyful celebrations. I later learned that the students said it was their favorite guest speech to date. I was humbled to have the opportunity to return and hopefully offer a bit of encouragement for the journey ahead.
Guardian Pharmacy Southeast Regional Pharmacy Healthcare Symposium
The Guardian Pharmacy Southeast Regional Pharmacy Healthcare Symposium was a huge success. Clemons and I attended, representing BioTrust, and it was our first industry event like this together. What struck me most were the inspiring leaders and incredible clinicians whose gifts to heal inspire me every day. The event was both productive and energizing. We made meaningful connections with fellow industry professionals, and the best part was watching Clemons experience it all firsthand. I’m looking forward to attending many more industry events together.
EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southeast Awards
The EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southeast Awards are always a celebration, but this year felt especially meaningful. This was my third and final year serving as a judge, and it was truly a privilege to sit alongside friends and fellow entrepreneurs. Narrowing it down from 36 outstanding finalists was no easy task. I first joined this community as a 2020 winner, and returning as a judge has been an incredible experience. While it’s bittersweet to step away from the panel, I’m deeply grateful for the relationships, insights, and inspiration this program has given me. The energy and bold thinking in that room will stay with me for a long time. Congratulations to all of the 2025 winners and finalists; they are an inspiring group of leaders changing the world in so many ways.
The Moments That Ground Us
Many of the most meaningful moments this year had nothing to do with business. Time with family, time to slow down, and time to reconnect with traditions continue to be the things that keep me grounded and remind me why the work matters in the first place.
Every year, whether it’s the weekend after the Fourth of July in Pawleys Island or our annual return to St. Thomas, I’m reminded that the most meaningful traditions are built on familiarity and nostalgia. What began as a goofy game of Redneck Horseshoes with Coke bottles and five-gallon buckets grew into a rite of passage, with my sons winning trophies, creating lifelong bonds, and even flying back years later just to be part of it. Our family trip to St. Thomas was the same. My now-grown kids asked to return to the same place we’ve gone for 20 years, reliving the same meals, games, beaches, and roles we’ve always shared. The destinations didn’t matter nearly as much as the rituals. In seasons filled with growth and change, it turns out what they wanted most was something familiar.
Thanksgiving Traditions
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year. We’re blessed with a big family on both sides, and that means a lot of food, a lot of people, and a lot of laughter. Kelly cooks for more than 40 members of the Player family, and my sisters do the same for the Cooper side.
We also spend time at the family farm, where I get to relax, hunt, and spend time with my dog, Esther. These traditions are my anchors, and I’m grateful for them.
A Solo Road Trip: Space to Think
This year, I also did something a little different; I drove across more than half the country by myself. It was an incredible experience that gave me time to think, notice the landscape, and simply be present. I try to build mindfulness and meditation into my mornings, but nothing beats a long drive for clarity. I missed a lot of emails and had plenty of catching up to do when I got back, and that was okay. We often confuse busyness with productivity, when in reality some of our best ideas and deepest clarity come when we slow down. This trip was a reminder of the power of relaxed productivity, creating space to breathe, reset, and reconnect.
Looking Forward with Intention
I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions in the traditional sense. What matters more to me is clarity: being honest about where we are, grateful for what’s working, and intentional about where we’re headed. On a personal note, I want to travel more in the coming year. Slowing down has taught me that perspective often comes when you step outside your normal routines. London, England, is first on the list.
Professionally, I feel a deep sense of optimism. At BioTrust, we’ve sharpened our tools, and we’re just getting started. We’re rethinking how we do things, tightening our processes, and staying focused on our “why.” The foundation feels stronger because of the work done behind the scenes.
Looking ahead, I feel a renewed sense of purpose as I begin a new chapter alongside my son, Clemons. Our new Interim Healthcare franchise in Florence and Sumter, SC, has me energized! Working together in healthcare has been a full-circle experience. There’s something both humbling and deeply rewarding about watching him build his own path.
There’s something powerful about returning to your roots. It reminds me of that bittersweet feeling when you miss what was, but are proud and excited for what’s coming next. Growth has a way of feeling like that.
Palmetto Infusion continues to exceed expectations, with this past year being the strongest in the company’s 26-year history. We have more locations opening and more lives being impacted. Watching leadership teams evolve and new leaders step into their roles, has been both humbling and deeply rewarding. When I step back and take it all in, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Family is doing well. The businesses are moving forward. There are challenges to solve, new chapters beginning, and plenty of work ahead. But we’re healthy, we’re learning, and we’re building things that matter.
I don’t know how I got this lucky. But I do know I’m thankful and excited for what 2026 has in store!
