The Monday Sweet Spot – 03/21/2016

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

We’ve all hit that point during a smoke, usually about half way through, in which the cigar’s flavors and aromas open up and transform the experience into something far more rich, complex, and enjoyable. In this moment, gentlemen, you’ve hit the “sweet spot”. A moment that encourages you to open your senses, and to truly […]

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Do You Believe In Magic? – The “Walt Disney Effect”

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

What comes to your mind when you hear the name, “Walt Disney”? Perhaps you are reminded of a childhood memory of you and your siblings watching your favorite Disney film over and over. Maybe you are taken back to the first time you stepped foot in one of the Disney Theme Parks, and all the […]

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Learning from Loneliness

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

Welcome back, gentlemen! Last week we dove into a topic that is critical for any man’s understanding of how he is to lead others and himself well. We discussed the importance of loneliness and self-reflection. We looked at why intentional, quiet time set aside for the purpose of looking inward is both challenging and infinitely […]

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5 Oaths All Gentlemen Should Be Making This New Year

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

It’s a new year, gentlemen! With its fresh perspective and renewed focus, 2016 also brings with it a massive amount of information begging for our attention. We are marketed to for everything from advertisements for gym memberships, to books on how to live stress-free lifestyles. We talk about this barrage of information and overstimulation quite […]

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Mentors; A Gentleman’s Guide

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

Parents. Coaches. Teachers. Pastors. Old friends. All of the above have something very important in common. They all have the potential to serve as mentors in the lives of others. A mentor can serve many roles in the life of a gentleman. Some mentors serve to teach, some to guide, others still to discipline. Some […]

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Valuing the Wisdom of Our Elders

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

If C.S. Lewis suddenly appeared in your room, what questions would you ask him? Would you be at a loss for words or be anxiously at the ready with a barrage of questions? Unfortunately, I would argue that most of us would fall into the first category. Most men today don’t know how to approach […]

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Pursued by the Black Dragon

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"I have great faith in fools; self-confidence my friends call it." - Poe
Mr. Rafal
Latest posts by Mr. Rafal (see all)

Darkness. The give of the soft sand. Temperature perfect without a shirt; board shorts and bare feet. The waves of the Gulf of Mexico crashing softly on the pristine white beach. The serenity of this idyllic night broken by tiny feet running, laughing, and screaming at the present “danger”. My siblings and I are running […]

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The Monday Sweet Spot – 12/07/2015

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

We’ve all hit that point during a smoke, usually about half way through, in which the cigar’s flavors and aromas open up and transform the experience into something far more rich, complex, and enjoyable. In this moment, gentlemen, you’ve hit the “sweet spot”. A moment that encourages you to open your senses, and to truly […]

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4 Gentlemen in France Show the World What It Means to Be a Man

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

This week’s post from the Modern Day Gentleman points you in the direction of a whole different blog entirely. A true gentleman knows there is wisdom all around him, and I will not be the one to withhold any valuable insight, no matter its origin. Owen Strachan’s brilliantly penned article on stream.org last August told […]

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Holiday Stress – Leading Well In Brokenness and Tension

Founding Member at The Distinguished Society of Fine Gentlemen
"Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy." - Norman Schwarzkopf
Brandon Reed

It’s that time of year. The holidays are upon us and the scent of autumn is in the air. Your family and/or friends have gathered once more to slow down and take time to appreciate their gifts and to count their blessings from another year passed. Thanksgiving is a beautiful holiday anchored in rich traditions […]

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