Jörg A. Pierach

Today is Founders Day, the day we close the office to celebrate our anniversary and the things we’ve accomplished together at Fast Horse.

This year, Founders Day also marks our 10th year in business.

Doesn’t seem possible. But here we are.

I’m not particularly good at expressing appreciation. I have been blessed beyond my ability to thank each and every one of the people who have been so instrumental in building the foundation for this good life. And for the past 10 years, Fast Horse has been one of my pillars. I have had the privilege of working with some of the smartest, most creative and decent people a man could meet. I owe so many for my good fortune.

My colleagues
Current and past. You, my esteemed Ponies, are Fast Horse. I have always had high expectations of all of you. And I have always appreciated the high expectations you’ve had of me. And while it isn’t always pretty, I know we make each other better as a result.

We are a collection of very different personalities thrown together in this fishbowl of an office. This grand experiment wouldn’t work if we didn’t genuinely like and respect each other. The fact that it does says so much about what kind of people you are. You have always been generous with your talents and time. And in ways big and small, each of you has made this place better. Thank you.

Our clients
Your willingness to join this thrill ride is humbling, and we are proud of the work we’ve done with you. We are lucky to call you friends as well. You have entrusted us with much. Your reputations. Your livelihoods. You’ve made us stewards of some of the world’s best brands. And you’ve made us stewards of brands that aspire to that kind of greatness. If we are to be judged by the company we keep, we stand tall and proud in telling the world that we are your partners. Thank you.

Our business partners
Accountants. HR and financial consultants. Attorneys. Bankers. IT geeks. Hired guns and bartenders. It’s a long list. You’ve given us good counsel. You’ve made us look good. You’ve solved our problems. You’ve quenched our thirst and sent us back into battle. Thank you.

Friends of Fast Horse
No business can succeed without the support of people who are willing to put a little skin in the game with no expectation of any return on that investment. You have been our mentors, sounding boards, advocates and defenders. Most importantly, you have been our friends. You have no idea how much that means. Thank you.

My family
Foremost Angie, my wife. This Fast Horse thing was only an idea when you came into my life. Today, it’s the glittering product of 10 years of shared sacrifice, hard work, laughs and even a few tears. You can’t stumble unless you’re moving, I like to say. And damn, girl, over the past decade, we’ve been moving. You’ve been there for every step, and when I’ve stumbled, you’ve been there to pick me up, dust me off and remind me why we’re doing this. I thank you, my love.

Writing this has been emotional. It really is very difficult for me to adequately thank you for all of this. Deeds would only leave me horribly indebted. These words seem lacking as well. But on this, the 10th anniversary of Fast Horse, I feel especially compelled to offer them anyway.

Thank you all for 10 amazing years.