Ten years ago, Scott fired me.

At the time, he wanted to handle his own investments. He thought that he could do it himself and didn’t want to spend the money on an advisor.

It stung at the time, like it always does. But I understood his thinking and wished him well.

Last year, I was able to reconnect with Scott. I’d just relocated to Arizona with my family. Coincidentally, so had he. He had a new position as the CFO of a company in Phoenix and was doing great.

Scott and I met for a drink to catch up.

No bad blood. No issues.

It was actually fantastic to sit down with him and talk, no agendas. Time has a way of echoing appreciation and even trust.

After our meeting, Scott asked me to review the 401(k) plan for the company where he’s now CFO.

Ultimately, we won that business. And along the way, he asked if I wouldn’t mind looking at his personal investments again, too.

After a week of consideration and looking at the analysis, we won his business back.

Now, back when he’d fired me, I very easily could have been angry or bitter. I could have reacted out of my emotions, saying things that would have ended our relationship for good. Lord knows I have done those things in the past.

But I didn’t.

I’d remained positive and professional. I took a step back and realized that I liked and respected Scott. I secretly rooted for him to succeed.

Of course, I wanted his business (and knew I could provide a whole lot of value for him), but I didn’t burn that bridge.

Today, Scott is one of our biggest supporters in our new town. He’s a great client.

Just as importantly, he’s a great friend, and I’m thrilled that our paths have converged again.

You never know where you may end up, so treat people well and always keep your door open.

You never know when someone might walk back into your life.

-J.D.