Meet Chris Evans (and Wish Him Happy Birthday!)
How great is Chris Evans? Thiiiiiiiiiiis greaaaaaaaaat! Caption this photo and share some birthday love with Chris in the comments below.
Chris Evans is my business partner. My FTL co-founder. My friend. And I want you to see him through my eyes.
I visited Chris in Portugal in June where he moved last spring. This pic is from a super fun day we spent in Aveiro, a picturesque coastal city famous for its canals, colorful boats, and the vibrantly-painted surf-side homes you can sort of see in the background.
But it is hard to look past Chris, isn’t it? His great big personality takes up gloriously lighthearted space. His wide smile says “You’re safe with me, let down your hair and let’s have some fun!” His effusive heart makes you want to snuggle right in there and whisper everything that scares you.
It took a long time for me to trust someone enough to call them “partner.” I’m so glad that I held out for Chris.
He is the big door prize.
So on his very special 57th birthday, I want to introduce him properly to everyone in my network. And for those who know him well, let’s have a little fun with him.
Snapshot
Chris founded and exited three companies throughout his career. Cincinnati friends will know him best for his digital agency, Barefoot Advertising.
He is dad to two kids — who I look forward to meeting someday soon.
He is a newlywed, a world traveler, and has a problem with buying more plants than he can properly house. So he will likely give you one if you ever meet him.
He is an iPEC-trained, ICF-certified coach who specializes in transition, specifically business owner exits, since he lived and breathed that life more than once and is ready to give back big.
He is an artist, honing his watercolor skills by painting Porto’s cityscape. He loves photography (and is getting loads of practice on his adventures with hubby, Matt). And he is the creative force behind our beautifully edited videos, our website, our collateral and everything visual we’ve produced since joining forces.
He also loves to eat! Especially pastéis de nata, a custard tart with a super flaky crust which are, I admit, dangerously delicious.
The (Not So) Little Things
Here is what I value as a his partner, his friend, and as a woman.
1) His curiosity, attention to detail, and personally high standards, produce excellence.
Translation: Chris pursues all the life-sucking details that drain people like me, assembling the “plan” into a PowerPoint and itinerary that deliver the exact combination of adventures that make your visit to Porto, while standing up a new business, a life-changing experience.
2) He stays grounded in the present moment, acutely aware of all the moving pieces, allowing you to contribute everything you have to offer, while gracefully guiding you to a winning outcome.
Translation: When you have had too much wine at dinner, he silently slips a hand around your waist and guides you to the inside track, laughing at your silly story while inserting himself between you and the rush of oncoming traffic, moving fast through ancient streets, so you all arrive safely, just in time for last call at the bakery, where they sell his pastéis de nata until midnight.
3) He moves fast, knows where he is going, and won’t let you fall behind.
Translation: He will make you walk your ass off up winding cobblestone streets, laughing at your protests, because he knows that at the top of the hill you are going to turn the corner to see the most amazing view of the most amazing city all lit up like the fourth of July, delighting in your joy knowing that he caused it.
4) He attracts the very best people to him.
Translation: Because Chris is such an amazing person, amazing people want to be close to him. A day in his life is spent in the company of the kindest, most authentic, open hearted, supportive and loving people on this planet, all of whom are committed to fun, laughter, good work and each other.
Add Your Voice - Celebrate Chris!
Chris really is a special person. If you are a friend of mine or a client, you are probably curious about this newly important person in my life. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Schedule a call with him here. Get to know him for yourself. You might even find he’s the coach for you—and I’d celebrate that!
If you already know Chris, then add your voice to this post. Share all the wonderful ways he’s enriched your life. I know he touches everyone he meets so share your thoughts in the comments.
And by all means, wish him a happy 57th!
- Lisa
