{"id":9,"date":"2026-06-17T17:29:37","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T17:29:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-08-01T13:20:19","modified_gmt":"2026-08-01T13:20:19","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\">Welcome to My Journal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">by Dean Zusmer<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>I believe the right conversation can change everything.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Life can change in an instant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An accident. An injury. An unexpected setback.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For years, I&#8217;ve helped people navigate some of life&#8217;s most difficult moments. This journal is where I share thoughts on accidents, injuries, recovery, growth, relationships, and life in Miami.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re looking for answers, perspective, or simply encouragement during a difficult time, I hope you&#8217;ll find something here that helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Latest Journal Entries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-query is-layout-flow wp-block-query-is-layout-flow\"><ul class=\"columns-3 wp-block-post-template is-layout-grid wp-container-core-post-template-is-layout-0fed8f92 wp-block-post-template-is-layout-grid\"><li class=\"wp-block-post post-230 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth category-miami tag-305-injured tag-dean-zusmer tag-growth tag-moving-forward\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/ideas-are-easy-execution-is-everything\/\" target=\"_self\" >Ideas Are Easy. Execution Is Everything.<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I love ideas. I probably have too many of them. A new business. A marketing campaign. A partnership. A better way to do something. Sometimes an idea hits me and within five minutes I can already see what it could become. But I\u2019ve learned something over the years: Ideas are the easy part. Execution is&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-07T20:36:45+00:00\">October 7, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-227 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth category-relationships tag-mindset tag-personal-growth tag-perspective\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/the-time-we-dont-get-back\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Time We Don\u2019t Get Back<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I love to work. I love building things, solving problems, creating opportunities, and watching an idea slowly become something real. There\u2019s a certain energy that comes from being in the middle of building something you believe in. But there\u2019s a danger in loving what you do. It can consume you. There is always another email&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-28T15:55:20+00:00\">September 28, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-223 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-growth tag-mindset tag-perseverance tag-resilience tag-vision\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/push-forward\/\" target=\"_self\" >Push Forward: Why Setbacks Don&#8217;t Have to Stop Your Growth<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">There are going to be days when life pushes you backward. Sometimes one step. Sometimes three. The key is not pretending the setbacks don\u2019t happen. They do. Plans change. Doors close. Things take longer than expected. You get disappointed, frustrated, tired, and occasionally wonder whether all the effort is worth it. That\u2019s when vision matters&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-09-09T17:48:34+00:00\">September 9, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-219 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/305-injured-phase-2-is-about-scale-reach-and-recall\/\" target=\"_self\" >305-INJURED: Phase 2 Is About Scale, Reach and Recall<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">305-INJURED was built around a simple idea: create one memorable number Miami can turn to after an accident. Phase 1 was about introducing the brand, building awareness and establishing the foundation. Now we\u2019re preparing for Phase 2. As 305-INJURED continues to grow alongside OneCallLegal expanding reach, increasing frequency and creating stronger brand recall across Miami.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-20T20:54:37+00:00\">August 20, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-180 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-uncategorized tag-305-injured tag-moving-forward tag-personal-growth tag-perspective tag-resilience\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/the-next-chapter-is-now\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Next Chapter Is Now<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A year ago, my life looked very different. One thing I\u2019ve learned is that you don\u2019t always get to choose the circumstances you\u2019re handed. Life can change quickly, sometimes in ways you never anticipated or would have chosen. But you do get to choose what you build next. I\u2019ve spent a lot of time thinking&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-08-17T16:51:42+00:00\">August 17, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-150 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/the-cost-of-doing-it-right-far-outweighs-the-cost-of-fixing-it-later\/\" target=\"_self\" >The Cost of Doing It Right Far Outweighs the Cost of Fixing It Later<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">In the beginning, everyone is friendly, excited, and optimistic. That is exactly when mistakes get made. People trust the relationship, move quickly, shake hands, exchange promises, and assume they are on the same page. They avoid difficult conversations because no one wants to create tension before the business even begins. I learned the hard way&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-28T20:00:45+00:00\">July 28, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-146 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-relationships tag-305-injured tag-client-relationships tag-growth-partnerships tag-miami-personal-injury tag-mr305injured tag-onecalllegal\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/why-i-chose-onecalllegal-for-305-injured\/\" target=\"_self\" >Why We Chose OneCallLegal for 305-INJURED<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">When my wife, Crystal, and I decided to build 305-INJURED, we knew the name and the number would only matter if the people answering the call were the right people. That part was never negotiable. I did not want to connect my Miami contacts with just any law firm. I wanted to connect them with&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-13T17:13:19+00:00\">July 13, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-141 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth category-relationships\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/your-network-is-not-your-contact-list\/\" target=\"_self\" >Your Network Is Not your Contact List<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">A contact list is easy to build. A real network is not. A real network is built slowly, through trust, consistency, follow-through, and genuine conversations. Too many people begin networking only when they need something. They need an introduction.They need a referral.They need an opportunity.They need someone to open a door. But the strongest relationships&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-10T14:07:31+00:00\">July 10, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-132 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth tag-305-injured tag-branding tag-growth tag-miami tag-mr305injured\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/when-a-brand-comes-to-life\/\" target=\"_self\" >When a Brand Comes to Life<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">There are certain moments that remind you why you love building brands. Not when the plan is finished. Not when the website goes live. Not when the contracts are signed. It&#8217;s when you hear it. Driving through Miami, I heard the 305-INJURED radio commercial for the first time. It&#8217;s when you see it. A few&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-07T15:00:53+00:00\">July 7, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-128 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/showing-up-matters\/\" target=\"_self\" >Showing Up Matters<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">This morning at the office, I overheard one co-worker ask another, &#8220;How are you?&#8221; His response caught my attention. &#8220;Well, I&#8217;m here.&#8221; At first, it sounded like a pretty routine answer. He was trying to be funny. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there was something meaningful behind those three&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-06T14:19:52+00:00\">July 6, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-124 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth category-relationships\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/be-quiet-back-up-breath\/\" target=\"_self\" >Be Quiet. Back Up. Breath.<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">For years, I let my ego answer first. I mistook protecting my ego for protecting myself. Looking back, I can see just how much that cost me. Today, before I react, I pause and remember my three BBBs: Be quiet. Back up. Breathe. Those few seconds create space to choose wisdom over ego and growth&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-07-01T13:19:38+00:00\">July 1, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><li class=\"wp-block-post post-122 post type-post status-publish format-standard hentry category-growth\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\" style=\"padding-top:30px;padding-right:30px;padding-bottom:30px;padding-left:30px\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/deanzusmer.com\/journal\/knowing-when-to-step-back\/\" target=\"_self\" >Knowing When to Step Back<\/a><\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt\"><p class=\"wp-block-post-excerpt__excerpt\">I ran my own businesses for the better part of 25 years. I learned many lessons along the way. One of the most important was knowing when to step back. For a long time, I believed leadership meant stepping forward. Speaking first. Taking control. Over time, I learned that real leadership often looks very different.&hellip; <\/p><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-06-30T19:42:47+00:00\">June 30, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to My Journal by Dean Zusmer I believe the right conversation can change everything. Life can change in an instant. An accident. An injury. An unexpected setback. For years, I&#8217;ve helped people navigate some of life&#8217;s most difficult moments. 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