Reflecting on the Year: A Moment of Gratitude and Growth
by John Truscott
As the year draws to a close, I’m reminded of the familiar phrase, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” And it is — full of celebration, reflection, and time with loved ones. But let’s be honest: it’s also a time when calendars fill up fast, decisions pile up, and we all race to tie up loose ends before the clock strikes midnight on December 31.
In the rush, it’s easy to overlook just how much we’ve accomplished.
The Grand Rapids TR team at the groundbreaking for Amway Stadium.
At Truscott Rossman, we just wrapped our final in-person staff meeting of the year — and it reminded me how grateful I am for the people who make up this team. The small changes we’ve made over the last few years to attract and support top talent are working and producing results. Our year-in-review recap was kicked off with my favorite picture of the Grand Rapids TR team radiating excitement at the groundbreaking for the Amway Stadium, the future home of an MLS NEXT Pro soccer team, Athletic Club Grand Rapids. And we ended the meeting celebrating another announcement of someone expanding their family in 2026.
These are joyful moments for our team members and their families — and as a firm, we’re in a place where we can support them without missing a beat.
Elliot Talen, Senior Director of Client Services, presenting at our staff meeting.
That confidence comes from the evolution of how we work. We use a staffing structure that few other firms our size use — one I’ll admit wasn’t my idea — but it’s proven to be a smart, strategic shift. Each client account now benefits from layers of experience, collaboration, and built-in continuity. Someone steps out, someone else steps in. Seamless. Scalable. Sustainable.
I watched our leadership team present this model, and I’ll be honest — it was a moment of growth for me. For most of my career, I’ve lived by the “do whatever it takes” mantra. But as we grow, we need smarter systems that allow us to scale without losing the personal touch that defines TR.
Looking around the room, I saw people who’ve been with us for more than a decade sitting next to team members just a few months in — all discussing wins, roadblocks, and ideas. And most importantly, lifting each other up.
Hybrid work is our new reality, but moments like this remind me how valuable in-person connection still is. There’s nothing like being in the same room, celebrating wins together.
And we had plenty to celebrate. New clients. Big projects. Team wins. Smart strategies that delivered. In a fast-changing industry, this team isn’t just keeping up — they’re leading. They’re adapting. And they’rehelping shape what’s next.
I’ll share more about our evolution in the coming weeks. But for now, I’m pausing to appreciate where we are — and who got us here.
To our team, our clients, and our partners: thank you. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year.