Articles
Writing daily was a promise I made to myself in retirement, and these articles are the fulfillment of that goal. I explore politics, leadership, and philosophy from a centrist perspective—challenging assumptions, seeking balance, and advocating for thoughtful, principled discourse in a world often divided by extremes.
Biography
Welcome—I'm Grateful You're Here.
First, thank you for visiting. I don’t take your time or attention lightly.
If you’re here, it means you’re looking for something beyond the noise—something thoughtful, measured, and focused on what truly matters. That’s exactly what I aim to deliver.
A little about me: I’m a blue-collar kid from Michigan who joined the Marine Corps Infantry at 18. I spent six years serving around the globe, providing embassy security and helicopter rescue support. One of the most unforgettable moments of my service was being part of the Marine force that rescued Captain Scott O’Grady from Bosnia after he was shot down in 1995—an incredible story later depicted in the film Behind Enemy Lines. My time in the Marines shaped how I see the world, instilling in me the values of discipline, leadership through influence, and service to something greater than myself.
After the military, I built a career in web design and development, teaching myself HTML and other programming languages. That path led me to co-found Instrument, a leading digital agency, and later serve as CEO. I also chaired Stagwell’s Constellation Network, a collective of top-tier agencies. But my leadership philosophy has never been about power—it’s about creating values-driven, decentralized organizations where every individual is pushed toward personal greatness.
Beyond work, I’m a husband and father of three, and my family and I believe in pushing ourselves physically and mentally every day. Challenges—whether in fitness, work, or life—are what shape us.
On Substack, I write about the state of our country with a levelheaded and pragmatic approach. While outrage drives clicks, I believe unity deserves just as much passion. My goal is to inspire meaningful conversations, challenge rigid thinking, and remind us that the best path forward is one we walk together.
I’d love to hear from you—your thoughts, your disagreements, and your perspectives. You can always email me, and if you find my writing on Substack valuable, I hope you’ll share it with others who might feel the same.
Thanks for being here. Let’s build something meaningful together.
Semper Fi,
Justin
Resume
Full-time dad, aspiring writer, thinking about a return to service
May 2024 – Current
May 2022 – May 2024
Co-Founder & CEO
Instrument
April 2006 – May 2022
Sergeant
United States Marine Corps
August 1993 – August 1999
10 Beliefs
01.
I believe in service to something greater than yourself. True fulfillment comes from giving back—to your country, your community, and the people around you.
02.
I believe in the power of conviction—standing by what is right, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. Integrity isn’t about convenience; it’s about staying true to what matters.
03.
I believe that love, tolerance, and understanding are the foundation of a better world. True strength comes from unity, not division.
04.
I believe that capitalism must be balanced with compassion and responsibility. Without it, progress becomes hollow, and success loses its meaning.
05.
I believe in hard work and resilience. Effort and perseverance are the great equalizers in life—what we earn through struggle is what truly defines us.
06.
I believe in leadership through influence, not control. True leadership is about inspiring people to make the right choices, not forcing them.
07.
I believe that the pursuit of greatness is more meaningful than the achievement itself. The journey, the struggle, and the growth matter more than the destination.
08.
I believe that both the body and mind must be nourished to thrive. Strength and wisdom come from discipline, self-care, and continuous learning.
09.
I believe in the power of a winner’s mindset—even in defeat. Success isn’t about never falling—it’s about getting back up every time we do.
10.
I believe in you. Because sometimes, all someone needs is for someone else to believe in them.