A New Year’s Wish from My Father and I

2025 was… how do I put this politely… an absolute character-building exercise.

It was one of the toughest years Core has ever faced. The kind of year that tests your vision, your patience, your sleep schedule, and occasionally your faith in humanity. There were obstacles, organizations trying to stop us, people actively obstructing us, hard decisions that didn’t come with instruction manuals, and losses that don’t show up on balance sheets.

But here’s the thing — we made it through to see the last day of 2025

Not just barely. We pushed forward. We kept building. And somehow, in between the chaos and the curveballs, we brought a vision to life that is very real, very tangible, and very industry-changing.

Few people ever see what it really takes behind the scenes — the decisions that weigh heavy, the moments where quitting would’ve been the logical option, and the strange art of finding silver linings in places that look pitch black at first glance. This year is one we won’t forget. Not because it was tough, but because it mattered.

And somewhere in all of this… Derek showed up.

Slightly confused. Mildly under-caffeinated. Asking the wrong questions, learning the hard way, and somehow still moving forward anyway. Proof that you don’t need to know everything to get started, you just need to refuse to quit.

So from my father and I, thank you.

Thank you to the community, the team, the supporters, the believers, the skeptics who stuck around, and even those who are no longer with us, you were all part of the journey. And yes, even to those who tried to stop us… we wish you a very happy New Year too. Growth is for everyone.

As for 2026?

Let’s just say… it’s going to be legendary.

Maximum effort. 🥂

Happy New Year to all of you.