I struggled a little coming up with the title of this newsletter. I thought of naming it something fancy like "Deux Décennies de Dynamix"; or perhaps giving it a scholarly touch with "Viginti Annos Dynamixum"; or maybe evoking history with "One score years ago...". But any way I write it, all I'm really trying to say is that I've been in business for twenty years this month. Woohoo!

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found nearly 20% of businesses fail in the first year.

I can tell you that my first year was really tough. Every one of those 365 days is spent wondering where the next dollar will come from and how long you can hold onto it before someone snatches it out of your hand.

Our first year began on February 14, 2003 with an ice storm that knocked out power for a week. It looked like I might increase that statistic by a few more percentage points. For the next two years we were sandwiched in the Sports Medicine Clinic building on Alumni Drive with Post Time Productions (now Wrigley Media). They had been around for a little while and were growing quickly. There were only three or four people at the time, but when me and the Host Communications clan came in, it started busting at the seams. I had worked at Host for 14 years, Tabatha Conway came over as our manager, and Chris Yelton was  hired as Post Time's senior editor. It was comforting to see familiar faces as I built my business.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found 50% of businesses fail after 5 years.

This number is staggering. Although most small businesses feel like they're always one month away from bankruptcy, we were doing very well. Our two companies had decided to move into another building together after just a few months of living like sardines. In 2005, we found a place on North Ashland Avenue in a warehouse district that was undergoing revitalization. Post Time built edit suites and a studio. We built a control room, studio, and office. The remaining Host Communications production people were hired by Post Time, so we were like one big happy family now.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found 65% of businesses fail after 10 years.

By 2013, we were in new studios. Both of our businesses had felt squeezed on space after only six months in the 1930s building. We stuck it out until 2011 when our current space opened up. We finally had enough room to operate, and plenty of space to grow into. We built two fully functional studios, two voice-over rooms, had ample acoustic treatment, and finally had an HVAC system that we didn't have to shut off  just to record a few lines.

When I look back on my original goals for my business, I'd say I've accomplished most of them. I wanted to create a production hub for local ad agencies. Check. Most of the major agencies in town are regular clients.

I wanted to be the area's leading producer of soundtracks for video and film. Check. Our works are heard on HBO, Netflix, Disney, Hulu, Discovery Channel, HGTV, NBC, CBS, ABC, and PBS among others. We're also in the cinema with such movies as War for the Planet of the Apes, Uncle Frank, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days.

I wanted Dynamix to produce radio shows. Check.  We produce the weekly Eastern Standard news magazine on WEKU-FM. We have originated live broadcasts and interviews from our studios for NPR, WBUR, WNYC, WHYY, the BBC, and a host of others.

I wanted Dynamix to capitalize on emerging new media. Check. We've been part of the audiobook explosion, producing well over a hundred titles in the last five years. We've produced literally hundreds of podcasts since the word was invented.

I wanted to create original content. Check. We produced the documentary The Beat of a Different Drummer: The Story of America's Last All-Female Military Band. The documentary played on Kentucky Educational Television and was distributed to public television networks around the country. The Armed Forces Network and the Pentagon Channel aired it several times around the world.

It's impossible to reach every goal you set for a business starting out. Things change, you find new roads to travel, and most importantly, you remain flexible. We've adapted to changing times by embracing new formats, like podcasting and streaming services. We're continually investing heavily in new technology and software to provide the best experience and results for our clients.

One thing that hasn't changed in 20 years is my goal of staying 100% committed to quality. I've always believed that you must deliver the best possible product if you want to call yourself a professional. When I can't do that, it's time to quit.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics found 64% of businesses fail after 20 years.

Let's quit talking about failing. How about surviving? Those statistics also tell us that 93% of 20-year-old businesses become 21-year-old businesses. And I have every one of you to thank for that. So let me help you with your next project, there's a 100% chance that you'll be 100% satisfied.

For a fun look back, read our 10-year anniversary newsletter.

*That's our first logo at the top by the way.