A while back I had a lunch meeting with a small group of highly successful businessmen who had recently toured Inventionland. The conversation took a surprising turn.

These independently wealthy individuals who had sold large, successful companies told me they just wanted to be around Davison because they were inspired by our drive and vision. I guess it helps them pursue their own dreams, whatever they might be, to see us believing in ours so much.

I try to surround myself with creative people because I get inspired by what they so often achieve. Lately, it seems that others have been having the same reaction to what we’ve accomplished at Davison and by our goals for the future. It’s a unique time in the history of this company.

These are smart people, watching everything, and they can sense we have a passion for what we’re doing – the creative work that goes on constantly. One businessman told me he needs to find something he can get passionate about again.

Another individual who produces innovative television programs made a similar comment about being inspired while I was giving him a tour of Inventionland. Our number one mission is to inspire creators; that’s why we built Inventionland – the world’s most innovative workspace. Although we are a business, we don’t think the way that bean counters (accountants) do, who are only interested in the bottom line. Our goal is much bigger than that.

I think we help some people expand the vision of what they’re doing. Other people must be looking for something to be involved with. I tell them, “It’s not just where your idea takes you; it’s where you take your idea.” My ideas are taking me to a lot of great people right now. I’m getting introduced to a lot of smart folks, and I’m enjoying it.

We’ve inspired our own people’s minds, we’ve inspired our clients, we’ve inspired students, now we’re inspiring business people again to dream – to go after “it.” What has surprised me is how much of a need there is for that today. Maybe people are bored; they’re just floating and looking for some mission, some vision, to feel like they’ve accomplished something in life.

I don’t think that people today are chasing their goals and dreams the way they used to. We built Inventionland to inspire our employees like never before, and that has certainly proven true. The fact that our mission and our unique workspace is also inspiring individuals in other walks of life, and from all over the world, is a great bonus. But it wasn’t a risk-free venture, not in the least.

Inspiring people requires a couple things – exposing yourself to criticism and making yourself vulnerable. I have done both, and the reward has always been worth it. When people say, “You really inspire me,” it feels good. You helped somebody without even knowing you were helping them.

My lunch with the businessmen was an awakening moment that has been repeated several times since. At first, I was a little surprised by all the attention. Now, I realize all these individuals have seen the unlimited possibilities that come with believing in a dream and chasing it with everything you’ve got.

Our passion for what we do here seems to be contagious … I hope everyone catches it.