There are moments in life when everything else fades away—your to-do list, your goals, your worries—and you’re left standing in the raw reality of now. I’ve experienced those moments more than once: when my brother was murdered, when Brittany and I lost Ellie Hope at 21 weeks, when we held her and said hello and goodbye all at once. In those moments, time slows, and the weight of what’s happening crushes you, but somehow, you’re there. You’re present. You’re standing in the gap.

Hearing Jon LoDuca founder of Playboook Builder tell his story on the podcast brought all of that rushing back.

Jon shared about the day his father-in-law, Jay, was tragically hurt in his backyard during a family gathering. Jay was the kind of guy who was the heartbeat of his family—soft, humble, kind, and the one everyone looked to. But in that moment, as Jay lay there injured, Jon had to step up. He had to hold him down, keep him steady for the paramedics, and stand firm in a situation no one should ever have to face.

The way he described it hit me hard because I know what it’s like to feel the world stop and to have no choice but to lean into the pain.

The Surreal Mix of Pain and Presence

What struck me most wasn’t just the story of Jay’s accident, but how Jon stayed present through it all. He didn’t let the chaos pull him away. He didn’t break down or run from the responsibility. He stood in the gap. He gathered his family. He made sure everyone was cared for.

And isn’t that what resilience looks like? Not just surviving the tough moments but using them to become someone stronger, someone more grounded.

For me, resilience was holding Ellie Hope in my hands and choosing to remember her not for the pain, but for the gift of her life. It was standing with my family when my brother was taken from us and deciding to let his memory drive me to something bigger.

How Will You Be Remembered?

Jon’s story of his father-in-law left a mark on me. Jay wasn’t famous. He didn’t have his name on a building or a long list of accolades. But he was the kind of man everyone in town knew and respected. When he walked into the bank, they greeted him by name. When he passed, the line at his funeral wrapped around the building.

Hearing that reminded me of what really matters. It’s not just the businesses we build, the deals we close, or the numbers we hit. It’s the impact we leave behind—the people we make feel seen, the lives we touch, and the stories they tell about us long after we’re gone.

Jon’s 10 years ahead of me at the age of 53, but his story pushes me to start thinking about my legacy now. And if you’re reading this at 33 or 23, let me challenge you: Why not start today? What are you doing right now to live a life that leaves people better than you found them?

The Power of Being Present

What stood out about Jon, and what I hope to carry with me, is his presence. He’s sweet but powerful, kind but firm. He’s the kind of guy who can make you feel seen in a way you didn’t even know you needed. And isn’t that what we all need more of?

So here’s my challenge to you—and to myself:
How do we become the kind of people who leave the world better than we found it? How do we live in a way where people feel valued, loved, and seen, not just in our big moments but in the small, everyday ones?

If you’re ready to think about that, or if you just want to hear a story that will move you, go listen to the full episode. It’s one of the most impactful conversations I’ve had, and I promise it’ll leave you thinking differently about your own life and legacy.

👉 https://bennyfisher.com/the-inspiring-journey-in-building-legacies-that-last

Let’s start building our legacy—not someday, but today.

That’s exactly what Jon LoDuca is doing with his passion project, Playbook Builder. It’s a simple, powerful tool that helps business owners take all their processes, training, and wisdom and organize them into a system that lives forever.

At Big Fish Contracting, we’ve seen firsthand how it transforms hiring, onboarding, and training—and it can do the same for your business.

👉 Start your free trial here: https://playbookbuilder.com/trial/