As I sit here in vibrant Mexico City, surrounded by positive vibes, good food, and the warm hum of life, I can’t help but reflect on how much I have to be thankful for. Although I am unable to spend this time with my family this year, I am grateful for this year and those around me. This year has been a whirlwind of change, challenges, and growth, but through it all, the people in my life and the opportunities I’ve been given have made it all worth it.

First, I want to give a huge shoutout to my family. Their unwavering support in my career and travels has been the foundation of everything I’ve been able to achieve. They’ve stood by me, never questioning my choices, always pushing me to grow as a person and professional. You’ve elevated me to where I am today, and for that, I’m forever grateful.

I also want to take a moment to thank some incredible individuals who have profoundly impacted my journey. Atif, for believing in me and bringing me into thirdweb, where I’ve been able to work on the future of web3 developer tooling. As we build open-source, full-stack tools that are shaping the future of Web3 - I have been able to level up my technical and business skills. There is still a lot to achieve but I’m ready more than ever. Austin, my co-founder at Revv, for your partnership in creating something meaningful for creators and brands. Although things haven’t gone as planned, the amount of learnings and eye opening conversation have been extremely meaningful. And Max Torres, for mentoring me through big transitions, like my move to Puerto Rico, and showing me how to embrace new environments with confidence and clarity. His support in my profession journey reassures me that I’m moving in the right direction.

This year, I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the top consumer and gaming applications, blockchains, and networks. Through these experiences, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible innovation happening in the Web3 space. Tools like thirdweb are leading the charge by making blockchain accessible and functional for everyone, and I’m proud to be a part of that journey.

On the entrepreneurial side, Revv has been a labor of love. Rebuilding our user experience, connecting creators with the right brands, and ensuring every tool we offer has value has been both challenging and rewarding. As we continue to grow, I’m excited about how Revv can empower creators to pursue their passions sustainably.

I’m particularly grateful for Gaming Group (GG), a passionate community of builders, developers, and gamers driving innovation in the gaming space. GG has been a testament to how shared goals and creativity can create something extraordinary. Through this initiative, we’ve brought together some of the most forward-thinking minds in Web3 gaming, sparking collaborations that push boundaries and set new standards for what gaming experiences can be. GG has become a cornerstone of my journey and a vibrant part of the industry’s evolution.

Finally, as I step back and look at the broader picture, I see a future filled with opportunity—not just for me, but for the communities and industries I’m part of. The Web3 space is evolving rapidly, and I’m committed to pushing it forward, whether it’s through sales, content creation, or connecting people with ideas that spark innovation.

This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful not only for the people and projects in my life but also for the vision of what’s possible. To my friends, mentors, and community—you’ve inspired me to dream bigger and work harder. To those following along on my journey—this is just the beginning.

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and the future we’re building together.

Happy Thanksgiving. I appreciate every single one of you!

—JRP