I was glad to have had this chat with Geo. We met at Camp Runamok where I got to see his personality on full display, a character, someone you like to be around. One day on social media I noticed Geo sharing updates from a hospital. It wasn't my business to pry, so I followed along and watched as a man hospitalized started his epic comeback. Now, his sharing is in the form of gym selfies, and positivity. This was my first time hearing of Geo's epic bounce back and the man he'd get to become. Thanks for your honesty, Geo.

Geo Thompson, a Boston hospitality professional “lifer” having scraped the plates clean of the multitudes who have passed through his time serving and managing chain restaurants, music venues, and elite private clubs of this old city, now reflects on a long career of what ifs and what lays ahead through a new lens of sobriety, and a new lease on life after nearly losing it all.

Founded in 2016, the mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country.

To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6