When Trauma Becomes Direction

Chaos Reveals Character

For Blake, chaos isn’t a threat, it’s familiar territory. His accident forced him to adapt quickly and rebuild from the ground up, a mindset that now defines his leadership. The ability to stay grounded under pressure, he says, often comes from facing difficulty before you ever step into business ownership.

Systems Can Heal Culture

Blake’s team operates entirely remote, but they’re more connected than most in-person companies. His secret? Each team member creates a “User Guide”… a living document that explains how they communicate, what motivates them, and what others should know when working with them.

Trauma Changes How You Lead

Blake doesn’t glamorize adversity, but he recognizes its influence. The brain injury changed his personality and perspective, leading him to seek healthier ways to manage anxiety and decision-making. His openness about therapy, emotional triggers, and personal growth reframes leadership as something deeply human, not just strategic.

Trust Is the New Productivity

At RicketyRoo, flexibility isn’t a perk; it’s policy. Employees design their own schedules and choose when to take time off. As Blake puts it, he hires adults, not children. That trust has become a foundation for performance, creativity, and retention.