Jeffrey Hayzlett

Coming to you from the New York Stock Exchange, I cannot help but think about what business means to me. Business isn't just about profits, markets, or boardrooms. Business is about opportunity.

I grew up with humble beginnings. Nobody handed me a seat at the table, and like millions of Americans, I had to earn it. I had to work for it. I had to take risks, fail, get back up, and keep moving forward. And that's what makes America so special. Only in this country can someone start with very little and through grit, determination, and hard work find themselves sitting in some of the biggest boardrooms in the world.

Only in America can an idea become a company, a company become a movement, and a dream become a legacy. I've been fortunate to live that journey, from small town roots to advising CEOs, leading businesses, and sitting right here at the center of global commerce.

That's what business means to me. The freedom to build, the chance to succeed, and the opportunity to create something bigger than yourself.

As America celebrates 250 years, let's remember that our greatest asset isn't our markets or our money. It's the belief that anyone, from anywhere, can achieve extraordinary things.

Happy 250 years, America, and here's to the next generation of dreamers, builders, and entrepreneurs. God bless America.