Peter Winick

This is the greatest startup in human history, and I have been so appreciative of the fact that I've been born when I have, where I have, and been allowed to do what I have. That wouldn't happen in most other places in the world, and I think we lose track of that here. Particularly if you didn't come here from somewhere else, we lose track of the fact that this is the exception, not the rule, that you can come up with an idea here, you can execute that idea here, you could fail here, and then you can do it again, and again, and again, and you can find your way, and you can come up with creative solutions.

There's no place that's more innovative, that is more lucrative if you crack the code, that is more exciting, more fun, or more impactful than this country right here and right now. And this 250 project is fascinating because it forces us to sort of pause and think and reflect and be grateful for what we've got. Listen, you know this as an entrepreneur. Not everything that you do is going to work out. Not everything that you do is going to even come close to the expectations that you have. But that's okay because you have the freedom to do it. You have the ability to try something. You have the ability to pivot and try again. And eventually, most of us find our way as entrepreneurs.

It takes a little grit, takes a little determination, it takes a little perseverance, but you need a place that allows those things to exist where you're not destined by being born into the wrong class or the wrong group or whatever the case may be. That doesn't hold you back all that much here. It can in some instances, but I think for most, it can be overcome all the time. I, for one, am one of the first or am the first college graduate in my family, so I'm proud of that. And that clearly has helped me take the path that I've taken over the many, many years that I've taken it.

So I appreciate where I am and how lucky I am to be here. Thank you.