A Reflection on Legacy
April was a month of both laughter and tears and a reminder of just how full and fleeting life can be.
It began in Boston, where over 120 members of The Photo Managers gathered from around the world. It’s always incredible to be in a room with people who share the same passion, helping others preserve their stories through photos. I returned home inspired, energized, and excited to bring new ideas, tools, and strategies back to you in the months ahead.
This year’s conference also marked a meaningful transition as we honored Cathi Nelson, the founder of The Photo Managers. For over 16 years, Cathi has built not just an organization, but a movement—one rooted in connection, storytelling, and preserving what matters most. Sitting in that ballroom, it struck me: every single one of us was there because one person saw a need and chose to act.
What also stayed with me, Cathi started this organization and launched this community at 50.
Why?
Because - For those who know me well, you know the theme of my last decade offered up the repeated question “Lisa, where are you working now?”. Being able to respond, “I’ve built my own business helping people preserve their memories,” fills me with a kind of joy that’s hard to put into words. I have found my people. I have built a meaningful business. This is all possible because Cathi created an industry – and I am fortunate to have found it.
Coming home, the tone shifted. We said goodbye to my father-in-law, James (Jim) Rohan, father of Robert (aka Bobby) and Matt, and loving husband to Christine (aka Chris - who passed away in January 2025). Jim lived a life filled with adventures on land and sea, poker games, and love for his family and his dogs. His passing is a loss that we are still processing.
Then there is Rod. What can one say about Rod Caborn? He was a good friend I connected with through Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary. He was an inspiring and fun person to be around, who brought energy, generosity, and joy to every room he entered, bright sweaters, costumes, and all. Two years ago, Rod was diagnosed with ALS. However, this terrible disease did not slow this dynamic man down. This newsletter would be 10x longer if I were to share all the amazing things he did leading up to his diagnoses (like raising over $50 million for our community), and longer if I shared what he did after. He did not let ALS slow him down and was a daily reminder of what we can do – despite of or in-spite of what we are coping with. At the end of the month, our community came together to fill another ballroom to celebrate Rod.
What stayed with me most in April were the rooms filled with people. At the beginning of the month it was a room full of people celebrating what Cathi built. At the end, it was a room full of people celebrating what Rod gave – aka LIVE LIKE ROD.
That’s legacy.
It’s not just what we accomplish, it is how we make people feel, the stories we leave behind, and the memories others carry forward because of us.
As I approach a milestone birthday this year, I’ve been reflecting on my own story—what I have done, what still lies ahead, and how I want to be remembered? I used to think 50 was “so old.” Now I see it as something else entirely: an invitation.
To keep building.
To keep connecting.
To keep telling stories that matter.
And that brings me back to you.
What is your legacy—and do you need help in telling your story?
