Get To Know TJM: What America Means to Us

In honor of America’s semiquincentennial, we asked our staff what America means to them. Here’s what we said:

Justin MacDonald

America, to me, is a nation of fiercely independent people who cannot be defined by a single background, culture, or appearance. We are truly a melting pot, united by the ideas and aspirations we share.

I recently visited Yellowstone, considered the world’s first national park, and Grand Teton. It was inspiring to experience places that helped launch a global movement to preserve natural wonders for everyone. Just as memorable was meeting visitors from around the world, including some here for the World Cup, who spoke openly about how fun and welcoming America has been to them.

At its best, America leads with big ideas and invites everyone to share in them.

Shannon Moore

To me, America is about opportunity.

We're part of a family-owned business, so I've seen firsthand that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to learn, you can build something meaningful. That entrepreneurial spirit is something I don't take for granted.

As a woman, I'm also grateful to live in a country where I have the opportunity to contribute, lead, and help shape the future of our business. I know that isn't a reality for women everywhere, and it's a privilege I deeply appreciate.

I love that our children are growing up believing the sky is the limit. Success isn't typically handed out—it takes elbow grease, creativity, and perseverance—but the opportunity to pursue your dreams is there. That's an incredible gift.

And on a lighter note, I love the diversity of our country. From mountains and forests to beaches and deserts, there are endless places to explore without ever leaving the United States. Every trip feels like discovering a new side of home. To me, America is the freedom to dream big, work hard, and create your own path.

Matt Fischer

America to me is about personal independence but also a commitment to your fellow Americans. That we may be able to build a better life for ourselves but also to build something bigger than that, an America where we can all one day live freely and truly thrive. 

Rick Cundiff

What is America to me? It’s my grandfather fighting in the Pacific in World War II to keep us – and the world – free. It’s my grandmother, his wife, who traveled by train across the country with an infant – at 16 years old – to meet him when he had shore leave on the West Coast. She later became one of the first woman pattern makers in the garment industry.

 It’s my dad, who started working at age 13 to help support his younger siblings. He grew up to serve his country, travel the world, start his own business, and become a police officer in his 50s.

It’s my mom, who started her own business and ran it successfully for more than 30 years.

It’s my wife, who became a skilled, talented, caring nurse, saving lives, and then furthered her own education in order to teach others to do the same.

It’s the belief all of them had in me that enabled me to get an education, advance in my chosen careers (3 so far), and become a better person. It’s the opportunities we all had to achieve our best.

On a larger scale, it’s the freedom to travel and meet people from all over the world and discuss and share diverse ideas freely. It’s the freedom to speak, read and worship as we please. Are we a perfect country? Of course not. But we’re always striving to be better, and that’s what counts.