Today is a long time coming. It has taken me 19 years since I graduated high school and 26 years since I saw a little move that would change my life forever. Some of you may be thinking what movie. Well heres a hint 'Show me the money!!!' Thats right, Jerry Maguire. A movie about a sports agent who goes from top to bottom back to the top again. That year, 1996, when I was merely 11 years old is when I knew what I wanted to do when I grow up. Here we are today grown and with families of our own and proud to be able to say that.
There are several conversations I remember having with certain people throughout my life. But the one that sticks out the most, was about three or fours years after high school. It was between one of my best friends through high school and still a good friend to this day. He had ran into each other a restaurant while I was back in town for the weekend. We started talking and as the conversation went on he ask 'What are you trying to become these days?' I told him about my marketing degree I was going for and in turn he was curious as to what I wanted to ultimately do with it. I told him 'I was getting a business degree to become a Sports Agent.' Thats when he said 'Still want to do that huh? I remember back in the day when you talked about that. Good for you man.' Ben Wickham here we are 2022(approximate) and I am doing that my friend.
Since 1996, being a Sports Agent is all I've wanted to be. I stand before you not wanting to do that, but am standing before you doing it! Now I am Owner/President of Merciful Enterprises. I have not once thought about doing anything but this. I was not driven by money, but by my word, dreams and goals to become who I am today.
I must say that none of this came easy or was smooth. I had draw backs, slip ups and falls. But I never let anything get me down for two long. It has been a long journey to this day. A journey that I will never forget and look forward to. Graduating high school, moving in with my Pops, moving to Fullerton, moving back in with the parents, graduating college, working for Octagon and now, Merciful Enterprises. It wasn't until 2010 that I decided to own my own firm. It was a the year of 2010 that I liked to call a 'STATEMENT' year. And it sure was!
All of you here tonight know about my educational struggle, my knowledge of sports, my passion for family and my drive to be the absolute best man I can. These are my thank you's in no particular order.
To loving sister Alida. You have always been the on I can talk to. The one when I needed to get away from Mama and Pops and talk. We had our fights like siblings do. But in the end we had our love for one another that would never slip. When you needed I was there and vis versa. You have always been with me and had my back. When I wanted to talk about my dreams and goals I came to you first. When I struggled, I called you because you are the one I've always trusted most. You have given me a Brother-in-law in Eric. Whose love for sports gave me someone to talk to about the leagues. A nephew in CJ who is now 14. Time flies by. A niece who is beautiful in Taylor Nicole. Thank you for everything you have done. For being the one I could go too.
To my father Peter. Though sometimes the mail got mixed up, I never once wanted a different name. You are a man that I will never be but a man I will always look up too. You are the one that said 'Before you know it, Martha Stewart will be out of jail.' And sure enough she was out and time flew by. here we are 2022(approximate) 12 years since I actually wrote this and time sure did fly by. I own my own firm! In part because of you. Its your hard work that made me work hard. Its your sweet that made me sweet. Its your blood that made me bleed. I look at you and think I can't let you down. You are the man I strive to be. I will never forget the day said to me 'Peter, I'm going to tell you something I never thought I would say.' I thought to myself "Shit, he's disappointed." Then I said out loud 'You are disappointed in me?' Do you remember what you did? You laughed, and told me 'No, maybe you should think about the military though.' . Sure I thought about it but never wanted to do it. I wanted to go down a different road. That was your, not me. And you understood that. You have taught me many life lessons, through your words and actions. Thank you. I am glad to call you father.
My mother, Debra. You have always keep me driven. Not a day went by that I didn't want to let you down or mess up. You have always done so much for me. From taking me to practice and games as a kid playing soccer, basketball and baseball. To high school and coming to every game and meet you could. Being a soccer mom with the oranges and taking me to the All-Star tournament for soccer. To bringing me huge plates of pasta from Pepperonis before a water polo game or swim meet in high school. I was you and Alida who were in the stand there cheering me on, though I really couldn't hear you I knew you were there. Thank you for it all.
To the rest of my family. Cousins(list), Aunts(list), Grandparents(list), Uncles(list) thank you all for everything. From New York to Wisconsin and everywhere else. I have enjoyed visiting and will continue to do so.
To my friends, I have mentioned Ben Wickham already. Who was played water polo with me in high school. I never been one to let it all out. To just tell the world everything. But when I did, you listened and when you spoke I listened.
Lance, It's thanks to you and your family, particularly your mother, that I am here today. That MLBPA party we attended during the All-Star break in 2010 is when I was introduced to a couple of Sports Agents. That is a night I will never forget my friend. It was a start to a dream, so to turn into a goal in life. But before that day we had some rowdy time. From kids in Valley Center to adults in Fullerton. Great conversations to great trips out of the country because we could. Thank you for everything. for being a great friend. Also thank you Margie and Lance Sr. as well.
Greg aka Mo. thank you for having to fulfill your reservist duty the weekend of the All-Star break. Giving me the spot to go to the MLBPA outright instead of us flipping a coin to see who goes. Your knowledge is remarkable. Talking to you is like opening a book and learning something new. All the baseball games we went to. The fun times we had even though you may not have wanted to join in you usually did. A great man. Thank you for being a great friend.
Johann. I haven't know you as long as some of these other guys but you are still a great friend. You are right up there with these guys. I was glad to be your best back way back and will continue to be a great friend that best I can. Working together back in the day at the movie theater. Learning new things about cars from you. You contribute to my life just as much as any other friend. Always good to be your friend. Thank you for being a great friend.
Chad. We met on a day I ate a sand crab. Look at us now son! We both went through some things and we both made it. I will always listen when you talk. I can always learn from you. I will always here you in my ear 'Peter Diaz!!!' Know one other than you my friend. We are both doing well with what we want to do. It's always a crazy time with you my friend but I'd do it again. Every day was worth it. Everything we did was good times.
Phill. Do you remember the day Lance graduated from CSUF? That was one of the most emotional days of my life. I was ecstatic that one of my good friends had just graduated from college. But I was so mad, upset, pissed, down on myself for not walking with him. I broke down to both of you. I held it back all throughout the ceremony but once we got to the apartment I lost it. I told you and Lance what had happened. What did you tell me? ' Pete, it's ok. You are a smart guy. You will do great things.' Phill you are a mans man. You work as hard as you care. Thats with all you have. You have a knowledge of so much just like the rest, I listen to learn.
Tim. Anther man with tons of knowledge. I will never stop learning with you around. Another man who believed in me. Thank you for everything. A great friend.
Paul. A man with a new car every few months. We have come a long way man. Thank you for being such a great friend.
Arjun Cardoza. Whats good Don Omar. I moved to Fullerton for a few years and met a great friend. Never expected it. Always was good to hang out hit up downtown, and have good conversations about life. Always telling me to strive and go after my goals. A great friend, thank you.
Jesus. Last but no least. I work at Sports Authority for almost three years you much long. And I made a great friend out of it. Also introducing me to the group. Jeff, Tim, Brett, Andy, Adam, Jeanie even. We had some good times while I was in Fullerton. Thank you to a great friend.
To my wife and kids. You are the reason I strive to do what I do. I am here to better my life and help better yours...
Thank you to those I may have not metioned. From Valley Center to Oceanside to Fullerton and all over the States I have met.
Now that all those emotions are out of the way. I want to quickly say a thing or two about the name Merciful Enterprises. Everyone knows about Jackie Robinson. It's because of him that a man named Roberto Clemente came along. The first hispanic player in the MLB. A man with such a passion to give back and a man that was a trailblazer for all hispanics. He is the reason for the name Merciful Enterprises. Clemente comes from the Latin Clement. which means Merciful. It was such a fitting name for man that did so much during his short time on earth, that I decided to name this firm and give thanks to him and his family. Dedicated to a man that dedicated his life to others. Also dedicated to all my family and friends. I made it and I will not stop!
Thank you all for being here tonight. Lets enjoy this milestone and create and night we will never forget.
Merciful Enterprises
It Is Possible
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