The Nine Pillars

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You were born for significance, to do something of great worth. As men, one of our most noble challenges is discovering what we are meant to do, to make our mark on the world, to leave something of value for those who follow behind us -- whatever our giftings and skills. 

This is an essential tenet of TrailMasters, with our aim to help men find -- and stay on --  a progressive ascent up an important career path, whether you're a realtor, salesman, electrician, attorney or chef.

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

In a recent New York Times op-ed piece, former United States Education Secretary William Benett described the family as "the nucleus of civilization and the basic social unit of society. Aristotle wrote that the family is nature’s established association for the supply of mankind’s everyday wants.  

"Research clearly shows that the institution of the family is the first form of community and government and, as Michael Novak said, the first, best and original Department of Health, Education and Welfare. 

"For a civilization to succeed, the family must succeed, and right now, it’s not. Today, more than half of all births to American women under 30 occur outside marriage, and the out of wedlock birth rate in the United States has passed 40 percent."

As TrailMasters, it is both an honor and duty to provide the leadership essential to foster strong, mature family relationships for our loved ones, enabling them to thrive and prosper, even in today's frail society.

When families are strong, our schools, churches and communities are strong. It is the aim of every TrailMaster to do his part to lead his family accordingly and leave a lasting positive mark on society.

There's never been a time in modern history when men have so desperately needed friendships with other men. We were made to bear each other's burdens and lighten the load of our brother when the going gets tough.

As we've grown older, however, many of us have allowed our careers, families or other demands loosen the bonds of friendship we so enjoyed growing up. Sadly, most men live in quiet isolation and often lean too heavily on our wives or girlfriends to provide the emotional connection so essential to our well-being. Combined with the social distancing the Covid pandemic has forced upon us, it's no wonder most men are becoming increasingly lonely.

As a community of like-minded men, through interacting on blogs and future chat rooms, we can connect with each other on pressing issues that demand straight talk, and get useful tips and tools to further those critical bonds of brotherhood.

Every man was born with eternity in his heart, a yearning to know and love the God who created him. That knowledge can only be realized by continually, rigorously seeking the Truth.

"You shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free" remains another key tenet of the TrailMaster. 

Yet, seeking the truth can only be realized through the eyes of faith. 

Faith is described as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith gives the TrailMaster optimism and courage, to overcome adversity with grace, while serving his God and fellow man to the betterment of society.

The opportunity to prosper is one of the greatest gifts of mankind. Without an adequate amount of money a man becomes enslaved to usury, fear or poverty. Too much money can be equally  destructive, leading to greed, narcissism and even greater fear.

Working to create wealth is essential, with many paths to achieve it. As TrailMasters, our goal is to provide generously for our families and the causes we hold in high esteem, to give back to society and provide a legacy of provision for our loved ones.

Our TM podcasts showcase men who have experienced significant wealth through wise investing and hard work, offering useful strategies and tips for anyone to build wealth by following basic, methodical strategies for money management.

A man who is fit is capable of living life to the fullest. Physical and mental fitness play important roles, and men who are both physically and mentally fit are less prone to medical conditions as well. 

Fitness doesn't only refer to being physically fit, but also refers to a person’s mental state. If a man is physically fit, but mentally unwell or troubled, he won't be able to function optimally. Mental fitness can only be achieved if our body is functioning well. We can help relax our own mind and eliminate stresses by exercising regularly and eating right.

A major portion of TrailMasters' blogs and podcasts focus on fitness because of the enormous impact it has on our ability to realize all we are meant to do and be.

The busyness of building prosperous careers and strong families has a subtle way of crowding out the interests and hobbies most men enjoyed in their youth. This is a grave mistake for the man who willfully allows this insidious 'career-creep' to dominate his life.

As TrailMasters, we must continue to make time for these crucial interests that bring us to life, bind us together with like-minded men, and in the process stave off the mental and emotional pressures that might otherwise immobilize us due to an imbalanced life.

Every man owes a debt of gratitude to his Creator, the institutions from which he benefits, and to extend charity to those who suffer hardship, poverty and loss.

It is a proven axiom of humanity that the more one gives with a thankful heart, the more one gets in return. Though that's not the goal, the byproduct is immutable.

Having the power to help others in need, or to advance a cause, is a privilege that is rooted in a man's moral duty. 

We periodically showcase various charities, and the TM organization itself donates a portion of its profits to various nonprofits who are doing good work in the world.

There are a lot of things that go into making different men feel and act confident, but one of the biggest factors is how you perceive yourself. Men who have confidence, generally have a style of their own, and they are comfortable in how they appear to others. The most successful and confident men have style.

Personal style is so important that it occupies a significant portion of the TrailMasters' website by offering stylish, curated and exclusively branded apparel, accessories and tools available for purchase in the TM Gear Shop.