An Architect’s Mindful Life Vision; Lance Cayko

Lance Cayko is a multi-talented serial entrepreneur with an architect's mindful life vision. He is also a lecturer and podcaster with a diverse background in architecture, construction, and real estate development. He is the co-founder and partner of F9 Productions Inc., a successful design + build firm based in Longmont, Colorado. His company specializes in single-family and multi-family residential and small commercial projects. Before earning a degree in Building Construction Technology from the North Dakota State College of Science, Lance worked in nearly every trade of construction. He then continued his education and earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from North Dakota State University, culminating with him graduating at the top of his class and earning the coveted McKenzie Thesis Award for the most outstanding thesis project. After college, Lance worked in various architecture roles in the construction industry before co-founding F9 Productions in 2009 with his business partner Alex Gore. Since then, the company has grown a reputation for quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and exceptional customer service. Listen & Subscribe on: iTunes / Stitcher / Podbean / Overcast / Spotify Contact Info Website: InsidetheFirmPodcast.com Podcast: InsidetheFirmPodcast.com Most Influential Person Kanye West (Rapper) Effect On Emotions Mindfulness, to me, stems from a recent read, Holding the Calm. by Hesha Abrams. It's about embracing different ‘lives' within our lifespan stages—20s, 20-40, 40-60, and beyond. I've reached my ‘third life' at 40, prompting a focus on becoming a composed figure amidst chaos, solving problems with a stoic calmness. Thoughts On Breathing Breathing used to begin with gratitude for that initial breath, but it's slipped away. Yet, hiking strenuous mountain trails redefines it. A 17-mile trek for fishing at 11,000 feet or a seemingly easy 3-mile hike with my daughter. That is challenging for her but exhilarating for me. Climbing steep slopes, sweat-drenched, and panting, I pause, leaning against the mountainside, smiling despite the exhaustion. My daughter wonders why. It's simple—the feeling of being alive in those moments. Breathing, in those hikes, signifies unequivocal existence. The intensity of physical exertion validates life. Every breath is a confirmation of being undeniably present, alive, and vibrant.   Bullying Story My childhood bully, Jonas, fueled my drive. Instead of combating him, I channeled his negativity into motivation. I held onto the vision of future success, using his actions as a catalyst. Keeping my focus on the prize—my success in architecture, construction, and personal pursuits—kept me driven. It wasn't about fighting back; it was about harnessing that negative energy as fuel for my ambitions, letting it ignite a fire in me to excel and succeed beyond those bullying moments. Suggested Resources Book: Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension by Hesha Abrams Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Book: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Related Episodes Bryce Prescott: Rules of Success to Live a Balanced Life Using a Scientific Approach Elder Care Meets Mindfulness With Legal Expert Nicole Wipp Don’t Wait To Be Great Proclaims Raven Blair Glover Are you experiencing anxiety & stress? I’m Bruce Langford, a practicing coach and hypnotist helping fast-track people just like you to shed their inner bully and move forward with confidence. Book a Free Coaching Session to get you on the road to a more satisfying life, feeling grounded and focused. Send me an email at bruce@mindfulnessmode.com with ‘I Am Determined' in the subject line. We'll schedule a call to discuss how you can move forward to a better life.