Why I Do This: Baseball, Book Sales & Core Memories

When I started Grumpy Book Seller, I didn’t set out to “be my own boss” or chase freedom for freedom’s sake. I just wanted a business that made sense for my family. Something I could care about, build on my own terms, and—most importantly—do without missing the big things in my kids’ lives.

Turns out, it’s the little things I treasure most.

Like the car ride to Little League practice, when it’s just me and my son talking about school, the Yankees, and the lineup. Or walking the softball fields with my daughter, watching her find her own rhythm, her own team, her own strength. I coach my son’s team too, which—if we’re being honest—takes a few more hours than anyone warned me about. But I wouldn't trade it. Not for anything.

Other jobs don’t make the same kind of room to parent two kiddos. Now? I can close the laptop when I need to and get out there—on the field, in the bleachers, wherever my kids need me to be. And come summer, when it’s hot and the pool is calling, we’ll be there with popsicles in hand and zero regrets.

This online-only bookstore lets me work when I want to. Sure, I still put in the hours (a small business doesn’t exactly run itself), but the hours happen around the life we’re building. We started this store as a leap of faith—but it’s turned into a foundation. Books are what we sell, but time with our kids is what we’re really investing in.

So when you buy from Grumpy Book Seller, you’re not just supporting a small business. You’re helping us show up for the things that matter most. Thanks for being part of our story.