Chief Executives typically spend their time finding answers to difficult questions: How will we grow? Will we hit our numbers this year? How can we make this a better place to work? What internal and external forces may prevent us from gaining more market share?

In Puerto Rico, Irma and Maria threw those questions out the window and replaced them with profoundly more difficult questions. Are my family, friends, and employees safe? How will they access clean water? Does everyone have enough food and medication? Will this business survive?

As we look forward to 2018, I'm confident that I will never forget 2017. In my 30-year career as an entrepreneur, I have never before seen so many of my coworkers' lives upended at once, as ours were months ago. As I've written before, I have also never seen the resilience, determination, and friendship offered by all of you in the wake of our crisis. I am deeply moved and humbled by each of you.

My life will be forever changed by the courage and bravery I've seen, and during the holiday time with my family, I'll be counting my blessings, which include being able to work side by side with each of you each day.

When crisis struck, you stepped into action. You checked on your neighbors, asked how you could help, and many of you contacted me to see what the Company needed. Overwhelmed by your generosity, we mobilized resources to support you as you supported others. NotiCel began their relief routes, supported by De la Mesa a la Calle and my family foundation. SOL employees volunteered, and we partnered with a variety of community organizations to ensure that Puerto Rico would emerge from this tragedy stronger than when we entered it.

But Puerto Rico's recovery is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. At the time this letter publishes, we will be over 90 days without electricity. Many homes lack stable roofs, and some are still without a reliable water supply.

And although it might be our inclination to let frustration and despair join us at the dinner table this Christmas, I hope that we are able to spend time with our loved ones, reflecting on our blessings and reaffirming our commitment to family, friends, and community, and sharing a sense of great pride for what we've accomplished and overcome in the last weeks and months.

In your darkest hours, you rose up and showed the world the strength and passion of the Puerto Rican people. And that is a gift that cannot be taken from you.

Merry Christmas.

All my best,

Mark

* Por favor visite el Mark E. Curry Family Foundation (mecff.org) para ayudar a los puertorriqueños afectados por el huracán María. Mark E. Curry es un empresario, filántropo e inversionista. Fundador de SOL Partners en Puerto Rico en 2012 y en enero de 2017 completó la adquisición de NotiCel.