How I fought back against the most calculated betrayal of my life is a story that really starts with my grandfather, Walter Harlo.

He was a self-made man who built Harlo Technologies from his garage in 1975. By the time I was born, it had become a respected mid-size software development firm specializing in security systems.

Unlike most grandparents who spoiled their grandkids with toys and candy, Grandpa Walt taught me business ethics and financial literacy from the moment I could count.

“Sammy,” he’d say, leaning back in his worn leather office chair, “in business and in life, you need to protect yourself. Not everyone has good intentions, especially when money is involved.”

I spent every summer at the company, starting in the mail room at thirteen, then customer service, then marketing. By the time I graduated with my MBA, I knew every aspect of the business.

Grandpa Walt beamed with pride when I suggested our expansion into cybersecurity, a division that eventually doubled our revenue.