From Fifth Grade to Forever
In the fifth grade, in Mrs. Donna McMahan’s class, I met a kid who would change my life forever: Marcus Pittman. He was a skinny kid with a quiet confidence and big dreams, and our first conversation is etched in my memory. He walked up to me, a big grin on his face, and said, "What's up, man? Everybody else calls me Marcus, but you can call me Pitt."
I laughed and shot back, "That's cool. My name's Thomas, but you can just call me Thomas." We both burst out laughing, and just like that, a lifelong friendship was born.
Carlton Pittman Sr (dad), Priscilla Pittman (mom), Tiffany Pittman (sister) and Marcus Pittman.
It wasn't long before I was spending every free moment at his house. The Pittman family—his mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents—they all welcomed me with open arms. They treated me like one of their own, and for that, I'll always be grateful. I used to tell Marcus how lucky he was to have both parents in his life, a stable and loving home. He knew it, too. He was always generous, always willing to share whatever he had, whether it was a meal or just a few dollars for a snack. It was a lesson in generosity that I've never forgotten.
As the years went by, our friendship deepened. What started as a chance encounter in fifth grade blossomed into a bond that felt like family. We were inseparable. If you saw one of us, the other wasn't far behind. We spent our time at his house, at the neighbor's, at the YMCA, or just hanging out at the mall. Every day was an adventure.
I'll never forget the day I stuck a paper clip in a socket and got shocked, only to burst out laughing in disbelief. Or the day at the YMCA when I somehow recorded five fouls in just two quarters of basketball. We always found a way to turn the mundane into a memorable story.
Junior year prom 2010
High school was a blur of good times and endless laughter. We were a team, navigating the awkward teenage years and the pressures of school together. There was never a dull moment. After graduation, our paths diverged. College took us in different directions after being roommates for a while and we started building our own lives. The late-night talks and daily hangouts faded into texts and occasional calls, a natural shift as we each chased our dreams.
Now, years later, I'm amazed at the men we've become. Marcus took a leap of faith and started his own mobile detailing business. He’s a natural entrepreneur, and he’s absolutely killing it. I, on the other hand, started my own media company. It’s been a wild ride, full of unexpected challenges and rewarding successes, but it's ultimately led me to a full-time position at Davidson Local, a job I love.
Marcus Pittman Auto Spa (Mobile detailing service)
Kayla & Marcus Pittman embracing their excitement for baby Rio.
Marcus is now married to his wonderful wife, Kayla, and they’re getting ready to welcome their first child, baby Rio, into the world. It’s an exciting new chapter for them, and I can't help but feel a swell of pride.
To my friend and brother of over two decades, I want to say how proud I am of you. Watching you chase your dreams gave me the courage to chase my own. I wouldn't be the entrepreneur I am today if I hadn't seen you take that leap of faith. We may not talk every day like we used to, but that doesn't change a thing. Just know that when baby Rio arrives, I better be getting a FaceTime call, congratulations.
Your friend since the fifth grade,
Thomas
