A Beautiful Machine Magazine Reader Tribute

At Beautiful Machine Magazine, we believe appreciation should be expressed while people are still here to receive it. Too often, we wait until someone is gone to acknowledge the impact they had on our lives. That is why we invited our readers to “Give Them Their Flowers” by sharing stories about the people who inspired them, mentored them, encouraged them, or simply made the world a better place.

The following tribute was submitted by one of our readers. It reflects the personal experiences, opinions, and voice of the author. It has been edited only for grammar, clarity, and publication style. Beautiful Machine Magazine has not altered the author’s intent or message. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Beautiful Machine Magazine.

Giving James Perryman His Flowers

By Dice Clark

There is an old saying that goes, “Steel sharpens steel.” Every now and then, God places someone in your life whose purpose is to sharpen you. Not to tear you down, but to make you stronger, wiser, and better.

For me, that person is James Perryman.

I want to thank Beautiful Machine Magazine for giving me the opportunity to publicly honor a man who has had a tremendous impact on my life. We spend so much time celebrating people after they are gone. I believe in giving people their flowers while they are still here to receive them.

James is more than a friend. Somewhere along this journey, he became my brother.

I have had countless conversations with James that changed the way I think. Not only about business, but about purpose, discipline, legacy, and service. Every time we talk, I leave challenged to become a better version of myself. He has a remarkable gift for seeing greatness in people before they recognize it in themselves.

He never allows you to settle.

He encourages you, but he also holds you accountable.

He celebrates your victories, but he also challenges you to dream even bigger.

That is what brothers do.

James has consistently challenged me to give more, expect more from myself, and believe that ordinary is never enough when you have been called to do extraordinary things.

His words carry weight because his life reflects everything he teaches.

Whether he is building the Joe Finn luxury travel brand, mentoring entrepreneurs, serving his community, or encouraging someone who feels like giving up, James leads through action. His life proves that success is not measured only by the wealth you accumulate. It is measured by the lives you help build along the way.

One of the greatest honors ever bestowed upon him says everything about the man he is.

The City of Houston officially proclaimed March 16 as James “Joe Finn” Day, recognizing his years of service, leadership, philanthropy, and unwavering commitment to his community. That is not an honor that can be purchased. It is earned through years of consistency, sacrifice, and genuine love for people.

What makes that recognition even more meaningful is that it has never changed him.

James has remained humble.

He never carries himself like someone looking for applause.

He carries himself like someone who understands he has been called to serve.

That is one of the many reasons I admire him.

In today’s world, too many people compete against one another instead of building one another up. James has always chosen collaboration over competition. He freely shares his knowledge, opens doors for others, and celebrates the success of those around him as if it were his own.

That is leadership.

That is brotherhood.

That is legacy.

James has sharpened me in ways he will probably never fully understand. Because of his influence, I have become more intentional, more disciplined, and more committed to leaving something meaningful behind.

Detroit has produced some remarkable men, and James represents that same spirit wherever life takes him. No matter how much he accomplishes, he never forgets where he came from, and he never forgets to reach back and help someone else climb.

That says everything.

So today, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you for believing in me.

Thank you for challenging me when I needed it most.

Thank you for refusing to let me think small.

Thank you for your wisdom.

Thank you for your friendship.

Thank you for becoming my brother.

Most of all, thank you for showing me what it looks like to live a life filled with purpose, integrity, and service.

James Perryman, these are your flowers.

You have earned every one of them.

I also want to thank Beautiful Machine Magazine once again for providing a platform where people can publicly honor those who have changed their lives. James’ greatest accomplishment is not the businesses he has built or the recognition he has received. His greatest accomplishment is the countless lives he continues to change every single day.

Here is to my brother.

Here is to James Perryman.

May we all be fortunate enough to have someone in our lives who reminds us that steel truly sharpens steel.