Do svidanya...

I'm heading off to Salt Lake City next week.  I'm going to visit my largest client, OC Tanner.  Tanner is a lot of companies' largest client--that's what happens when you are the 600-pound gorilla in a highly diffused market.

But this trip is different--it's not the usual "hi, how's it going?" visit.  I'm going to join others in a celebration of the career of one of Tanner's "fixtures"--Scott Brown.  For over 30 years Scott has been guiding vendors in the ways of doing business with Tanner.  Part professor, part judge/jury/executioner, Scott was a constant in a world that seemed to be in constant turmoil.

And now I'm gonna stand there with others and essentially say "goodbye"--although I cannot summon that word and don't wish to use it in any context.  So I'm not gonna use it.

Instead, I'll use the Russian--Do svidanya, which roughly means "until we meet again".   Losing giants like Scott (and last year, Chris Hogan from Maritz) reduces the overall 'horsepower" our business has.  And it bums me out too--each time I go to one of these things it reminds me that it won't be forever until it's ME receiving the "Do svidanyas".

I can't imagine Tanner's building will still stand when Scott isn't there.  I can't imagine what it will be like six months hence when I go for my next "hi, how's it going" visit.  It will have to be strange.

I have to tell a story out of school about Scott.  6 years ago Samsonite offered me the position I currently hold.  Before they made their offer they called Scott and asked for his input.  Scott said--and I quote--"We would have no problem with that".  Talk about your Ringing Endorsements.

Later, I learned of that call and said to Scott "you know, you MIGHT have gone out on the limb just a bit further there--that wasn't exactly a letter from the Sergeant-at-Arms of my Fan Club".  Scott's reply--"Well, we DIDN'T have a problem with it".

And that's Scott--no yelling, no histrionics, no table-pounding.  Just pure professionalism and a genuine interest in helping all parties in the transaction be happy with the outcome.  His kind is rare and may not be seen again for some time.

So let's all celebrate that we got to spend time with Scott--and for Scott--let's wish him 5 fewer strokes on his golf  handicap and the satisfaction that comes from a job exceedingly well done.  I miss him already...


Pete