Thanks, Jim

As you receive this I am en route to Knoxville, the home of Bush Brothers and Company, the company from which I retired almost three years ago. Tonight is a celebration of Jim Ethier’s retirement at the Knoxville Convention Center, where 600 or so of his closest friends, family and employees will fete the former President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board of the wonderful company, and for whom I worked for 14 years.

I’d worked for soulless CPG companies who made it clear they owned us and whose demands created a zombie workforce who got out as soon as vested but retained a nasty case of PTSD. But I’d never worked for an organization whose president interviewed me personally, and stated unequivocally that my priorities should be, “God, family, and then work”.

I’d never worked for a company for an extended period. I’d worked for failed entrepreneurs, whose timing wasn’t in sync with business cycles and whose business ideas I still think would have been outstanding if in the right place at the right time. I’d worked for soulless CPG companies who made it clear they owned us and whose demands created a zombie workforce who got out as soon as vested but retained a nasty case of PTSD. But I’d never worked for an organization whose president interviewed me personally, and stated unequivocally that my priorities should be, “God, family, and then work”. Jim Ethier was a champion of women in his organization, and told me at my interview that he felt Bush Brothers didn’t have enough of them. At the end of the interview he said, “I like you. You have a nice way about you.” And he smiled that wonderful, generous smile of his and I guessed the deal was probably sealed; I was going to work for Bush Brothers.

There was a news article about the yogurt maker, Chiobani, recently. The nightly news reporter showed the plant personnel lined up to receive their shares of the company, generously provided by the owner, who received hugs from most all of his employees. The reporter commented, “You don’t normally see employees giving their management hugs.” I told my husband that I got a hug from Jim Ethier every time I saw him. And I received a long-cherished personal note from him when I was diagnosed with leukemia, offering his prayers and support. The company and community he and his late cousin Condon Bush created should be the model for every business, where you are respected and heard, and where people are more important than the bottom line. And because of that the bottom line stayed healthy, with loyal employees that looked out for the company’s interests.

I’m sure there will be many “Congratulation on Your Retirement” cards at this event tonight. Mine says, simply, “Thank You”.

Enjoy life, my friend. You certainly made mine better. God Bless.