The Summer of ’19 . . . Wow, a summer of unexpected surprises, marked by rapid personal and professional changes!
In late February of this year, my 57 year old brother-in-law dropped dead of a heart attack. He had been healthy, happy and always fun to be around. He was a best friend. Several months later, my father-in-law died unexpectedly. He was 92 and in excellent health. He had a very active social life and called us or stopped by every day. He last visited my wife and I on a Sunday, had a heart attack on a Monday, was hospitalized and died that Thursday.
We all know that “tomorrow’s not guaranteed” and “life’s too short”! My wife Barbara and I were having a conversation in mid-May, when we both suddenly looked at each other and wondered, “what are we waiting for”? Why don’t we make a change, get out of the fast-paced, high pressure daily life we live (we both own our own businesses) and start enjoying more of life? We decided to do just that.
When we decided to sell our Condo and move, we weren’t exactly sure where we’d go. We put our condo on the market the first week of June. That first week, there were three showings and two offers. The buyer with the best offer wanted to close by July 30 . . . so we did. We decided to move to Vero Beach, Florida, because of the proximity of so many friends. A quickly planned, week long visit confirmed the idea. I’d never heard of Vero Beach and had no idea where it was. Barbara and I visited and were hooked. We bought a house, have settled in and are enjoying a completely new life! We’re very happy with our decision.
I’m going to continue working. While we were selling our condo and buying a house in June and July, I’m proud to have completed searches for a Sr. Event Producer, a Vice President of Sales and Marketing and a Sr. Creative Director. I’m currently working on searches for a Vice President of Digital Strategy and an agency President, both in St. Louis. I’m also working on a Sr. Principal, Corporate Growth and Strategy for a Florida Client.
Many of you know that over the past 18 years, I’ve successfully completed searches all over the country, from New York City to Los Angeles, Atlanta to Minneapolis and many cities in between. I’ve been successful because of the strength of my national network and a nationally recognized, trusted reputation. Premier candidates continue to get in touch on a daily basis, confidentially asking for my help in identifying their next career opportunity.
I’m excited to continue my work, just in a completely different living situation. I expect to be visiting St. Louis frequently. As I sit here at my desk, working on the computer or making a phone call, I see my desk and my equipment surrounding me. It looks just like it did in St. Louis. I could be sitting anywhere in the world, while continuing the work of HeadhunterBob!
Thanks to all of you for your friendship, trust and support over these past 18 years. I couldn’t do it without you. I look forward to what the future brings!