First off: Ignore the title.  In no way am I referring to my former company (Fred for short) as some sort of Grisham- like firm, or with any bad connotation that that term might possess.  I just thought it was a simple title.

I started with Fred literally right after graduating college.  I spent New Year’s 2006 driving to Minnesota to get my first taste of the ‘real world’ and northern climates.  I was part of a rotational/development program in Minnesota that was designed to prepare me for a sales career within the company.  I received my first assignment in the fall of 2006 and moved to Montana to acquire a vacant sales territory.   K, there it is in a nutshell.

The important thing that’s missing from the nutshell is the incredible people I’ve been blessed to have worked with and the principles, values, and history of the company itself.  They have proven themselves time and time again, including the reaction to my recent announcement.  I know most folks join TFA straight out of college, but if you’re like me and join three years after graduation, consider this:  If the company you’re working for blows you off or diminishes what you’re doing, then maybe their values don’t align with yours and you shouldn’t be working there anyway.  Telling a company like that should be pretty easy to do – ‘kiss off, folks.’  On the other hand, if they understand why you’re doing what you’re doing, the farewell can be a great thing.  The last few weeks for me have been ideal.  I’ve had conversations with many of the folks that have had a significant impact on my career and got to say my goodbyes on my terms.  Furthermore, it only goes to prove that the company’s values align with mine, and I’ve never been prouder to have been a member of the Fred family.

To those at Fred who know this site exists, you are the ones who made it home.  Thank you!