So, I was in Chicago last week for the Supplier of the Year Festivities for McDonald’s and Armada Supply Chain Solutions ( my employer). Armada was named Supplier of the Year and a large group of us went to the celebration and it was very gratifying to all of us as supporters of the Golden Arches. Lots of commentary about what a valued partner Armada is in the system, supporting McDonald’s, and memories and anecdotes of the long 50 year history between the two companies. I have had the good fortune of working for Armada for 27 years and I will be retiring in the spring with many fond memories of my time managing Customer Service ( now called Client Support), Field Service, and now with the Client Solutions Group. I have so many good stories about my time on the road as the “fix it” guy visiting suppliers and distribution centers nationwide. A really good experience but it is becoming time to move on to the next chapter of my life.

I was riding mountain bikes the other day with our new CEO and another colleague, and told them about all the good times I have had working for Armada. I made a lot of friends in the DC and Supplier community. I found all the cyclists and skiers and made a point to get together with them on the roads, trails and slopes having fun and discussing how we could service their account better. Nothing like the atmosphere in the outdoors followed by a cold one and dinner to handle even the most complex business issues. I always said that the way to service an account and service the customer was to get to know them, break bread with them, and have fun with them. The result is that you establish a baseline of relationship that can help you in many ways when you have an issue. The really nice thing is that many of these people are still my friends even after they have retired. We still keep in touch, and I can honestly say I really like them. The business was always about relationships.

Looking back, I always felt that work was an end to a means. A way to make money to enjoy the things I really liked in life. I was never one for climbing any corporate ladders, and never thought much of titles. But I always felt responsible to do a good job and earn my keep. It has always been fun getting to know people in the McDonald’s system and I certainly enjoyed my time with them. But as the years went on, I also felt a responsibility to Armada to do a good job for our company. I wanted to be a good representative and help the customer which ultimately helped us. When problems arose, because I established a good relationship with suppliers and distribution center personnel, I was able to navigate even the most trying issues. And sometimes when things got a little tense, I could lighten up the situation because I got to know them. I would always say….” how bad can it be? We all work for the clown.” They would chuckle and we would be on our way to dinner, lunch, or a fun day on the slopes or on the road bike, or even on the golf course- hopefully in a scramble. Golf was not my strong suit, but at the RMHC outings, it was fun to walk around and whack the ball with the folks that had become my friends in the system and support a truly outstanding enterprise- Ronald McDonald House Charities.

I will miss the times with our customers and suppliers, but I will always look back and be proud to have been lovingly called the Director of Happiness. I made it a point to take care of our customers especially when it hit the fan. Weekends, nights, holidays, but all worth it looking back at a wonderful time in my life with a great company.

Looking ahead, Janet’s cousin Jeff- who was a world class surgeon, always said.” Pat- you have to have something to retire to.” I agree and I am sure I will figure that all out in the coming months ahead. But in the meantime, I will cherish times like the Supplier of the Year events and wrapping up my time serving a truly great system with many people who will always be my friends. Thanks for reading.

“Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you, for they are blessings in disguise.” Proverbs-13:20