A Well-Earned Retirement and Warm Farewell

Just over five years ago, I emailed a friend asking her to make a long-promised introduction. She sent it that day, and it changed my life. You see, on that day, she introduced me to Mike Temple. Mike and I met for coffee shortly after that, and we soon started talking about me joining PlusPoint.

I have had the honor to work alongside and learn from Mike for the last five years. He has been my friend, business partner, and mentor and is one of the most incredible humans I know.  He is passionate about his work, tireless in his commitment to his clients, generous with his time and knowledge, and invested and committed to growing the individuals on our team.

Together we have experienced and worked through the many ups and downs of growing a small business – the joy of landing a new client, the excitement of adding exceptional talent to our team, the challenges of COVID, and the disappointments when people let us down. Mike helped me learn what it means to be a good consultant, encouraged and supported me as I took on the role of CEO, and never wavered in his belief that we were building something bigger than either of us. He is always willing to pick up the phone, talk through an idea, brainstorm a solution, or be a much-needed ear. I’m honored to have worked alongside him for the last five years and cannot imagine it with anyone else.

I am reflecting on this today because Mike is retiring in a few short weeks. This isn’t new news. Mike’s eventual retirement has been the plan since 2018. Over the last year, Mike has been gradually easing into retired life, and we have been learning how to work without his daily presence. I’ll admit I’ve been in a bit of denial, and there is something about seeing the actual date looming on the calendar in a few weeks that brings the reality home. I couldn’t let this moment pass without acknowledging him. He earned this next chapter in his life and all the joys it will bring.

To Mike, I say thank you for everything. Thank you for the opportunity, the lessons, the guidance and support, and most of all, the friendship. Enjoy the journey, and don’t look back. You left an indelible mark and will be sorely missed.