I've made a lot of really hard decisions in my life.
Asking Eric Ritchie to run Sargent as its president is NOT one of them.
It's a BIG decision, but it wasn't hard.
In 1991, in the aftermath of the sale of HE Sargent (the family business for 60 years), I agonized on whether I should stay or go. On Thanksgiving weekend that year, I decided to go.
A few months later, Sargent & Sargent started with a little puff. Kind of a "little train that could".
Another tough decision came in 2004-5, when Sargent & Sargent bought HE Sargent, and combined the two companies into what is now Sargent.
Another BIG (if not really that tough) decision came in 2013 when Sargent became employee-owned. Separating ownership succession from management succession was important to me, and the benefit that accrued to our employees since then has been tremendous.
Yet another big decision came in 2020 when the venerable Timothy Folster retired: we asked a two-year employee to take the VP Ops/COO role -- Eric Ritchie.
Eric was quick to earn credibility in his new role, as well as confidence from the crew, our board, our financial partners, and our customers.
I believe successful transitions at all levels should be managed like a relay race: make the transition while both people are running at full speed.
Because of the values Eric holds important; because of the leadership he's shown; because of the confidence he's EARNED, I've asked Eric to take the president role, and he was voted president-elect yesterday by our board of directors. At our May 9 Annual Meeting, Eric will be formally voted in as president.
One of the BIGGEST -- but also easiest -- decisions I've ever made.
What this means is Eric will be President and COO while I remain CEO. In practical terms, that means Eric will run the business on a day-to-day basis, and I will focus on strategy, vision, and leadership development.
Congratulations, Eric. And THANK YOU for being you.
#investinginpeople #sargent #sargentesop #buildalifewithus
Congratulations 🍾🎉🎊