John, the Man with Solutions

In my first customer meeting, I had the pleasure of John being with me. Immediately, I knew that John was special. His easy going demeanor, infectious smile, and wonderful laugh put everyone at ease. And then, when John spoke, he exuded credibility! What a powerful weapon! Our customers loved him (who couldn't). Yes, John was a rock star!

And, John never said no. His positive attitude made everyone believe that there had to be a way to accomplish a goal. Some things might have been more difficult or challenging but that only made them more interesting. John was a man of solutions, not excuses.

This past August, a number of us were blessed with a experience that I cherish. Tom Koppelman was holding a regional meeting at Lake Delevan, WI. When considering options of where to go for a team dinner, John immediately volunteered Heather's and his house. We had such a wonderful evening as John proudly showed us his horses, dogs, and cats along with being master chef at the grill. John was so happy in his home environment and we had the pleasure of seeing this side of the multifaceted John. I also had the sense that John actually had more fun that evening by having all of us over than anyone else (and we all had a great time)!

On the day of the tragic accident, John was scheduled to be on a call with me and several others at 4PM. When he had not dialed in by 4:05PM, we asked, "Where is John?" We could not understand him being late or even missing an event no matter how important or small. We all commented on how John honored all of his commitments and that his word was golden -- he never let anyone down. Now, we sadly know that at the time of the conference call he was in a better place likely cruising around with the top down.

I am so grateful to have known John for he has made me a better person. His outlook, appreciation of life, and approach to all he did should be a lesson to each of us.

To say that John will be missed is an understatement. In his short life, John made a true difference to this world. Just imagine what would have been.......

My sympathies go to the Zaccagnini and Cisco families who loved and were touched by John.

Lou Ebling