A Hero - A Friend - The OD is Gone

Culture in a sales force is not defined by the leader of the team, but rather by the people he/she is lucky enough to convince to join the company.

In the formative stages of Data Domain we had the opportunity to recruit two legendary sales guys who  had helped to build NetApp in it's early days.  The so called, "Beef Brother's," Mike O'Donnell and Greg Collins would ultimately help me to create a culture of "Blue Collar" overachievers.  These guys had done it all before -- they had been part of something special at NetApp and wanted to be part of another authentic and generative  experience.   When I first met them I was attracted to their historical level of excellence, but what really got me excited was their individual stories of desire and "sense of unfinished business" in what they could offer to and achieve as part of a high growth company.

Hiring Greg and Mike gave us credibility in the "early" NTAP sales teams.  When they joined our effort we got the seal of approval that enabled us to attract and hire guys that I had only heard about in legends ... Sam, Phil, Cardenas's, Dennis and others.  Their confidence in our mission was instrumental in helping me to convince  numerous others who on the fence about joining us.  Their commitment validated that DD was real, that I was as a leader,  and that we were going to be doing something special together.

Mike O'Donnell passed away today.   His impact on the culture and the effectiveness of our company has left an enduring legacy.   Mike constantly reminded me what we were truly playing for an opportunity for greatness where only the best were welcome.   Where excellence in all aspects of business and interactions were sacred.

Mike's wife Hillary told me on our first meeting that I needed  to do a sales club event   I followed this sage advice and have been forever grateful.  I still have the picture of Mike on a rope swing at the bar in Cabo... I will cherish it forever.

Mike's disdain for conformity's sake made him a unique leader.  His family was his first love and was apparent in all aspects of his life.  This personal passion and authenticity translated into co-workers who worked achieve their best and customers who felt cared for  in a complete way.  

If you were fortunate to know Mike please take a moment and say thank you.  If you did not have the good luck to know him,  take this chance to review the histories and cultures of the companies he was  a part of and strive to be a like him.   Don't do things because they are politically correct...do something to make a difference!  Come to work with a smile and inspire that happiness in those who surround you.  More than anything be authentic to who you are as a person!

Mike has inspired me and has influenced the  person I am today.

The O.D. is gone... was he truly "A brother from another mother" or just a guy who could make us all smile... and remember to raise our personal bar on what it meant to be a father, friend, coworker and most of all as a husband.

We love and miss you!

Thank you!

David