On the Occasion of Rob Johnson Leaving Sage
As many of you are aware of by now, my friend and colleague, Rob Johnson has decided to leave Sage and join Avalara (the lucky dogs).
Early today, our partner programs team had our last call with Rob at the helm. With their permission, I am sharing some of the content of this call.
First up was myself, playing (in my bang on the keyboard style) one of my and Rob’s favorite songs, Corner of the Sky from the 1972 Broadway musical, Pippin. (Please excuse the clunkers.)
Next up was a poem written by Joo Sohn DeView entitled: Our Lifetime Friend. Each member of the team took turns reciting the stanzas.
Remember your team and never forget,
The first time you became our boss and we met.Youthful Christina has really come a long way,
She’s managing programs and taking care of a baby all day.And what about Ed whose ideas were so grand,
Talented is he, he was even in the Sage band.And sweet Diana who took pictures of you sleeping,
Now she is sad that you’re leaving and weeping.And your dear friend Joo who always gave you a hard time,
Is now struggling to write a farewell poem for you that will rhyme.Who could forget your “y’alls,” kicking your own ass, and nightly ice creams?
We really did have more fun than all of those other teams.You really enjoy your girls, running and public speaking,
A replacement for Sales Academy we’ll need to be seeking.You’re leaving a legacy of a boss who really cared,
Your hopes and dreams of soaring you happily shared.You are entering a new chapter in your life that’s exciting,
We are eagerly anticipating the next book you’ll be writing.Good bye dear friend, we will miss you a ton,
You’ve inspired us with your optimism and our hearts you have won.Only one day left as our boss but a lifetime friend,
Our exciting time together will finally come to an end.We’ve shared many laughs, frustrations and tears,
But through it all, it was the best time we had in years!
Then Diana Waterman, presented Rob with a customer shirt she had made on all of our behalf for him.
The front of the shirt depicts Rob, asleep in the back of Diana’s car while dreaming of a Robism, “Two thumbs up!” This was taken at Summit as they went out to an early dinner with him.
Lastly, we all said our “farewells” including Christina Parra, our programs specialist.
“There’s no crying in software. Talk to y’all next week,” Rob ended.
Rob, thanks! ‘Nuf said.