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At Shop.org, the word “community” gets used a lot…and rightfully so. If you have ever been to any of our conferences or regional dinners you see the community in action. The relationships that are made through Shop.org go way beyond business associates as many friendships are created and solidified.
Rimm-Kaufman
With this community we can celebrate good times (like two of our Board Members who are expecting additions to their family in the next few weeks) and also moments that are sad and painful. Alan Rimm-Kaufman, President and CEO of the Rimm-Kaufman Group, passed away over the weekend. He was truly a vibrant and important member of the Shop.org community.
When I joined Shop.org, Alan took me under his wing to show me the ropes, introduce me to people that he knew (which was just about everyone), and was always available to help. I don’t think I ever heard the word “no” from him. He was always asking what more he could do. Alan believed in the power of the Shop.org community and once told me that you get out what you put in, and he put a LOT in. He was a member of the Content Committee, a frequent speaker, and a true friend.
At the funeral earlier today, Alan’s wife talked about one of his many inventions that she wanted to share with the overflow crowd: The concept of the “Bonus Day”. Bonus days start out just like any other day…you wake up in your bed, and there is nothing special planned — but you MAKE something special out of that day which lives in your memory always. Whether Alan was scrapping dinner plans to make something adventurous in the kitchen, taking his kids sledding when they should be sleeping, or some other zany activity — Alan’s life was filled with bonus days. If you take nothing else from his life, we should all try to create as many bonus days in our own life as possible.
The last time I saw Alan, I put out my hand for a shake, and he grabbed me in a big bear hug and said “we don’t know each other well enough to shake hands, Larry!” That is how I will remember him.
If you would like to share any memories of Alan, please do, and we will send them to his family. Also, I would like to do something in honor of Alan for the Annual Summit. I am open to any suggestions — so please leave a comment on the blog.
5 Comments
Maybe we should make a day at the annual conference ‘bonus day’ in honor of Alan. I was quite shocked to hear the news as the last I spoke with Alan he seemed upbeat and felt that he was on the mend. He will be missed.
Jay
What an amazing person, collaborator, teacher and business partner. He was the consummate professional. Condolences to his family. Alan will be deeply be missed.
Howard
Beautiful sentiments, Larry. I was shocked to hear of Alan’s passing. To my regret, I had only met Alan once in person, and a few times on Content Committee calls, but from your poignant comments, it was most certainly my loss not to have had the chance to get to know him more deeply. God bless Alan’s family and friends, of which I’m sure there are many – and may we all strive for “bonus days”!
I had the great pleasure of knowing Alan and working with him on several occasions. His vast knowledge, wonderful sense of humor and passion will be sorely missed by all. I feel like everyday I worked with Alan was a “Bonus” day!
I love the concept of a “bonus day.” I think I’ll remember that for the rest of my life. What a refreshing perspective it brings!