A Sad Time for TMS Americas – A Time for Reflection

Tom GibbonsPresence, TMS News, Uncertainty9 Comments

It has been a sad period of time for us at TMS Americas. Yet within this time is a chance (sometimes forced upon us) for reflection on what we do and what it means to us.

As many of you know, our colleague and co managing director of TMS Americas, Bonnie Cooper retired at the end of June. Of course with any small organization someone leaving leaves a big gap.

Then, a few weeks ago our colleague, Kathi Jolliffe’s younger brother passed away after a short and unexpected battle with cancer. Just last year he ran the Boston Marathon with Kathi cheering him on to the finish after she had completed the half marathon. That same week my mother passed away at the age 93. She had a stroke 2 1/2 years ago but still lived in her own house until about 8 months ago so while her passing was not the shock of Kathi’s brother, of course it leaves a gap as well. The day before my mother’s death the basement of her house was flooded by a big rainstorm so at least she did not have to worry about that, my sister who lives in the same city is…

And then about a week and half later my other sister’s house was more or less destroyed as hurricane Irma tore through Turks and Caicos islands.

We have an amazing small team here at TMS Americas. If you were dealing with us through this time you likely didn’t notice much difference. But that is really not all that important. We are no tougher or more committed than most other awesome companies. But in these times of turmoil you do reflect on what is important and that reflection moves across the boundaries of personal and work.

Our work is important to us, especially the idea of sustaining value and supporting you as you try and do the same thing. We do not want to be a transaction, a supplier or vendor; even though we may be called that at times. It can be difficult to be more than that in the organizational world; just as it can be difficult to push the idea of sustainability.

But it’s way easier than these last weeks, and way easier because of some of you….

9 Comments on “A Sad Time for TMS Americas – A Time for Reflection”

  1. Thank you Brittany; your thoughts are appreciated! Your area has been so hard hit as well so all the best for you too. Carrie sent an email to our Houston area contacts and we heard back from a number of them that they were doing ok, helping out, doing their best to move forward. Those were nice messages to receive…

    It looks like I will be hanging out at your campus in December for a half day. I’m looking forward to that and hope to get to see you!

  2. Very sorry to know of the tough times and personal losses you all have been going through and for your losses. Deepest condolences.

  3. Tom I haven’t logged in to the site in a very long time and I’m glad I did to learn what is happening with the team. This is such a tough time for all of you. Thank you for sharing with us. I appreciate all you do to continue to serve in the midst of sadness.

    1. Good to have you here Beth! We are doing fine and appreciate the response. I hope you are doing well also.

  4. Wow, I don’t normally log on so I am just seeing this. I am so sorry those terrible things happened. You small team has been so good to our small company through the years, so I just want you to know that I appreciate you and the work you do. You have also helped so many of our customers with self awareness and focus and we all highly value your wok and dedication. I hope 2018 is a lot better than 2017.

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