If anyone questioned about the survival of Garden & Gun here is your answer…Surviving, going strong and up for an Ellie.
I had no doubt this magazine was going to flourish. It is such a beautiful publication that delivers a wonderful experience while reading it. This is one magazine that has a healthy following of loyal subscribers and continues to grow.
Congrats to Garden & Gun for being nominated for another well deserved award.
Over the past week we have received a tremendous amount of love and support from the entire industry. I cannot tell you how many people have sent us e-mails, cards and flowers, or reached out to give us a call.
Many of you have donated to The Martin Stein Memorial Fund as well. As of Tuesday, 3/23, over $4500 has been contributed to the American Institute for Cancer Research in Martin's memory.
Martin has touched so many people, as was evident from a memorial service that was overflowing with people, and the many wonderful eulogy speakers. All the kind words were uplifting, the stories enchanting (and some even embarrassing); all of this will stay with us forever.
In looking back at my 25 years with RMI, I am overwhelmed with memories... many of which were of Martin. My post today is an excerpt from the eulogy I gave during Martin's services last Thursday, but found it so appropriate in reflecting on my times with RMI.
I'm sure I can speak for everyone at RMI in saying that Martin was the best boss anyone could hope to have. He was kind, patient, respectful and generous. He encouraged us and gave us the tools and independence and support to achieve our goals. His door was always open; whether you had a question or a problem or wanted his input or advice; he was always available and receptive and supportive.
We have so many employees who have been with us over 10 years (almost ½ the company) and 4 for over 20 years and several who have left and returned, and that’s because of Martin. He always wanted the best for our clients and the best from us. And we were happy to give it to him.
And we had fun….we had a lot of fun! There were so many lunches in his office, Halloween parties, company picnics, holiday parties. We always tell potential employees at interviews that we work really hard but we also like to have fun.
One story that comes to mind is the Halloween party when management dressed up as the Addams Family (Laura was Morticia) and brokerage dressed up as The Brady Bunch (I was Jan). Laura had her macaw, Dixie, and I had my dog, Lucy. When Martin called Laura and me into his office for a meeting, I told Lucy to stay in my office but Martin said, “Its ok; she can come”. So, I brought Lucy into his office and Laura had Dixie on her shoulder. Well, Lucy was VERY interested in Dixie and Dixie was NOT happy about it. After several minutes of this, Martin said “maybe we should do this tomorrow”.
AP(ish)- March 13th, 2010, a late season Nor’easter batters lower Hudson Valley Region, thousands without power, streets flooded, St. Patty Day Parade’s cancelled, and yet 295 jumpers’ spirits would not be dampened as they leapt into the near frozen waters of Lake Mahopac to raise funds and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.
In its 9th year, the annual Freezin’ for a Reason lake jump was a success by any measure. They were able to raise over $103K, 90% of which goes directly to research to try to find a cure for this horrible disease.
The fundraising efforts are spearheaded by the Stack family, of Mahopac. They do a phenomenal job of highlighting the need for this important research and showing how it can positively impact children’s lives. Through their efforts and others they are truly buying more birthdays for these children.
My 30 minutes of enduring the cold, rain and wind is a small price to pay for helping bring a smile to a child’s face and hope to a parent’s heart. Besides, they are the only ones who will let me wear the outfit pictured here.
Thank you- Jacqueline, Christine, Pudgie & the rest of the Stack Family for making my family’s life more full.
A thank you also goes out to http://www.localputnam.com/ for posting this fantastic video of the Freezin for a Reason event on Youtube.
Today we are deeply saddened by the loss of our CEO, beloved friend and mentor, Martin Stein. Martin was a wonderful man with an amazing spirit who will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
For more information, including Martin's biography, service announcements and a video tribute, please click here.
On March 3rd, Debbie and I were in Jackson County, Kentucky volunteering for Christian Appalachian Project’s Workfest, whose mission is to aid the poor in Appalachia. The job at hand was to replace a worn and leaky roof. Debbie worked with the crew whose responsibility was to rip off the old roof (7 tons and 3 layers worth of shingles) and lay down tar paper. I was in charge of cutting tin sheets to size to replace the discarded shingles. Though it was hard work, it was gratifying to be able to directly help out a needy family.
We took some other photos too, click on this link to see them.
Linda worked with us at RMI for 20 years, retiring in 2007, and she made those years memorable. She is just one of those people that when you tell new employees about her time here (and you always do), you always find yourself saying "Gotta love Linda, she is a unique individual." Here is what Linda had to say about her start with RMI.
OK, Tally...here goes: once again please excuse my lack of formatting, one day I do plan to learn WORD... maybe... It was the Spring of 1987. I got a call from Martin Stein and John Forte, asking if I'd like to interview for a sales position at their 2 years young shop. I was no stranger to both owners, we had all worked together at Walter Karl and I was still there, going on my 4th year of employment. How thrilled I was to be sought after! My loyalty to WK was strong, although I did go on the interview, and John and Martin truly presented me with an offer which I could not refuse. No cliche, it was a boost to my ego!!! Yet I was terrified to take on the challenge. What if I was not what they both expected? Would I be able to hold onto my clients that I had worked so hard to obtain while at WK?? So I became the 10th employee to join the newly budding RMI. It was in the Chappaqua office, my desk right in front of the office copier, that I moved in with my antique china cup and saucer, lots of heart shaped picture frames, and the 15 pairs of high heeled shoes...
As time went by, it soon became clear to me that I had lots to learn about being a salesperson and about the business as a whole. Martin and John, with their individual styles and strengths (gently) whipped me into shape. Their knowledge, enthusiasm and faith in me became invaluable... They handed over 2 house accounts, which were huge mailers, (although RMI had a tiny piece of the "pie") and gave me the job to make them grow... And boy, did I :)
My 20 + year journey at RMI has been a wonderful experience, thru the many ups and downs, the many friends and collegues that I've made thru the years will be cherished always. A huge congratulations go out to the company founders and their long-term stellar staff for upholding 25 years of OUTSTANDING BUSINESS PRACTICES, with much integrity and finesse. BEST of luck in future endeavors.