Tim's Celebrating!

 Guess who is sporting a new online presence!

Word Up!:
What's in a name?

March Ad-ness!
Who's got more game? 		Tim's Celebrating!

I pondered several concepts for this month’s column, but there’s really only one that rises to the top because it’s an anniversary. Todd’s 10th with the Pepper Group.

Todd Underwood, our multifaceted Director of Multimedia, is simply a classic. He’s going to be embarrassed by this bit of homage, that’s just the kind of guy he is. Bottom line: he can’t stop me!

Todd came on board ten years ago when we purchased the company he was working for, New Orient Media. In that acquisition, we got lots of equipment, most of which quickly became obsolete–but it’s a cinch Todd never will. I knew at that time that I was going to like this guy, but I never imagined that I was gaining such a great friend and talented peer in our business.

To love the guy takes only a matter of minutes–just ask all the clients and fellow Peppers he works with! Can do attitude? It should be renamed “Todd Do” attitude. Need a little help with that? Brain, muscle or encouragement–he’s on it.

We work in an environment where there are zillions (and I don’t use the word lightly) of variables. In my opinion, one of the greatest attributes that a person can have in our business is the power of anticipation–to think 5 steps ahead in the task at hand–like a chess master. Todd’s a 7-stepper, a grandmaster. Nearly every time we discuss options, he’s not only visited them all, but already considered the pros and cons of each.

And it’s not all about work. He has an iTunes collection to die for. Want to take a bike ride? He’s got a map and you better be ready for 40-plus miles. Family time? Camping, plays, basketball, church–another trip to see Sweeney Todd anyone? Environmentalist–the hybrid is parked in the lot. The Illini, Bears, Cubs–did I mention patience?

I could go on, but I’ll save the rest for the 20th. There’s no doubt that “the rest” is sure to grow and the best is yet to come.

Here’s to you, Todd! On behalf of all Peppers, past and present, we celebrate 10 great years of practicing our art together and living life with you. It’s a pleasure.

Tim Padgett
tim@peppergroup.com

“I had an epiphany a few years ago where I was out at a celebrity party and it suddenly dawned on me that I had yet to meet a celebrity who is as smart and interesting as any of my friends.”
—Moby

“If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves.”
—Maria Edgeworth