Quarry Integrated Communications - Toronto, Canada

A message from Alan Quarry

Time does fly when you’re having fun.

And this May will mark my 26th anniversary with Quarry. That time has flashed by and I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it! We have come along way from my first office in the basement of my mom and dad’s house on Manchester Road in Kitchener.

Our organization has a good friend from Chicago by the name of Bruce Bendinger.  Bruce is a creative director, author, musician, teacher and publisher. He has visited Quarry several times over the past 15 years and has mentioned us in one or two of his books.  Bruce and I have discussed doing a book together for several years and this is the year we are going to get it done! We actually have three topics in the works....leadership, branding and entrepreneurship.

I will be taking an unpaid leave of absence or sabbatical from now until September to work on a few things including the publishing project. This will be a much needed opportunity to re-charge my batteries, improve my overall health and gain some new perspectives both personally and professionally.

So here’s what the program looks like in the AQ nutshell:

• continuation of role as Chairman and CEO by hosting the monthly partnership loop meetings with the other shareholders
• availability for senior client relationship continuity duties and new business opportunities
• being at any of the Q offices from time to time whenever I darn well feel like it (so watch out)
• preparing for my new and exciting role as Entrepreneur In Residence at Wilfrid Laurier University. This will be announced by the University later this week. It’s a one year appointment and I will have office hours on campus at least half days on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in the Fall
• returning to full-time responsibilities at QIC in September.
  

We are in very good shape in terms of leadership and direction. Ken is doing a great job as president and all the partners are working hard to keep us aligned for a successful future. Not an easy task in the white water economy we find ourselves. I am confident that we are well-prepared and well-lead to conquer all challenges ahead.

I am not retiring. Not for at least another 24 years. Working on some different stuff for awhile. Starting today.

Cheers!!

Alan