One Last Word

I think I met Joel Denver in the early 80s, when I was programming KIMN in Denver.

What struck me most at the time – and always since – was his optimism for our business and his unceasing generosity.

He was always looking for ways to help me.

He asked nothing of me, but always offered chances to promote my ideas to more eyes and ears than I was then reaching.

Occasionally, I would reach out on behalf of a friend who had lost his or her job in one of the inevitable “downsizings” our industry is famous for now.

Joel always – ALWAYS – used his time and his connections to try to help these people find work.

All Access has been a part of each of our daily lives for so long that it feels impossible we will no longer start our days scrolling through its stories and updates.

I want to thank Tom Cunningham who edited my weekly rants. Talk about patience and good humor! I will always owe you, Tom.

Joel, you offered me your enormous platform for so many years before I took it. Your support never waned, even as I declined (hopefully, politely) the many opportunities you offered me to speak at your confabs. You understood my distaste of being in the spotlight even when doing so would clearly have helped me more than you.

So in this final post today, I want to challenge every reader to take up the flame that Joel has carried for so many years.

Reach out to help someone who needs it when they need it, not only when it’s convenient for you.

Be a mentor. Spread hope. Offer help and follow up.

And take a moment this week to say “Thank You!” to Joel and Tom and all those who brought us All Access every day.

They will be greatly missed.