Change happens. It's kind of a theme of mine. Many of you have heard me say it. Still waters are dead waters. That really applies to everything. If the granite face of Half Dome is changing every day why wouldn't everything else also be changing?
The news is true. As of the end of this month, I will no longer be the CEO of Pictage. That doesn't mean though that I won't be involved with the company. In fact, I'll be very involved. The investors who have stepped up to take a controlling position in the company have asked me to take an active role as Chairman of the Board and to maintain my less formal role as spokesperson. I'll be speaking at the uberpug in Nashville next week, at the PUG in Maine the day after Labor Day and at the New York City PUG during the second week in January. I'll also be continuing to interact with Pictage's amazing customers on the Pictage Forums.
I've loved the time I've spent with you all. I can truly say that as an industry you're an amazing and inspiring group of stunningly talented souls. The photography marketplace has great character (and great characters). While I had my hands on the reigns I did my best to move Pictage into a place where it could serve the industry as it changed. We succeeded in some places, we failed in others. That's how life is. I'm immensely proud of what the staff accomplished during these three short years, for themselves and for the legacy of the company started so many years ago.
This blog existed before Pictage and it will exist after. While many of the posts here have been directed at the photography marketplace specifically (for obvious reasons) the undercurrent really works for all small businesses and helping small businesses succeed has been my real passion for many years.
I always say what's next is what's important. I really mean that. I don't know what's next for me yet. At least through the end of the year I'll be pretty busy around here. When I know I'll probably say something about it here. Both of my readers will be relieved.
I'm still just me.
Onward.
JC
14 comments:
Makes me sad to hear, but I wish you the best wherever life takes you! Thank you so much for your contribution to Pictage! You made me so very proud to be a member! : )
I second the comment that it makes me sad that you are no longer going to be CEO, but I'm also thrilled for you at the same time. You are a wonderful person Jim and all of us wish you only the very best! We will move Onward....
Thanks so much you guys. It has been meaningful to me to be able to interact on such a personal level with so many of you. Truly, you guys made me better at what I do, so the thanks has to go both ways.
This news made me want to cry. Not only have you had a HUGE impact on Pictage, but you've touched and inspired many of the photographers it serves. You're just an incredible person and I'm so happy to know and be able to call you a friend. I'm glad to hear you’ll still have an active role at Pictage for the time being, but if the time comes for you to move on to bigger opportunities, I wish you only the best. You deserve it! I have so much love and appreciation for you Jim. <3 Big hugs from Vegas!
Honestly Jim Pictage is just a company I do business with. Yes you made that business personal which I will always appreciate. But what's more is that.you are a mentor and a friend. So I wish you the best my friend. I hope you will still keep up your blog even after you are done with Pictage. And if you find yourself in Florida let us know and Jay and I would love to buy you and your family dinner. Thank you sir.
Namaste,
Kate
Jim, we'll miss you at the helm. You've been a great guy and inspiring leader. I have gained a lot from your leadership, not just in the service provider capacity, but from your thoughtful musings and encouraging words. First round is on me when you get to Nashville! Onward!
In this industry companies are only as good as the person or people behind them. Jim, you were a breath of fresh air at a time when Pictage needed it. You made Pictage more then just a lab, you made it a family. Yes Pictage will go on, but it will never be the same. You reached out to us and you cheered us on. You scolded us when we needed it and helped us to be better then we were. You came on to our field and played with us. You are a rare person and we are better for having known you. Wherever life takes you I wish you the best. But honestly, what the Hell? We're not ready to lose you, Jim. Whoever the new investors are better realize that sometimes its not about the product as much as the relationships. What made Pictage remarkable was you. You were Pictages "Purple Cow". Without the Purple Cow it's just another lab.
Scott ...
Such nice words my friend. The whole thing has been a privilege for me as well....
One thing though. I'm the pink cow not the purple one. ;-)
JC
Phil ...
See you next week. All of these things were things you did yourself. Don't forget that.
J
Kate,
I'll always remember the images you shared with us. Such amazing talent and the ability to unlock real beauty in real moments in the very real people you shoot. All of those things were a constant inspiration to me. I look forward to seeing you someday in Jax.
Peace to you as well ....
J
Jim - First off, thank you for bringing Pictage back from the edge of the cliff. I was excited to return to Pictage and I am excited for the things you have put into place. I am sure that there is still a lot more to happen that you have implemented. Like others, I am sad that you are leaving. It is unfortunate for Pictage, but exciting for you. I have taken on a lot of the things your have taught us I am better off because of it. Thanks for all of the hard work you have done and will continue to do.
Today is a new day.
Jim,
Hopefully you already know through various correspondence and conversations over the years how much your leadership has meant to me, both personally and professionally. Thank you so much for all that you poured into Pictage and into the lives of the photographers in your community. We love you and will miss you. Please don't be a stranger - our home and city is always open to you.
Airika (& Gerald)
Kind of stuck my head in the sand since I heard this...........................................................................................................................................................
Just want you to know that you have always been an inspiration to me. I can not thank you enough for everything that you have done for us.
I will miss those opening speeches at Partnercon! The way you can Rattle a Cage like no one I have ever seen, Your Big Bear Hugs, Your sometimes painfully truthful and transparent responses, The way you stand up for what you believe in, Your sincerity, Your courage, Your passion, Your energy, Your clever posts, The way you pick up on things even the little things that most people miss, The way you challenge all of us to be better, Your witty jokes, Your beautiful Wife, Your Realness, The way you can't be bought, The what you see is what you get, The way you always route for the underdog, and most of all the way you always made me and so many others feel special!
I just wanted you to know that. It came from the heart and anyone who knows you I am sure would agree. You left some Big Shoes to fill! They broke the Mold with you Mr. Collins.....They broke the mold.......Your Friend ALWAYS! Misty
Oh my I dont know where I have been hanging out.... my husband was the one to tell me this news. I agree with each and every post that it is the people that make a company. Pictage will never be the same. It will move onward but it will be different. You are inspirational Leader and I have loved being able to hear all of your motivational speeches. I remember when you lst came to pictage and having dinner with you in San Fran you really listened to what we thought about pictage what could be changed and what we thought was good about Pictage! Who does that! You made us feel like we were more than a customer but like pictage was a family and we mattered. You have succeeded Jim Collins in the job that you have done. I know you may want to step down I am not sure about all of that but what if we all come down to pictage and form a picket line!! I would be there in the front line. Thank you for all your advice some I have taken some I sit on and mesh in my head! We love you! Laurie Ann
Post a Comment