<<<Let me ask you; from what you have seen and heard at the annual meeting, do you think the above description accurately describes the mgmt. of amtx?>>>
Cliff --
Thanks for your thoughtful response. Based on what you say of the complexities of manufacturing, I'm glad Amati has the old ICOT business running smoothly, at least they don't have to reinvent the wheel in many of the routine details.
My impressions regarding the management are varied and except for RC, are based on one-time glimpses so they have to be taken with a grain of salt. James Steenbergen, President and CEO, is articulate and poised as a speaker, intelligent and personable in fielding questions, and energetic and passionate when talking about his work. His background reveals many managerial successes. Beyond this I can't say. Is he driven by more than money? My immediate response is yes. If it were just that, I suspect he'd had accepted a buyout offer and moved on to the next challenge. I could be wrong, but I see him as someone wanting to make a name for himself in the telecommunications industry. You don't do that by merging. You do it by building a successful company that your peers admire. Money is part of the equation but not all.
As for James Gibbons, Chairman of the Board, yes he's a class act in terms of poise and intelligence, but he's also somewhat of an alchemist ---the wizard who brings all the ingredients together and creates magic. He's well-connected and has the charisma to get what he wants. As Dean of Stanford's School of Engineering he probably knows half the CEOs in Silicon Valley---heck, he probably taught them most of what they know.
John Cioffi, founder and Chief Technical Officer, is no doubt the most driven man in the company and my guess is he could care less about the money. (That's what wives are for.) He's the genius behind DMT and is honored from one end of the globe to the other. Anyone who doubts his position in the ADSL community hasn't done his or her homework. His list of accomplishments and honors has no equal.
Ron Carlini, VP of Business Development, has technical expertise and the skills of a born diplomat. In the year I've known him he's never raised his voice or been unkind---and there were times I'm sure it took all the patience he had. He's the right man to negotiate sensitive contracts. I just wouldn't want to be his opponent. Hell could freeze over and he still wouldn't lose his cool.
Tac Berry, VP of Marketing, is urbane, a good dresser, easy to chat with, but since I don't know what's required of a marketing director, I can't say if he's the right man for the job. At this point in time, I'm frustrated with the lack of press so whatever I say will reflect more on me than on him.
David Bivolcic, Senior VP, I know nothing about. I met him and for all I know, he could be Cioffi's bodyguard. If someone knows what he does (besides intimidate shareholders), let's hear it.
Amir Latif, Director, graduated from the same charm school as Bivolcic. I trust he has compensating skills. Lots of them.
Don Lucas, Director, I didn't meet. (Did I hear a big sigh of relief?)
So, to answer your question, is the management capable of building a successful telecommunications company, I'd say yes. Will they? Who knows. One thing's certain, if they fail it won't be for lack of talent and drive.
Regards,
Pat
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