Tom,
I understand your skepticism and I'd like a shot at addressing it for you. I'm posting to you, but most of this message is really for the board at large, not you individually. I've also had the good fortune to have been in contact with numerous CEO's, from small BB-sized companies to giants such as Bell Atlantic. Depending upon the flow of conversation, the actual spoken words, "pregnant" pauses, tone and such, I've either walked away feeling comfortable or perhaps feeling skeptical.
I've also had the good fortune to have discussed various matters with John Jenkins over the past year and a half. My outstanding opinion of him did not change one iota during yesterday's call. (I have never had occasion in the past to personally speak with Doug Kelsall or Kevin Fallon, so I'll reserve my observations to JJ only). While there were some revelations yesterday regarding an upcoming PR campaign and reasonable clarification of the other concerns, the "open" policy was certainly nothing new for JJ. He is, and has always been, a very approachable CEO. I find this remarkable considering the pace he keeps. And I do not mean to imply that I communicate with him on a regular basis. In my 18+ months' experience with TPRO/TAVA, I have called him approximately three times prior to yesterday. If unavailable at the moment, he returned the call within no more a day and seemed truly interested in discussing whatever was on my mind. He never made me feel as if I were wasting his time and left me with the feeling that he valued my interest in TAVA. For the benefit of those who may have never spoken with him, he is soft-toned, professional, and rather laid back in his approach, with little exterior flash to give a clue as to the dynamo that I suspect is churning inside. (Didn't mean to wax so poetic!).
Bottom line: Good things are happening right now, I believe it. JJ has always been available to any one of us, so yesterday's call is not a signal that he's "got religion" because of the upcoming SH meeting. My humble suggestion to all, however, is that none of us abuse his time and that we collectively allow him to run the company as we are paying him to do. Five minutes here and ten minutes there can completely consume the day before you know it. I have tried to limit my calls to the discussion of potential business opp's for TAVA.
So, now what is the real news?
If I told ya, I'd have to kill ya. (Just kidding!)
I'm sorry to be so windy, but these fingers are flyin'. I really appreciate everyone's expressions of gratitude (and I know I speak for fma and JDN, as well), but in the flurry of kudo's, I need everyone to realize that the real gratitude should be expressed to Messr's Jenkins, Kelsall and Fallon. And before anyone "reads between the lines" to assume that I'm advocating shareholder approval of the additional stock options, let me assure you this is not my intent. Proxy issues are for each of us to decide based upon our own personal opinions. I really mean a more personal knowledge and feeling that these guys are top notch and are working in our best interests. We all wear the same uniforms on this team. In deference to my SI moniker, GET READY, TAVA'S GONNA ROCK!!!
Best Regards,
Hardrocker |
