The Short Goodbye
Thank You Veer & Goodnight
After seven and a half years I’ve left Veer.
When we started the company, I believe we all wanted to create something special and I still believe that it was. We wanted to be part of something different and how we created the business reflected that – even down to the name. It wasn’t simply a cool name or a tiny URL – it was a philosophy about how we believed we needed to approach every part of the business. While we hoped (and occasionally prayed) that it would resonate with customers it was a philosophy that kept us excited to come in to work. We questioned everything we did – what was the motive? What did it say about us? What story did it tell? Sometimes the discussions were fiery and exciting, other times they were draining. Sometimes they simply felt annoying – but not often. It was a great time.
It was also fabulously hard work. When I got the call to help out I honestly worked 6-7 days a week, 10 – 16 hours a day. There was a stint of 33 consecutive days – my best stretch at neglecting the rest of my life :) And therein lies a truth for me – business is intensely personal for me and therefore extremely difficult to balance. Some people don’t like that and others do. Personally, I’m fine with it. But with any venture there’s a cost – and Veer was no different. I invested everything I had into my part of starting the company – my talent, my limited resources, my tireless energy and *all* of my time. In the end, the focus (perhaps misguided) cost me my marriage – though I wasn’t the only one who suffered through that experience. Still, I was growing & learning things – things I had no idea existed. It was exhilarating to feel like Veer was growing into something I’d be proud of. Somehow, everything seemed worth it.
I’ve had some amazing moments at Veer. One night, just as we hit 150 or so people, I walked through the office and what we had accomplished suddenly hit me. The families we supported, all the stuff in the office – it was all the outcome of an idea that started with a small group of people and was elevated beyond our own imagining by every new person who joined the family. It was unimaginable to me that so much could have come from so little.
I’ve also been fortunate enough to meet some amazing people – some of whom I’m lucky enough to call friends. Now, when I travel to Chicago, Berlin, London, NYC, Austin, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Toronto and San Francisco I have people I can share dinner, drinks (sometimes) and some great conversation with. Some of these people were my heroes before I started at Veer – how cool is that? Sometimes this life presents opportunities that simply leave me speechless.
Then there are the people I work with. I feel like I’m surrounded by some incredibly talented people – they’re always teaching me something and do so with grace and humility. For them I’m eternally grateful.
It’s going to be strange not having Veer to wake up to everyday but, to be honest, I’m happy for the change. As the old standard goes – I’ve grown accustomed to her face – and the time is right for me to move onto something new. We don’t get along as well as we did – she’s comfortable and I’m feeling the need for adventure. Staying would be easy and I don’t seem to do well with easy. So, thank you Veer, you’ve been fantastic – but now, it’s time to take a break, recharge, then build something new that I can be proud of.
Mazel Tov Issa!!! You taught me how to grab a hold of life and take risks and I’m so happy to see you doing the same. Enjoy the recharge (does this mean we will have lots more time for riding??) and can’t wait to hear about your next venture. Love you my friend.
Congratulations on the change! I can’t wait to see what you make next, Issa.
Looking forward to whatever comes next…
Jim Coudal
sniff.
It’s going to be boring w/o ya.
Thanks for everything and good luck with the next step!
I thought I heard the sound of an ejection seat firing … and thank you for putting into words a lot of things that I had trouble conveying when I decided to take my leave of Veer earlier this year. Welcome to the outside, my friend.
Best wishes, Issa. It seems like understatement, but like Veer it is short and describes exactly what I mean to say.
I second Grant’s comments. It was a incredible ride we all went on over the last several years and built something incredible. Sad to see it all disappear. Welcome and enjoy some much needed time off.
Through your time and passion, you have undoubtedly played role in how Veer has inspired me.
To that, I thank you.
Looking forward to seeing where the road leads next.
Well said. It has been a pleasure, my friend. I look forward to the next hang out or fight night. I know this isn’t the last we’ve seen of you…
Take care! I’ll miss you from afar…
Not too many have experienced starting something like that and watch it grow. But such is the nature of a restless mind, the desire to make that magic happen again and again. Best of luck Issa.
Two down – who’s next?
Seems like this is the year for big changes all around and I’m sure there’s even bigger and better things ahead. Looking forward to seeing you and Grant in Chicago!
You’re going to be so epically missed.
Enjoy the summer and the well-earned break. I’ll see you on the outside soon enough, I’m sure.
July 9th. We’ll down some Balvenie.
This is not up for debate, nor will I even listen to anyone who disagrees. I will miss you the most my friend.
Love always.
This has to be one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time, I have never been able to so completely encapsulate the connection to a company that a founder gets. Absolutely amazing…
I think you’re going to be happy with decision and new adventures. I cherish my experience at Veer and enjoyed working with you.
Best of luck in the future, they lost a keystone that’s for sure.
Looking forward to see what the new plans are.
Olaf.
Molson Indy 2005. I’ll never forget.
Thanks for being Issa.
The train of freedom is coming fast and furious. Congrats!
Wow. I think I left this a day too long – sorry for the mass reply:
@Everyone, thanks for taking a moment to share your kind words.
@Mr. Bixby & Coudal: I can’t wait to see it either :) Hopefully I’ll see both of you in Chicago in October?
@Dustin: Thanks man – we should meet up for a cuppa joe when I pass through this summer. Goal #1 is to meet more online folks I like, er, online.
@Peas: For sure. You know where I live pal and I’m still enjoying the mango ice-cream you left behind :)
@Elizabeth: Good luck with it all!
@Ruz: Again, thank you for the kind words – I’m sure we’ll meet up again.
@Marcus: Holy. Thanks man, I’ll keep on writing…
@Chris: That was an amazing time. Thanks for being a good pal over the years and I wished we’d had more time to shoot some pool. Take care of yourself and lets keep chatting.
I’m happy to be joining you on the other side. Very well put my friend. It will leave us both more time to be friends and not co-workers, I’m looking forward to that!
Issa,
Good for you and all the best!
Veer was an amazing place and although I only had 3 years, and a lot of that time was by myself in NYC, it was still the bestest of the best and I cherish meeting all the great “Veerites” and being a part of building Veer.
Good luck.
Cheers……Dorian
ps – stay in touch
You have to love a clean slate. New chapter. It’s one of the best things in life. Enjoy!