What a wild ride the past 4 and a bit years have been. Initially I started life at SDM as a Project Manager, interviewed by Jamie and Marc Soester. I had actually spoken to Brett Penno a year before that (when I was applying for the job that went to Alan Coulter, but at the time I decided it wasn't the role I wanted to do). I was poking around during the week and found the cover letter for when I applied for the job with SDM. For a laugh, you can read it here. In all honesty though, what I said back then still stands now, as to where I want to work and why... which is quite reassuring, as the company I'm about to join fits this criteria :) But this post isn't about where I'm going, it's about where I've been.

It would be an understatement to say that SDM has been a big part of my life. I've had a lot of great times here over the past 4 years, and have done everything from Project Management to managing the EPM team nationally, managing the IW team nationally to running SDM Victoria. I've been to the US twice for the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference and I've worked with some of the best names in our industry (that I was able to employ or work alongside). I've worked on some big projects, some small projects - I've made some great friends within our client base and delivered some real value to customers through the solutions we've implemented. I've learnt a hell of a lot. Prior to starting, I'd never seen Project Server or CRM, and only used SharePoint in one project. I'd never considered that we would be doing projects on mobile phones or using Virtual Earth technology, and certainly never dreamed we'd be able to build the best EPM business in the country.

So here's to everyone at SDM I worked with throughout the years! If I've missed your name, forgive me, as it is a very long list ... (here we go)

Adrian Bear, Browney, Andrew Buttigieg, Paul Daniel, Ravinder, Rob Buttigieg, Ryan, Justin Ammerlaan, Peter (Phanney), PK, Piet, Karen, Karl, Liam, Stu Holding, Ben and his MVPness, Daniel Colarossi and his friendly wave, David Bustos, Rohan Cook, Andrew Jacks, Chris Gerrard, Coco, Rohan Ahuja, Dave Sampson (Davo Sammo), Emmanuel (E), Grant, Ashley Cornelius, Dave Brebner, Jag, the one and only James Boman, Jay LeRay, Cary, Vashti, George, Daniel Edwards (Woody), the quite mad Peter Teichert, Mark Fuller, Emily Mostyn-Taylor, Alex Burton, Stephen Kennedy (SK), Tones, Alain, Ali, Chris O'Connor and his puns, William Cornwill, Alex Angas, Henry, Ushi, Deon Taylor, tiny Sara Alag, Laith Al Khalil, Paul Hales, Greg Butler, Janet Hewish, JN, Brett Penno, John Flynn, Kath Isitt, Aaron Saikovski, Brett Tyrell, Andy Howard, Gordo, Ian Bouchier, Grayden, Michelle (who taught me PeopleTime), Mikey, Nat, Nicola, Paul Turner, Sarah Morris, DK, Chris Gillis, Nikki, Paul Bosher, Shona Grant, Stuart Penny, Darren Deason, Aaron Tamblyn, Renee, Simon Chin, Ian March, Gwynne, Hayes, Lester, Kristine Todd (KT), Mini-Mike, Alan Coulter, Iman, Mark Miller and Matthew (Dr.) Vink

And just to play favourites (I can, because it's my blog :D), I'd like to specially mention a few people;

Jamie and Geoff have both played a significant part of my enjoyment of SDM whilst there. Initially, working with Jamie closely in the VIC business to then reporting into Geoff in SA (and heading O/S with him), to then working back closely with Jamie with the DWS adventure, I learnt an incredible amount from these two, and would count them amongst the people I most respect from my working career. They are both intelligent, passionate people who both challenged and nurtured my ideas and always had time for my ramblings (good or bad). I wish them nothing but the best in the future.

I feel blessed to have made such a good friend in Marc Soester at SDM. Marc, otherwise known in our household as my "EPM Wife", is a one in a million and I have no doubt we'll remain close friends for years to come. Marc is the most genuine person I think I've ever met. Enough said, Marc knows that I'm in love with him (for those who don't believe it, ask around about either the Sparkles & Andy song and dance from earlier this year, or the Kochy show from last year)

And of course, my left AND right hands, Elaine Van Bergen and Darren Lans. I've worked with these two for about 8 years now (although Elaine did get a couple of years off for good behaviour). In all seriousness, I'm going to miss working with both of them. And even though we didn't see each other every day, there was just that familiarity of history together and the
"Howdy" every morning. They are both a million times smarter than they let on, and no doubt whatever they do in the future, they'll both shine.

So that's it. The last blog about SDM I suspect. Onto new adventures, but with SDM firmly in my heart and fondest memories. Thanks one and all.

Labels: Work