I’m Leaving Volacci – Every End Is A New Beginning

So the time has come! My time at Volacci as come to an end. It’s hard to put into words how I feel, how my time was there. I’m grateful that I got to work with a such a great group of talented, hard working individuals. Andrew Cao, Erik Wagner, Carlos Crespo, Josh Ward, Carlos Crespo, Brian Reed, Luke Stenis, Brett Tarr, Steve Joiner, Mitch Holt, Lauren Tucker, Jordan Ochel, and Resalin Rago to name a few. To all of the great clients I got to work with including Bryan at E-Cycle Environmental, Tony Yang at Knoodle, James Laughlin at CMIT Solutions, Evan at IMP Corp. and William at SSI Displays. You guys were patient, fun to talk to and helped drive me to work harder and smarter every day. You guys made my job, my dreams possible. Thank you guys.

Now, I’d like to thank some people individually.

Andrew Cao, you took me in and showed me how to handle customers. More than that you also showed me how to go out of the way for them. And for that I’m forever grateful.

Erik Wagner, between you, Andrew and Carlos someone thought it was a bright idea to hire this kid off the street. I’d like to think it was you. I think you’re going to be a great leader one day. Be it in Business or Politics. You’ve shown potential this year.

Josh Ward, I remember first meeting you at the door and thought “Dear Lord, Volacci has a body guard!” Even though you beat me in Madden every day I’m grateful you were there. It was like a having a older brother. Thanks for looking out for me! and I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying your new job.

Carlos, Carlos, Carlos Crespo! You were one of the first guys to talk to me at Volacci. That was probably because we sat next to each other but in any case you inspired me every day. Every freaking day! The energy you brought to the office, the new ideas you brought to the table, even the way you manhandled everyone in FIFA. (and with grace I might add!) You were a great co-worker and I’m glad we carried over our friendship after you left.

Brian Reed, I always thought you we’re too cool for me but you took me in, taught me how to mange my work load, and I’m glad to call you my friend. You’re work ethic and ability to see what’s possible and now living what was once an impossible dream is inspiring. I too hope I can work wherever I want one day!

Luke Stenis your optimism,  your commitment to your family, and ability to work as long as you have to so you can get that one last article written was awe-inspiring. While last year was rough for ya, newly married and with a new job this year, I know you’re stronger and happier for it.

Brett Tarr. Thank you for showing me how paid search works. For a while there I thought it was what I wanted to do for a living but am happy to have had the ability to learn under someone like you. You were patient, grateful and no matter what optimistic.

Steve Joiner. Steve thank you for being so patient with me. I know we didn’t work together for a long time but I still appreciated you sharing things that were going on in your life and listening to me whenever I rattled off what was going on in mine.

Mitch Holt, I remember the first time you came in. You said “Hi” to everyone and acted like you had known us for years. It was comforting. Your excitement and your willingness to learn will continue to propel your career. I’m excited to see where you’re headed.

Lauren Tucker. You took a minor request for a social media campaign from a client and created a whole new service for the company. It was exciting to see you take an idea and run with it. Hopefully in the not too distant future  we’ll see you managing a whole social media team for a politician or a non-profit one of these days.

Jordan Ochel, every time you got on the phone with a client I was impressed. More importantly you impressed the client and instilled a sense of urgency that I don’t think anyone else could match. It’s obvious you have a passion for design and conversion optimization. Keep it up! You’ve got good things ahead of you.

Resalin Rago, you were thrown into sticky situation and took it in stride. And took it to the phone. It seemed like you were always on the phone with a client trying to pitch them a new idea or just trying to track one down. You have a fire in your belly and I know you’re going to succeed at whatever road life’s journey takes you on.

Sandeep, thank you Sandeep. Thank you for putting up with my last second requests. Thank you for all of your questions, your eagerness to learn and your patience. You’re going places man. I hope you’ll keep in touch.

Ratnadip, thank you for helping Sandeep and Deepak. Thank you for your quick responses and your due-diligence.

Deepak thank you for all of the meta work and the virtual beers. I really appreciate you taking the lead on that. Thank you for working with Ratnadip and Sandeep also for making sure Erik and I got what we needed. And good luck on going back to school and getting your MBA. That’s exciting!

Sasha thank you for helping me whenever I had a technical problem. Rather it have been modules that needed to be installed or sites being brought back to life I appreciated your enthusiasm.

And finally Layla, we hardly knew ye.

In roughly a year and a half I’ve learned a lot at Volacci. I’ve learned a lot about relationships, both personal and business, and found the love of my life, marketing. God I love marketing. I have a unwavering passion for marketing and I hope to continue to do this for as long as I can. I’m hopeful that better days are ahead of me. I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do yet. I might begin consulting right away or might begin working in-house somewhere. One thing I know for sure is that for once in my life my life is in my hands and I couldn’t be happier.

Tagged as: joel casarez