I first met Joe Ziegler when I answered an ad on Craigslist for a Novell Experienced Engineer for Technical Support. I called the number and Joe answered and we talked. From the first time I spoke with Joe I knew this guy was golden! I talked with Joe a couple of times! He drew me in with a great warmth and character. He practically offered me the job without meeting me. He kept saying, "What's it going to take to get you to work here". I didn't even know it was with Alternative Technology, Inc. I had done a couple of consulting jobs for Alternative Technology through my work with Digeteks.
I came in and this big huge guy came out to greet me! Not just big in stature, but a guy with the biggest heart I've ever met! I had a chance to not only talk with Joe, but talk to some of the techs and they said great things about Joe - "The best manager ever!" I was convinced! Joe hired me! It was because of Joe's management style that I came to Alternative Technology! First of all I gave Joe grief from time to time! I don't know why now, but it took me awhile to settle back into a Tech Support Role, since I had been doing escalation work, field support work, and consulting work for so long. I guess that's why I tried Joe's patience! Joe was just awesome with me though! He never gave up on me and was always easy to talk with. He made me feel like I was a valued member of the team. He said, "Bucky, You're my Superstar!".
It was just about a month ago when I made my final decision to stay at Alternative Technology. I was so happy to have that discussion with Joe. He gave me a huge thumbs up! He said, "Bucky - you made the right decision. You're my Superstar! I have to say that one of the biggest decision makers to stay at Alternative Technology was because I had the world's greatest manager!
... and now Joe Ziegler is gone.
What have I learned from Joe?
Joe had such a way with interacting with people! He had such warmth, such an golden sunshiny aura around him! He always smiled! Even when he was stern he was warm! I want to be a little like Joe. I want to treat people like Joe did. I want to say, "Today is the single best day of my life"! , ... every day! - Like Joe!
I want to take my job seriously, and have lots of fun doing it! ... Like Joe!
I want to be able to have respect from my friends and co-workers, even if I do dumb things like sing "I'm a little teapot short and stout"... Like Joe!
I want to have love in my heart for my fellow brothers and sisters who I interact with every day! ... Like Joe!
Joe! I'm not sure how religious you were, but you had a way of reflecting God's love through your normal every day way! You were one in a million! I will miss you!
You were the worlds greatest Manager!
In memory, Joseph Ziegler
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