A huge congratulations to the recipients of this year's ad:tech Industry Achievement Award – Susan Bratton (CEO, Personal Life Media), Dave Morgan (CEO, Simulmedia) and John Durham (CEO & Managing Partner, Catalyst:SF). It goes without saying that each is a true thought-leader who has consistently demonstrated outstanding service and leadership in an ever-growing, always changing industry. We have all benefited from their thought-provoking ideas and unique visions.
Here in San Francisco, there is one award winner in particular who stands out to me…"The Durham". As a mentor to me and countless others, the Bay Area digital community was certainly excited and proud to recognize John for his undying dedication to our trade. John has touched so many of our lives both professionally and personally that it only seemed fitting that he should accept his award here in our fair city. I am always astonished by the number of people who have been affected by Durham's council – he's responsible for bringing many of us into this industry and is often the inspiration behind some of our greatest ideas. If you've had the pleasure of meeting John, you learn almost instantly why he is so successful. He has an insatiable appetite for life and a passion for fostering relationships and you just can't help but be drawn to these distinctive characteristics. Perhaps Scot McLernon, Durham's good friend, colleague & fellow Industry Achievement Award winner, put it best during his speech that introduced Durham at the ad:tech award presentation earlier this week…
"…It seems as though John's been everywhere, knows everyone and has done everything…
His presence in our industry has been nothing short of ubiquitous
His work ethic borders on religious
His passion to make people better is infectious
His reputation for networking - notorious
His desire for sleep is infamous
His exhaustible supply of champagne – incredulous
Taste for all thing French and burgundy – pretentious
His salmon, lavender and chartreuse sweaters? Outrageous
Speaking selfishly I can say working closely with him has been quite advantageous."
Whether you are one of his 1,664 friends on Facebook, one of his thousands of USF students, a colleague, or simply a good friend – please help me in congratulating and honoring "The Durham".
