Change is good, people.

Every one at work has been on pins and needles for the past week or so.  Why?  Well, I'm glad you asked.

Last week our esteemed CEO and President (aka Top Dog Good Ole' Boy) announced his retirement.

There was shock.  There was amazement.  There was (a little) thrill.

Top Dog Good Ole' Boy (henceforth known as Old Top Dog or OTD) has been around FOREVER.  It was presumed that his plan was to work up until the hour of his funeral and then arrive fashionably late.

OTD can be a charmer.  When he wants to be.  But 99% of the time - he doesn't want to be.

There were rumors of his retirement.  But then there has been rumors of his retirement since I started with the company nine years ago.  So they were pretty much blown off most of the time.  Then there were rumors that he'd step down as President and continue to be CEO.  This sounded very much like something he would do.  So when I heard the news that he was calling it quits for good, I did a little happy dance.

Not because he's a tyrant.  (Well, at least he's never been a tyrant to ME, personally, but then I am of the opinion that "Hey, buddy? You put your pants on one leg at a time just like the rest of us".  With that being said, I do get down on my knees daily and thank God that I don't work for him directly [because I've seen the way he treats people, especially his assistant, and I don't like it and could never stand for it personally-which could either mean that I was fired quickly or that he'd love me.  You never know with people like this]).  But because I think it is time for a transfusion.  This place needs some new blood.  Some new energy.  STAT.

Since I've been here this entire company has been stuck in the "we've ALWAYS done it this way" mode; no matter the situation.  This is a company (down to a person) that does not like change in any shape or form.  But, in my opinion, change can be good.  Particularly in our industry - which is currently being regulated by the government (which really? In this climate is NOT a good thing for us - so we need fresh eyes.  A new perspective).

Today, the new President and CEO (New Top Dog; otherwise known as NTD) visited the office for a quick "meet and greet" with his direct reports.  He doesn't officially start until the middle of September and OTD doesn't actually leave his post until the end of the year.

But NTD?  I have a good feeling about him.  So long as Old Top Dog doesn't teach him any of his tricks, I think this guy may actually breathe a difference into this place; if not in the way we actually do business then at least in the attitude.

Because really?  If you can change the attitude then the rest is sure to follow.