After 42 years at the helm of Vermilion, yeah, I’m excited to announce the beginning of a new chapter. I have transitioned the ownership to three longstanding leaders of the company — Susan Touchette Aust, Thaddeus Napp, and Sarah Halle. I could not be more thrilled.
This transition to a new generation has been in the works for some time. It’s always been my hope that Vermilion could continue as an independent creative agency, a strong community resource, an organization whose DNA is making a difference for clients making a difference.
The new owners, with Susan as Partner, CEO, Thad as Partner, Strategy, and Sarah as Partner, Creative, have my full support and the full support of our entire team. This outcome will provide continuity for our staff, our clients and our community.
I can’t deny this is an emotional change for me, given the privileged role I’ve had in leading the talented Vermilion team. This has allowed me to immerse myself in so many of Boulder’s remarkable businesses and nonprofits. I’ll miss the day-to-day challenges of solving client problems and encouraging the success of my colleagues. Luckily, at the request of the new team, I’ll continue on in the role of advisor and advocate.
We’ve often thought of Vermilion as an ‘experiment.’ Can a creative agency build an enduring business focusing on the positive, on supporting clients engaged in healthier products or socially responsible actions? What success we’ve had along those lines has been greatly aided by our hometown community, where new ideas and positive energy are appreciated and rewarded.
Most of all, I’m grateful for the scores of colleagues, current and past, who’ve made Vermilion the company it is today. We respect our clients, we trust our instincts, we enjoy working together to make a difference. We have a spectacular team in place moving forward, and I have every confidence Susan, Thad and Sarah are the absolute perfect stewards for the Vermilion brand.