Here are a few exciting things happening at Perrone Group.

Paul Barry retires…

Good morning and Happy New year…

This is the time of year when many of us reflect on the road we’ve traveled as we prepare for the one ahead. A time when we resolve to take better care of ourselves and the people around us. With that in mind, I’d like to share a brief story and my resolution for 2017. 

First, my resolution…

Over my career, I’ve visited more than 750 campuses, spoken at 300+ workshops and conferences, learned from some truly gifted professionals and made a few special friends along the way. It’s been an amazing run but, it has come at a cost. As some of you know, I’ve been balancing my Perrone Group responsibilities with a family health concern for some time now. The past two years have been increasingly difficult, to the point where I found myself making choices between personal and professional obligations. While I truly love my work, I’ve decided to prioritize and put family first.  After 43 years, it’s time to let others take the lead - I’ll be retiring at the end of this month. 

If you know me at all, you know I love telling stories—here’s my mine…

My professional career began in 1973, when I landed an entry level sales positon with a local print/mail company. I met a guy named John Perrone and embarked on a journey I could never have imagined.

In my early years, John spent several very frustrating months trying to teach me the direct mail business. While most managers would have given up, he kept at it – always encouraging me, always providing me with ways to learn. His ‘work’ lessons eventually took hold but, more importantly, a ‘life’ lesson began to resonate as well. He’d always say…“If you take care of people, the work will take care of itself”. I’ve tried to hold myself to that standard ever since.

A few years later, he started his own company and, in 1989, invited me to join him - I’ve been here ever since.

That same year I discovered a professional passion that has come to define my career – working with annual giving programs. What started out as a few projects for local schools, quickly evolved into opportunities with institutions across the country. I got involved with CASE, presented at conferences, conducted workshops and even got a few things published. I found it incredibly rewarding to talk strategy with dedicated fund-raising professionals, while helping them improve the performance of their programs. I loved the work and, for the next nineteen years, John was always there to encourage me.

Two years after he retired, Kirkwood, an internationally recognized print and direct marketing firm, acquired Perrone’s assets. Kirkwood’s Bob Coppinger and Steve Duncan expressed a desire to support the work I’d been doing and humbled me with an offer to oversee a newly reorganized Perrone Group. It was a professional (and personal) thrill to know I’d be leading a team that would still have John’s name on the front door.

Since 2010, Kirkwood’s continued investment in technology and equipment, has allowed Perrone Group to expand our scope of service in ways I could never have imagined back in my early days. I’m proud to say, we’ve helped influence the growth of numerous annual giving programs and our prestigious client roster reflects Kirkwood’s commitment to our mission. I’ll be forever grateful to Bob and Steve for allowing me to be a part of that effort but, it’s time to move on.

As I prepare to leave, I need to thank my other ‘families’…

Our clients—how can I possibly convey the gratitude I feel for each of you? For 40+ years, you’ve invited me into your offices, entrusted me with your programs, considered my suggestions and become my friends. (One of you even nicknamed me “P-Bear”- a memory I’ll always cherish.) In our time together, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting several of you at the very start of your careers and witnessed you rise to positions of leadership. It’s been an honor to have been a small part of those accomplishments – THANK YOU!

Kirkwood’s management and production teams—your trust, support and commitment have been essential to Perrone Group’s success. You have been amazing - thank you for all you’ve done!

My Perrone Group team—Kelly, Chriss, Hilary, Steve, Kim and Kristen. I am profoundly grateful to each of you. Perrone Group’s national reputation is a testament to your talent and untiring dedication to your craft. Saying goodbye to you is hardest of all.


I wish you health, happiness (and hugely successful mail appeals) in 2017 and beyond!

With love and gratitude,

Paul

Congratulations Paul! We wish you a retirement filled with fun, health and happiness!