Welcome Phil and David!
At b5media, we are never happy to see people leave. Especially people who we like and that have talent like Brendon Connelly. When b5media purchased Slacker Manager, we knew it would be hard to replace him. Lucky for us, Bren agreed to help out and we have been fortunate enough to recruit to amazing bloggers to take over Slacker Manager.
I think it’s time for introductions.
I’ve known Phil Gerbyshak for a while and he was recommended by our very own Liz Strauss. According to his bio, Phil has been managing things since he was a youngster working at a restaurant. Always in search of ways to work harder instead of smarter, Phil brings the “relationship geek” mindset to Slacker Manager, always on the lookout for new tools and new ways to work with people. Phil has been writing at Make It Great! since early 2005, and currently splits his time between managing a team of IT professionals and running his business as a public speaker.
Our second blogger, David Zinger, has a Master’s of Education degree. He was an employee assistance counselor for Seagram Ltd. for 20 years. David specializes in strength based leadership and employee engagement. He provides leadership training for a wide variety of organizations and he has taught in the faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba for almost 25 years. David’s Master’s thesis was on humor in counseling. David started blogging on October 4, 2004 and he hasn’t stopped since then! David told me he is looking forward to this new blogging venture with Phil. On a personal note, David is also the father of 3 teenagers who are always asking him “to cut them some slack” (and probably for money).
Needless to say, the entire Business Channel is excited to have Phil and David coming on board. I am confident that they will do well and that Slacker Manager and will continue to do even better. A big thank you to all of the applicants, guest bloggers, Bren, David, and Phil.
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POSTED IN: management
16 opinions for Welcome Phil and David!
Ben Yoskovitz
Aug 13, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Congrats to both Phil and David. I don’t know David well, but I look forward to reading his stuff.
Phil is a great guy - and proves once again that he can be everywhere and do everything while still maintaining top quality and enthusiasm.
Great stuff!
Dwayne Melancon
Aug 13, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Two fantastic choices! I have always thought it would take two people to slack as effectively as Bren ;^)
Seriously, Bren and David, you are two tremendously inspiring people who will do a phenomenal job here - I’m looking forward to what you bring to the table.
By the way - I know you said Phil is “Always in search of ways to work harder instead of smarter, ” - but, while I agree that Phil is one of the hardest working men in blogbusiness, I still think he is more Therapist than Caveman!
Dwayne Melancon
Aug 13, 2007 at 2:19 pm
oops - make that “Seriously, Phil and David…”
Phil Gerbyshak
Aug 13, 2007 at 3:08 pm
Ben - Thanks for the positive energy and encouragement! It’s going to be a LOT of fun sharing management insights here. I’m only curious as to what folks love best about the previous iteration of Slacker Manager, and what they’d like to see next.
Dwayne - It’ll definitely take 2 to fill Bren’s big shoes, and we are excited to be part of the B5 family.
Yeah, that part about working harder instead of smarter was supposed to be a bit tongue in cheek, but I’m definitely NOT Dr. Phil. :)
Liz Strauss
Aug 13, 2007 at 3:13 pm
Bren, I’m truly sorry I didn’t get a chance to get to know you better. I’m a fan and everyone I know thinks you’re the best. The disappointment is my own.
Phil and Dave, I’m delighted that b5 was able to bring on such a pair of great writers and business guys. . . . dare I say, executive slackers? :)
Welcome! Congratulations! I hope you find this place home!
Phil Gerbyshak
Aug 13, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Liz Executive slackers? Uh oh, now there’s a fun thought!
This is going to be a great gig! Thanks for all your support thus far, and here’s to MUCH more in the future from all of us. B5 is going to Bgreat!
Des Walsh
Aug 13, 2007 at 10:34 pm
Bren, you have been a great colleague here on the Business Channel and a business blogging exemplar for me and no doubt many others. Your wise and perceptive observations on management are always worth the read.
Every good wish to Phil and David - you are clearly set to bring some great new perspectives and insights to this excellent blog.
Mike Rohde
Aug 14, 2007 at 5:27 am
Congrats on choosing Phil Gerbyshak. I know Phil, and he’s literally the Energizer Buny of Blogging, with tons of insight and wisdom when it comes to managing. I also know Phil can slack with the best of ‘em. :-)
Sean Kelly
Aug 14, 2007 at 5:32 am
Welcome Phil & David from a fellow b5 business channeler (www.franchisepick.com). Look forward blogging wit you.
Eric Eggertson
Aug 14, 2007 at 8:39 am
Good to know I can continue to get my regular dose of Slacker Manager. Good luck, and welcome to b5, guys!
Terry Starbucker
Aug 14, 2007 at 10:09 am
Two excellent choices - well done, and congrats to fellow “JJLers” Phil and David!
Troy Worman
Aug 14, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Excellente. Kudos and congrats!
Phil Gerbyshak
Aug 15, 2007 at 3:41 am
Thanks for all the support. It’s going to be fun to dive in headfirst and see where we get taken. Happy Slacking!
tim
Aug 15, 2007 at 7:29 am
When Bren left, I cried myself to sleep.
Now those tears are tears of Joy!!!
Phil and David — I feel like Slacker Manager will continue to be one of my favorite “go to” spots because you both are stepping in.
Looking forward to the continued management of my own slackfulness with you guys!
Ariane Benefit, Neat & Simple Living
Aug 15, 2007 at 2:04 pm
What big news!! Where is Brendon going??? I’m hoping he’ll be popping up and blogging elsewhere!
Congratulations to Phil and Dave! I am looking forward to getting to know you!!
davidzinger
Aug 16, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Wow!
A lot of comments and congratulations. I have been away for the week. Nothing like going on holidays when you start a new project to demonstrate that you are a real slacker manager. I look forward to contributing to the continuity, development, and growth of this blog. i look forward to getting to know you and working with Phil. I will be posting an interview with Phil on Friday.
Take care all and thanks for the caring,
David