Hindsight : GLEN TULLMAN HONORED AT JDRF BEST OF ILLINOIS 2009 BENEFIT

EVENING MC - MISS AMERICA 1999 - NICOLE JOHNSON

OPENING REMARKS BY HOWARD TULLMAN - FLASHPOINT ACADEMY - PRESIDENT/CEO

REMARKS

More than 25 years ago, I gave Glen his first real job. Frankly, my mother made me do it. One of the many things she taught all of us was the importance of lending a hand to others and giving back. We’ve never forgotten that or her.

I’m especially pleased to see so many people in the audience tonight who were an important part of our earliest businesses and who remain good friends and partners.

The truth is that no one does anything important today by themselves. A lot of our success over the years has come from building great teams and then turning them loose to conquer the world.

That’s another thing we learned from our mother – not to let yourself be defined by other people’s limitations or lack of imagination. To always ask for the best seat in the house. And, not to let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Our Dad’s idea was even simpler – if you don’t ask, you don’t get. I’m sure that resonates with a lot of us here tonight. And, finally, once you start something, you never, ever give up.

That’s the attitude and the spirit that I see Glen bringing to his latest and greatest adventure – the quest for a cure. He’s worked for a lot of companies in positions of increasing responsibility and he’s had a lot of financial success. But making a living isn’t the same as making a life worth living. As Jackie Robinson used to say: “A life is not important except for the impact it has on other lives.”

That’s why I’m so proud that he’s committed himself (and encouraged so many around him by his example) to not simply imagine a cure, but to work each and every day to make that dream a reality. We like to say at Flashpoint that there really is a right way to do almost anything you set out to do. You do it with all of your heart, soul and energy. You do it whatever the cost in blood, sweat and tears. And you keep doing it until you get it done.

It’s so critical today for each and every one of us to be a part of something bigger, more important, and outside of our little selves. I know for sure that it’s hard work, and that it’s often thankless (but not tonight, of course), but I also know that it’s always worth the effort. That’s why we’re honoring Glen tonight for making the effort and for making a difference and that’s why I’m so honored to be his big brother. Thanks.

OTHER PRESENTERS INCLUDED LEE SHAPIRO - ROBERT COMPTON