It's with very mixed feelings that I'm notifying all of you at the college that Charles Jones is leaving Tribeca Flashpoint Academy after 4 long and dedicated years to develop his own business with his good friend Kevin.
I think some of you have seen the plans and\or already visited the new Sanctuary on Michigan and it's certainly an exciting and novel venture - although not really a new direction for Charles.
As I learned during our time together at Kendall College, and more recently with our own esteemed Alderman Brendan Reilly, if anyone is a good bet to succeed in the rough-and-tumble, cut-throat world of great wines and fine cigars, I'd certainly put my money on Mr. Jones. It a tough job - no doubt - but someone's got to do it.
Charles has been here at TFA virtually from Day One in several crucial roles and, of course, he has worked with me in various start-up businesses and in many different positions for about 30 years. He's been a source of constant support and an example of unswerving loyalty throughout these many years and someone willing to undertake any task and do whatever was asked of him to further the mission.
This kind of "take no prisoners" attitude and deep commitment is especially critical in the early days of new businesses. As time passes and businesses grow and mature, other and different skills are required and Charles was always able to adjust and adapt to those changing demands as well.
But eventually all the ranting and raving that we do here about the joy of being an entrepreneur and taking your future into your own hands overwhelms even the most well-adjusted and conservative of us and then you just decide to take the big leap; leave the safety and security of your job behind; and roll the dice.
I'm proud that Charles is taking his shot now - especially given how old and slow he is (and his shockingly suspect choice in dogs) - and we all wish him and Kevin the very best in their new adventure.
And, as we used to say at Northwestern: "A toast to the past, a toast to the future, and let there be no sorrow. For remember when the sun goes down, it returns with a bright tomorrow."