Retail Observer

MARCH 2017 RETAILOBSERVER.COM 93 "Reflecting on my colleague and friend, Paul MacDonald, there are a great many things I can say, having worked together at USA for a long, long time. Dedicated and steely focused to the cause of USA, Paul possesses an amazing unending energy that appears boundless. I am a better president, a better boss, a better person for having met him. My friend, my colleague, you will be missed." — James C. Dolbeare, Sr. President of United Servicers Association "Paul MacDonald is a great business person and consultant, a strong leader, and a visionary. Paul has championed our industry as a president of United Servicers Association and executive director. His goal was to educate & improve our industry. Paul has many talents, more than can be listed, but the best talent for me has been a mentor and friend." — Lance Kimball Past President of United Servicers Association, President of Appliance Repair Specialists, Tampa, FL "Paul is the consummate 'passionate professional' and he always considered the good of the industry first…even above his own needs." — Ed Cahill Director, Services Support at Lowe's Home Improvement "I first met Paul back in 1996 while attending my first USA convention, from the first meeting up to today, he, in my opinion, epitomizes the true definition of not only a professional but a gentleman. He always has time to discuss industry trends, changes and is/has been willing to accommodate my requests. No matter how outlandish they may seem. Paul's values, especially his integrity have been a cornerstone of the Appliance Service industry and will be missed as he takes time for himself." — Ernesto "Buck" Renteria Whirlpool's National Service Manager "Paul you been a major contributing factor to Mr. Appliance's engagement and sponsorship of the ASTI and USA association. During a very difficult time for our association, you stepped up and took the arrows of complaint and confusion and responded with friendship and unity. I cannot imagine what the USA and ASTI would look like today without you. Our industry and Mr. Appliance owes you a deep debt of gratitude. I will miss your leadership. I wish you good luck as you pursue the next stage of your career. You will be missed my friend." — Doug Rogers President, Mr. Appliance LLC "Many people in our industry build successful technicians and successful companies, but its takes a seriously unique individual to build something that helps build a more successful industry. Without an ambassador of appliance repair like Paul, where would you be today? Where would we all be? I hope that every one of you out here tonight, takes a moment to be inspired, be inspired to take what Paul has created in the collaboration of knowledge, individual technician development, and, most importantly a united industry front." — Rob Marriott National Technical Manager at Dacor Appliance Corp. "It is obvious to me that Paul is passionate about the appliance service industry. Paul's passion is contagious as he has encouraged me to teach more, share more and give more to the industry through United Servicers Association." — Nick Webert Samsung National Training Manager, TV and Appliances "THE TORCH HAS PASSED TO A NEW GENERATION— United Servicers Association turned into the behemoth that it is today under the tutelage of Paul Macdonald working closely with our board of directors. Paul guided United Servicers with verve, tenacity, and crushing attention to detail to make United Servicers the premier association that it is today. I have seen Paul shoulder the burdens with good humor and without complaint. I wish Paul good cheer, good fortune and success in anything else that he chooses to do. My hat (my hair is already gone) goes off to Paul for his dedication to United Servicers. I will miss him." — Dave Borsani Founding member and past President of USA, President of Complete Appliance in Cleveland When Paul and a few others began to take over the leadership of USA, it was a fledgling organization. It wasn't run with a focus and didn't have a clear mission. Paul was a strong leader among the small band of brothers who brought together a larger group of aggressive board members, uniting around the common goal of training up member companies to run profitable businesses by using best practices and top tier business management tools. The amazing results of Paul's leadership, dedication, passion, service, intensity, tireless energy, insight, vision, and desire are evident everywhere you look, both inside and outside USA. He has truly changed our industry. Please join me in showing Paul our appreciation and gratitude for all that he has done for all of us. Paul: on behalf of the USA officers and board, its members, affiliate and vendor members and the appliance industry at large, It is my great privilege, joy and honor to present you with the United Servicers 2017 Life Time Achievement Award! — Dean Landers Past President USA, President Landers Appliance, Inc. RO

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