Today is my last day at Park&Co. It snuck up way faster than I anticipated and has definitely given me reason to pause and reflect.

As the move to NYC nears I thought I’d take some time to personally thank and recognize a few people who have gotten me to this point.

Five years ago I walked into Moses Anshell with horribly pleated pants and a sweater vest to meet with Jos Anshell. I really had no business even having the meeting. At that point I was still in school and had no idea what I was doing but after a long conversation Jos looked at me and literally said “what the hell.” Jos took a leap and hired me on the spot to contribute to a PR team going through a major transition. Along with an equally inexperienced and clueless guy, I figured out what I was doing enough to gain people’s trust and actually figure out what I was doing (sort of). My time at Moses Anshell provided some of my greatest professional successes but more importantly led to lasting and meaningful friendships.

There are too many to name and I apologize for leaving some of you out but I’d personally like to thank a couple of you. First, that clueless and inexperienced guy was Jeff Goodman. Immediately Jeff and I identified with each other - neurotic, short, fear of public restrooms, horribly awkward with women. Jeff has always been there (including officiating my wedding as pictured below) and I owe him a lot. Whether or not we play Tiger Woods golf from a distance I know we’ll always be close friends (if only because I owe Jeff something and there’s no way he’ll let me forget).

Secondly, Chip Scutari and Dave Cieslak. How you two have managed to even be somewhat successful is beyond me. Say what you will about them (horribly dressed, bald, overweight, and obnoxious for a start) but these two are the most loyal guys I know. Always there (sometimes unfortunately) and always willing. Chip and Dave, you’re welcome for all of the guidance I’ve given you. I know it will be tough without me.

When I thought about leaving Moses Anshell I knew it would only happen if I found the perfect situation. I did. I know I’m young and there’s a lot ahead of me but I’m confident in saying Park&Co will be the greatest place I will ever work. Everyday I was surrounded by incredibly talented, nice and supportive people (don’t overlook nice). Though the pleats gave way to flat fronts, the sweater vest and cluelessness remained as I told Park Howell I wanted to do something called “Word of Mouth Marketing.” Park said “cool, that sounds fun” and he never waivered from that attitude as I launched my own WOM department. I succeeded a lot, screwed up even more, and no one at Park&Co ever questioned what I was doing. It speaks volumes about an organization turning the corner to become one of the best in the market.

Again, my apologies for not recognizing everyone but first and foremost I’d like to thank Park Howell. Park’s unwavering enthusiasm and trust are qualities I’ve made a point to integrate into my own life. If you don’t know him, meet him. I promise you’ll be better for it.

One thing I always lacked in my career was a mentor. That is until I met Luis Medina. Funny thing is Luis and I aren’t even in the same department. Luis is our Creative Director and he’s the smartest, most creative guy I’ve ever met. His guidance was always spot on and I learned more from him than anyone else before. He also once told me to wear a suit to an event where upon arriving I realized everyone else was wearing jeans. Well played Sir.

Lastly, Tarah Eland. Tarah has what I’m convinced is the hardest job in any agency - traffic manager. Her personality and disposition made her incredibly easy to work with (despite what she may think) and a true friend for life.

Shawn Hardy’s a good guy too. Super talented but he’s tall which immediately disqualifies him from further praise.

I know there are a ton more people responsible for my success and I’m sorry I wasn’t able to get to you personally but understand that without each and everyone one of you I would not be where I am today or where I will be come Monday. You’ve all had a tremendous impact on me personally and professionally. Thank you for everything you’ve done and will do. I truly appreciate it… unless your name is Chip or Dave in which case I’d rather you just leave me alone and quit begging for office supplies.

They say nice guys finish last and a lot of times I think that’s true. It’s hard to be a nice guy in today’s world, especially in business. Just look at Washington, Wall St. and Main St. I think we’d all agree most of the “nice guys” are on Main St and where are they finishing right now? That’s what makes it even more gratifying when a true “nice guy” finishes first. Such was the case last weekend when the crowd at the 25^th Annual ADDY Award’s rose in unison to salute Park Howell as he made his way to the stage to accept the award for the 2010 “Ad Person of the Year.”

It’s not easy being nice. In fact, it’s really hard. It’s far easier to be an asshole. But that’s not Park’s style. Park’s loyalty and modesty are the traits that dominate his disposition. Client service and integrity dominate his agency. Honestly, it’s why it’s taken awhile for Park&Co to get noticed. But it’s also why his clients rave about him, and why you’re hard pressed to find anyone to say a negative thing about Park or his agency.

Honesty, integrity, loyalty. Buzzwords in a industry that makes its living on bullshit. But not at Park&Co and not with Park Howell. Take it from me, the guy who’s spent the last two years sitting right next to Park everyday – he’ll tell you if he doesn’t like something. But he’ll also challenge you to make it better and before you know it, while you’re working on perfecting a project, he’s made you better.

It’s the same ethic that’s spread to Park’s family, staff, clients and causes. Park&Co isn’t a cause-marketing agency by definition but look at our clients and you might think differently. Park wants to care about the things he works on. Paychecks are nice but paychecks for doing good are even better. If it sounds contrived it’s because you’ve worked with people obsessed with the former. It’s ok to admit it. I’ve worked with them too and I didn’t think it was possible for someone to walk the walk the way Park does.

I’m convinced that talking Park into letting me enter him into the competition was far harder than the committee’s decision to name him the winner. His success over 25 years speaks for itself. The company and reputation he’s built speaks for itself. But Park doesn’t speak for himself. Thank goodness a shameless and obnoxious promoter like me was able to talk him into letting me throw his name in the hat. It’s about time the Park Howell’s of the world got some recognition and I know I speak for everyone who knows him when I say he deserves it.

Last weekend I attended the 25th Annual ADDY Awards. It was great to see old friends, interesting to see all the work, and awesome to be there as the president of my company was named the 2010 “Ad Person of the Year.”

It’s an interesting experience and one that makes you analyze yourself and your talents. Wasn’t what I created better than that? That’s a multiple winner? Why don’t we have that client? The questions go on and on but one thing everyone could agree on was that Riester’s American Lung Association campaign was great. The campaign was awarded the acclaimed “Special Judges Award” for good reason - it was effective, poignant and quieted even the loudest critics, including myself.  At least until I realized it was bullshit.

Why bullshit? Because the campaign that got the most buzz looked suspiciously like another campaign created by Crispin Porter. Take a look for yourself here in a side by side comparison…

Now before anyone goes too crazy let me state that I fully understand that we work in an industry that regularly borrows from each other. And when things aren’t borrowed, creative inspiration often emanates from the same places. It’s a natural phenomenon and one we’ve all encountered. You know that moment when you’re so proud of your idea only to realize it’s been produced a hundred times over? It happens.

My beef here isn’t just with Riester. It’s also with these “Special Judges,” specifically, Mark Carlson, Alessandra Lairu, and Jay Roth (I’m going assume the judges in charge of judging the ADDY’s are the same who awarded the “Special Judges” award). My problem from Riester at the concepting phase to the judges at the judging phase is that originality was never a priority. Again, I understand Riester may have thought they were having an original thought but one glance through a Communication Arts (and others) or a tiny bit of research among well seasoned ad folks would have shed light on the fact that it wasn’t original.

Accident? Maybe. I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. Riester has done good work in the past and there’s nothing to suggest this wasn’t a “coincidence.” If the concept served their clients needs and was well regarded within the community that’s great. But deserving of a “Special Judges” award? Debatable.

Overall, this is about how as an industry we need to be more accountable and more committed than ever to being original. There are lots of talented people out there and if we’re not coming up with something great, they are.

Team La Rosa is packing up and heading out east. Your favorite tiny couple is fleeing the comfort, simplicity, and warmth of life in Phoenix for the grandest stage of them all - New York City. For those of you who know us well, you’ll know this has been a dream of ours for quite some time so we’ve finally jumped and made it a reality.

While our lives here are full and rich in all the ways you’d hope - friends, family, career - there’s something about the opportunity that beckons from New York that’s too great to ignore. For both of us, New York gives us the chance to take our careers to the next level. For her, as a stylist, she’ll have the opportunity to learn from the best in the ultimate cultural environment. For me, in the marketing world, it’s the chance to do what I love at the epicenter of the industry.

But beyond potential career achievements, this move is simply about an adventure. To call it anything else would be an injustice to our motivation and belief in each other. This is about two people taking a leap together and hoping like hell it works out.

There will be no shortage of adventures ranging from the job search to apartment hunting and we’ll definitely document each. But right now, before the reality and panic sets in, we’re just going to enjoy this moment. One that’s sure to change just about everything.