EMP-26

EMP 26-ers who are reading this and did not receive an email message from me requesting updates, that means I don't have your email address and need it! Please send it to me at bjdthink@aol.com.

Sharon West reports: "Finally getting a chance to respond to one of these — yeah, lots of big changes in my life. I left the corporate world a couple years ago (November 2002) and am now a full-time songwriter and composer. I just released my second album, called 'Canvas of My Soul.' It's New Age music with an edge, and I am sure learning a ton about marketing, promotions, running a Web site (dustydreams.com) etc. in the life of an independent artist (but loving it, as well). It's probably what I should have done from the very beginning, but I actually think I needed to work in the corporate world for almost 20 years to grow and learn — and also earn some money."

Steve Thompson is proud to announce the birth of his sixth child, Ezekial or "Zeke." He and his lovely wife Jan are moving to the tiny town of Cerro Gordo, Tenn., to open their first retail store and fulfill a lifelong dream of buying and selling vintage polka and swing records.

Bud Chumbley was married in Key West, Fla., on Nov. 20 to Lynn Anderson. Lynn is his former executive assistant. She helped Bud's study group with many projects while we were at Kellogg. Lynn has three adult children and one grandson. Bud has four adult children. He still lives in Menomonee Falls, Wis., and is president and CEO of Medical Associates Health Centers.

Mary Blackett Randall is still living in Vail, Colo., and has recently opened a Krispy Kreme franchise! Congratulations, Mary. We all look forward to visiting and enjoying the fruits of your labors!

David Holckner, his wife Amit and family continue to enjoy living on their farm in a coastal community in Australia. They have been completing extensive research into hybrid poultry genetics. David reports he is considering entering politics and running for mayor in his community with a long-term goal of becoming prime minister!

Brian Dietmeyer was married Christmas night in a surprise Hawaiian/Buddhist-inspired ceremony for about 70 family members and friends (no, this isn't a misprint). Think! Inc. is still doing well, completing consulting assignments in the U.K., Iceland and Asia and publishing its first book, Strategic Negotiation, with Dearborn Press. Brian's labor of love, Acme Garage, is a nonprofit artist management company (acmegarage.net). Acme Garage also is doing well managing one band and has now added Brian's lovely wife to its esteemed client list.