IN TRIBUTE TO MALCOLM LLOYD--FOUNDER AND CEO OF DOUBLE CROSS VODKA

I wrote about the death of Malcolm Lloyd last week without naming him, talking about how important the CEO role is.

Now I want to honor Malcolm personally  in his very unique qualities as the CEO and founder of Double Cross Vodka. He was a long time friend of my son as well as business partner and I had the pleasure of hearing their stories of how to grow a business from a lark to a solid enterprise.

Lessons from Malcolm:

He had the kind of literal energy and enthusiasm that could make a possibility exciting and real enough that investors said, "Yes!"

He was ready to have fun and to be very witty in the moment. You liked to see him coming.

He knew a start-up company was a fragile entity and he fussed and guarded and protected and did what he had to do to bring resources to his growing enterprise.

He was astute and creative and ready for whatever opportunity. He did not say "no" to himself.

He stretched people to their highest capacity. He stayed in contact, he nagged, he cajoled, he pestered, he loved to push and be pushed.

Yes, he could micro-manage.  Yes, he could have given more praise. Yes, he didn't know when to go off duty. BUT he was lovable to his team because he was loyal and generous and there, there, there for the good of Double Cross Vodka.  May it flourish.