Congratulations

Pam,

I am so happy for you, impressed with you, and more than a touch nostalgic about your retirement from Kaiser. I was fortunate enough to work with you over 10 years. Like so many, you were the person to introduce me to all of the important things related to working at Kaiser (staffing, 401k, insurance, and generally actually having a job). I luckily got to work with you in-person for a few years, but whether in-person or remotely, you were always a key part of the backbone at Kaiser.  

Working with you as Manager in the San Francisco office are some of my most fond memories. Our small-knit group was transformative for my development. As the matriarch of the office, I remember a lot of meaningful life conversations with you. Of course, I remember the fun stuff- lunch down in the Embarcadero, beers at the Marin Brewery, social events at your home, and the list goes on. Turns out the development and fun often happened at the same time.

When I became one of the leaders of the DC office, I realized just how incredibly valuable and talented you are from an operations perspective. Whether it was operational management, personnel reviews, or staffing, you always had great insight and ideas. As a business owner, I have wondered aloud- how do we find a "Pam Knox" for our business- someone who has the capability required, the flexibility necessary, the loyalty as an "organization builder," and the kind heart that actually has the most impact on people and culture. While Kaiser will continue to be the great firm it is today, it will certainly miss you. More than your capabilities, it will be your attitude, your personal touch, and your genuine character. You are an amazing person and deserve all of the love you are feeling. Jenny and I want to congratulate you on your retirement and amazing career. Wishing you continued happiness in your next chapter and a catch-up in 2019!

Kevin J. Dell'Oro

Pam, we will miss you so much!

Pam,

As you certainly have been told countless times, I could not have imagined having such a rich, memorable and positive experience at Kaiser without you. I'll never forget your energy -- and how you always brought such an immediately palpable warmth to the office when you suddenly appeared and took over a room or desk. I Indeed, some of my most favorite memories are certainly our many phone calls and discussions--even if they were only about staffing--as you always had a way of making any conversation as down-to-earth and enjoyable as possible. Thank you so much for your authenticity, humor and NECESSARY EMPHASIS in how you COMMUNICATED with us :). 

Joking aside, I wish you truly all the best in the next chapter of your life and hope to have the opportunity to toast to this milestone with you very soon!

Jeremy Williams

Pam and Jay post-drenching

Kings Dominion - 1985
Michael Kaiser's Going Away Party

Pam - The Early Years

Pam, I first met you 35 years ago, when I joined MMKA as somewhere around the 11^th employee of the firm (not counting Alex and Nicole, who at the time were the most productive consultants on the books, canine or otherwise). Even though you weren’t much older than me, you always seemed like the only adult in the place – Michael and Bob certainly didn’t qualify then. I often sought you out for just a little slice of sanity, and reassurance that I wasn’t utterly failing at my job. I actually think I was, but you could always spin it in a way that made me feel it was Michael’s fault for giving me poor direction. (I’m pretty sure you didn’t mean that, you just allowed me to think it, a kindness I shall never forget…)

When I think of you, I picture you in three places: at your wedding to Jay in Michael’s house (and I can still hear Michael belting out one of opera’s finest arias), on the softball diamond with your High Beta t-shirt on (didn’t we also have a team called Less Filling?), and sitting at your desk in the production room, working your magic on one of those old TRS computers and weaving those intricate cut-and-paste jobs that pulled together all those slides that I was always late in getting to you. It was truly one of the great artforms of the business world, long since lost to the PowerPoint monster.

The Kaiser I remember was a small group of smart, young, hard-working people (albeit oddly obsessed with where we were getting lunch on any given day). You always made sure we had fun too. So one last time, thank you for making my two years at Kaiser among the most enjoyable of my professional career. And congratulations on finally hanging up your spurs.

Now come visit us in Sonoma!

Paul Favaro

Consultant 2^nd Class

MMKA 1983-85

One Of A Kind

Dear Pam,

You are a valued colleague and friend to everyone at the firm – always thinking of others and giving so much of yourself to others.

You were spirited and fun then, and you are spirited and fun now!  You still run around like the Energizer bunny -- with a warm and welcoming smile, and a twinkle in your eye. 

You have grown, assumed new responsibilities, and overcome new challenges during each chapter of your Kaiser experience – most of which you were entirely unprepared for!  First, as Michael’s right hand as the two of you started up the firm.  Then, as the person who kept Kaiser running so the growing team of consultants and officers could go out and partner with clients.  Next as our Accounting “department” with all your thick handwritten ledgers.  To Staffing leader extraordinaire, and finally HR Director touching all of our employees worldwide.  With each new challenge you just jumped right in, gave it your all, and before we knew it, became known for it. 

Throughout all these chapters, you have been the steady, beating heart of the firm.  You have known every single person who has ever worked at Kaiser, and you have played a key role in shaping each person’s Kaiser experience.  You have cared for each person individually, and treated each person as more than an employee, as a member of a growing family.  Indeed, you connect the newest Kaiserites to the oldest Kaiserites, you connect the way we work today with the way we worked “back in the day.”  You provide that steady rhythm of kindness, diligence, encouragement, silliness, persistence, dedication, and loyalty. 

Pam, you are one of a kind, and Kaiser Associates will never be the same without you.

Thank you for ALL of the many things you have done for me, large and small.  It has been a pleasure and an honor to partner with you all these many years.  Your positivity and can-do spirit have energized me during difficult times, more than you will ever know.  Fun times have been even more fun with you there sparking joy.

Happy, happy retirement to you, our beloved Pam!  We will miss you so very much.

I hope you will stop and read this blog whenever you need reminding about how much you mean to me and to so many others. 

With a huge hug and my best,

Lisa

LISA PRYOR

Forty Years of Memories

It is difficult to select one anecdote about my work and friendship with Pam.  We have shared forty years together from the time Pam came to work as my assistant at Strategic Planning Associates. 

We have lived through starting (Michael M.) Kaiser Associates, stealing office supplies from SPA, Alex (my dog) eating our celebratory lunch when we finished our first book before we had a chance to, celebrating her mother’s 70th birthday in Tim’s car, fancy meals and great wines (which prompted another diner in the ladies’ room to say to Pam: You must be doctors!), Lance rooting around my refrigerator which motivated me to find our first office, video dating (!), trips to NYC and Montreal, her wedding, my departure from Kaiser, her son Michael’s arrival (Michael: I would like this for Christmas. Pam: Should we tell Santa? Michael: No tell Kaiser, he will get it for me.), Bob changing the name of the firm, her move to California, my wedding and on and on. 

In my long career, Pam was the best hire I ever made.

She was never an employee - she was always family.

- (Michael M.) Kaiser

Congratulations! - With great Pam and Circumstance

For those that know me they would likely expect this post to be a string of quips, dad jokes and word games. Pam has had to endure enough of those during her years at Kaiser, so I will spare her..... for now. 

Over the last 37 years Pam has been in the unique and challenging position where she's been blessed hear all of our requests, opinions and gripes. She of course has not been able to make all of our wishes come true, but she's definitely tried her darnedest in at times challenging circumstances. I remember distinctively that even as she was struggling with her own curveballs in California, she still made time for myself and a number of other Kaiserites and I'll be forever grateful to her for being a sounding board and accommodating my personal needs. 

Thanks Pam for being so genuine and caring during these past 37 years, I personally was pretty sure you could have done it for 74. 

Happy trails!

Ian Warthin (& Owen, one of the ~50 kids whose birth was covered by insurance Pam set up)

Thank you!

Pam,

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! Your energy, patience, positivity, and passion for Kaiser/Kaiserites has made our culture so great for so many years. You were one of the first interactions almost all of us had with Kaiser, and set the pace for a great experience for all of us.

Thank you for your support and friendship over the many years. You seemed to be online and available 24 hours/day to help in any way - that hard work has enabled the success of so many current and past Kaiser consultants.

We will certainly miss you, but wish you rest, enjoyment, and fun travels in the coming years!
,
Ali Cumber

Congratulations and thank you!

Pam - You are literally my very first memory of Kaiser. I remember walking in the doors of 1747 Pennsylvania Ave on my first day as an Associate Consultant, and you were the first person to greet me. When I introduced myself, you exclaimed that now you had to retire - imagine my shock / fear that I had already messed up before even turning on my computer! As I remember it, you joked that once someone who was 'younger' than Kaiser joined, you would retire.

Well, I'm so glad you didn't retire then, and that I was able to have the pleasure of your professional and personal friendship over the last 15 years (gulp!). You have been an invaluable resource for Kaiser, serving as the 'go to' person for so many things. But what I admire most is your positive spirit - you genuinely see the best in everyone and everything and just 'go with the flow'. I will miss partnering with you on a day to day basis and seeing you in DC.

Promise that if you're ever out on the east coast visiting friends / family in New York, you will reach out. Equally, I still have your wine tour map, so will look forward to a rendezvous in wine country.

Wishing you all the best for an active and FUN retirement.

With thanks for everything,
Alison Banks

All the Best!

Pam,

Congratulations on your retirement - I hope it brings you every bit of excitement and relaxation! Given your contagious positivity and great spirit, I’m sure you already have some very exciting things planned!

While at Kaiser, I always looked forward to your visits to DC. I believe I can speak for every Kaiserate, both past and present, when I say you took a genuine interest in both my personal and professional development. I greatly value your opinion and am thankful for the advice and support you provided along the way.

I hope the next time I am in Marin visiting family we have the chance to connect so I can hear all about this exciting next chapter!

Best,

Danny Donovan

The High Betas

1984 marked the beginning of Kaiser’s softball teams.  

The co-ed team was called "The High Betas” (see Beating the Competition: A Practical Guide to Competitive Analysis)

The High Betas
1984

Thank you and Congratulations!!

Pam,

Thank you for always bringing so much joy, kindness, and energy into the four walls of Kaiser! The firm would not be what it is today without your years of dedication and hard work. Having you in the office for a few days every once in a while was certainly a highlight! You always took the time to catch up and ask how I was doing, despite being so busy. You were such an integral part of my experience at Kaiser, and I know you will be greatly missed!

Thank you for being so wonderful! 

Wishing you all the best in this next chapter.

Ximena Velez

SHE'S THE BEST!

I called ext. 2041 approximately 1,000 times in my 12 years at Kaiser, and EVERY time Pam was helpful, positive, incredibly patient, and a delight to speak with. Pam has been the firm’s steadying force. She is remarkably even-keeled and seemingly unfazed whenever Kaiser gets crazy with staffing shortages or people drama. 

Thank you for making my time at Kaiser more enjoyable.  I’m excited for you and wish you all the best in retirement. We will all miss you!!!

-Dan O'Neill