Thank You From Greg Salzman
Dear Aleyant Customers, Partners, and Friends:
April 1 was Aleyant’s 15th birthday. Every year on this date, I enjoy taking some time to think back about the amazing journey that began in 2005. I hope you don’t mind my reminiscing with you.
Perhaps you have heard me joke that April 1 or April Fool’s Day was a very appropriate date to start the company, according to some of my family and friends. They were right. While I had some managerial experience, I was sorely lacking in most of the skills required to properly grow a business from nothing into something. I had a wife and baby toddler at home and wasn’t wise enough to realize that I was embarking on something that I probably shouldn’t have been doing.
As I look back at those early years, I cringe at the many errors I made. Stubbornness, fear of failure, and the need to put food on the table were my constant motivators. I was filled with doubt, unsure of what to do, and, clearly, in over my head. Frequently, I wondered if I had made a mistake.
Despite the challenges of those early years, I also see the blessings that were present then and those that were beginning. I received advice, guidance, and encouragement from many people around me that had more experience and knowledge than me. Customers took a chance on me, when they could have gone with more capable competitors. I was able to start building a team of talented people, who probably could have gotten better jobs elsewhere. Most importantly, I had a wife who believed in me and a God who graciously provided for me.
Over time, as you know, Aleyant grew. I added staff, which required more customers. More customers then required more staff. Customers became successful with Aleyant’s products and its reputation in the industry increased. More importantly, Aleyant moved from being “me” to being “us”. Aleyant became home for an amazingly talented group of people devoted to building great products alongside awesome support and services.
As the 15-year mark has been approaching, I have been considering, on a personal level, what my role should be. I have found myself wanting to work through a different set of professional challenges and believe that now is the time to take a step back to consider how I should move forward. I announced my resignation to the Aleyant team this week. I plan to work at Aleyant these next two weeks to wrap up as many details as I can but will remain available for questions for many months to come. Aleyant’s continued success is deeply important to me. Given the current COVID-19 economic crisis, this may seem like an odd time to step down. However, Aleyant’s financials are stronger than they’ve ever been, and our support and financial backing from our parent company, Volaris, is on solid ground. Our management team is well-positioned for this transition.
I am pleased to tell you that Gary Fry, a man I have grown to admire in a relatively short period of time, will be Aleyant’s new CEO. Gary has served as the CEO of Global Graphics as well as being the managing director for Adobe Benelux. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and expertise to Aleyant, and I am confident the company will benefit greatly from it. Aleyant is in good hands.
As I transition out, I want you to know that I have full confidence in the Aleyant team and its road ahead. Aleyant’s amazing team, combined with the backing of the owner, means its future will be bright.
Let me close by expressing my appreciation. I am well aware that relatively few people are given the opportunity to start a company, see it grow, see it sold, and know that it will continue to thrive well after its founder has left. This has been a wonderful journey for which I am very grateful.
Mostly, I’d like to thank the Aleyant team and our customers. I have greatly appreciated being able to work with you over the years. I am very hopeful that we can remain in contact. Please know that you will be missed and fondly remembered in my departure from Aleyant. I wish you all the best.
With gratitude and appreciation,
Greg
