Where's Doug???

Twenty years ago, I arrived on Peachtree Street in Atlanta, Georgia, for new hire training earlier than my trainers.  The glass conference room was in use and the waiting area was full, so I was moved to an office to wait...


As a newly transplanted yankee, I sat there listening to the work day begin and to all the southern accents, and I thought I would never understand anyone without asking them to repeat themselves at least three times.  Then I heard a very unmistakeable "New Yaawwkk" accent, and I had to smile - maybe there was hope - maybe I would be able to understand someone here afterall...  The voice stopped at the doorway of the office I was waiting in, and this larger than life person was smiling at me as he stuck out his hand and said, "Hi, I'm Doug Nugent.  I run this place.  Who are you and why are you in my office?"


He proceeded to keep me company and entertained for the next hour telling me stories about his kids and knock knock jokes and explaining how he was really in charge and how he liked to just humor "Kenny" and let him BELIEVE he was.  From that point forward, I knew I would always have a friend in Atlanta.


Over the next 20 years, I had the pleasure of working with Doug with the new cases.  From tracking everything by hand and calling it in daily, to the new  prontos, to the new call center and the investigators and all that that entailed.  He was always ready with a smile and a hug.  He was there to laugh WITH me at my most embarrassing moments, he was there to encourage me in those most trying times, and he was there to toast a "thank you" for sticking it out.


May his family find some small comfort in the knowledge that he had a positive influence on me and all he met.  You never met a stranger in Doug and he made you feel like family.          


So one last toast - Heaven has gained an angel.  Cheers to you, Mr. Nugent, for always keeping it real.  Thank you for always being uniquely you.  Until we meet again....