By Karen Turnquist
It’s true. I am 65 years old. Usually I would never admit that – I don’t feel it, some of you tell me I don’t look or act like it. In truth, I feel like we (me and Cathy) can keep doing what we love doing for a really long time. Yet something about hitting 65 registers with me as a milestone that calls for considering my purpose and priorities, and demands that I acknowledge life’s vagaries and the fleeting passage of time. I am not so much retiring as I am refocusing. My husband of 45 years who knows me well calls it redeploying – since I’m always on some kind of campaign.
So, in nod to the very arbitrary but perfectly relevant 65th year of my life, on December 31, 2019 Cathy and I sold the Sage portfolio to my friends at North Mill. My colleagues from PrinSource (now North Mill), Kristin Erickson and Rochelle Hilson made the transition go as well as possible by being their kind and capable selves. Thanks Kristin and Rochelle.
Writing the Sage story was challenging, rewarding and really a lot of fun for me and Cathy. Sage started as an idea and grew into a vision about helping other entrepreneurs build value. Along the way we found other people equally passionate about helping clients build value, past and present colleagues, bankers, contract CFOs, lawyers and intermediaries of all kinds who brought their talents and wisdom to the task of growing and building healthy businesses. We are so thankful for the people who helped us write the Sage book. The cast of characters is big and colorful and we could never thank you all. But we are especially thankful for:
Our clients
The ones who trusted us when credit was a lifeline and not just an accommodation. We loved watching our clients pick themselves up and dust themselves off. Their determination, creativity and drive to succeed were both an inspiration and a motivation for us to show up and do our jobs to the best of our ability every day. We celebrate each and every client we had the pleasure and privilege to serve.
Our colleagues, past and present
When we started Sage Cathy and I started by creating a list of core values; Trust, Care, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Creativity. This list became the basis for hiring and recruiting teammates who would come to share our passion for our vision and commitment to serving clients the “Sage way”. We are especially thankful for John McDonald who stepped up in ways big and small and made this year of transition a smooth one. Thank you John!
The bankers who recommended us
They partnered with us and trusted us to manage their deals. We can’t mention any names because it can’t be known you had any favorites 😉 But you know who you are and so do we. Thank you!!
Our families
They supported our entrepreneurial drive to start and build Sage, encouraging us not to play it safe and to live out our passion to serve other entrepreneurs. Especially to Gary, who not once balked every time I signed an ever bigger personal guaranty.
My business partner
For me personally I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my business partner and friend, Cathy Sedacca. Cathy made our vision a reality, creating the Sage brand and message and communicating it to our market. Cathy’s unconventional view of opportunity, her empathy for clients and colleagues, her warmth and wildly funny sense of humor and drive to succeed made coming to work every day engaging, fulfilling and fun. I wish I was Cathy’s age so we could keep doing what we love to do together. Nonetheless, I am so grateful I got to end my asset based lending career by spending seven years working alongside Cathy – it’s been a blast and a blessing! Eternal thanks Cathy!
I’m exploring what book I want to write next. As the author and columnist and international chess grandmaster, Robert Byrne said, “the purpose of life is a life of purpose”. So I’m setting out to find my future life’s purpose, I can only hope it will be as fun, fulfilling and engaging as my last. To all of you, and each of you who helped me fulfill my life’s purpose thus far, a heartfelt thank you!
Mark Johnson
Enjoy Karen – let me know the next company you start and then sell to North Mill!
Michael Philippe
Congrats on finishing a chapter.
Mike Philippe
Paul Bees
Best wishes to two of my favorite people and congratulations on your sale. Be not strangers as you move on to your next adventures.
Steve Coleman
Karen –
Please join a group of business owners in transition on Tuesday February 11. We meet at Edina Country Club 7:30-9am. Our story that morning will be about building your legacy after full time work. This is invitation only so please tell if if you’re interested and we’ll send an invite.
Congratulations on your courageous move.
Steve Coleman
Chett Carter
Congratulations on your transition. Your farewell was beautifully written. I admire that!
Darin Lynch
Congratulations. Both of you are incredibly well respected, and that’s well deserved.
Tom Geisen
Hey Karen Congrats on successfully selling your business twice to same company… What a nice tribute to Cathy and your staff….
It was 14 years ago when Tracy and I joined you and had a lot of fun and success…. (was only 64).
A well done and time for quiet time is so deserving for you…
If you need any advice on how to retire give me a call. Jump in, the water is perfect temperature..
An older employee and friend
Tom
Jeff Boyle
Karen,
You will be missed! It’s been my pleasure to work with you and get to know you these many years. The core values you listed “Trust, Care, Respect, Integrity, Drive and Creativity” describe you perfectly. (I’d also add classy and funny) All my best as you move on to your next success in life. 😊
God Bless!
Jeff Boyle
Rob Severson
Congratulations on a great ending to the Sage story! It’s a tough business and you are to be commended for your success
Jennifer Morris
Congratulations on your retirement! Well done!
Gil Lautenshlager
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
GREG SCHWARCK
Best of luck with your future endeavors- have you ever considered politics? Greg
Bob Weiss
Congrats on # 2
Valerie Oldre
Congratulations on the next pages of your book! I know they will go well.
Daniel Owens
Congratulations to you both! Love the quote regarding purpose.
Becky Amble
Wow! Congratulations to you both. What is next?
Jennifer Ericson
Congratulations and best wishes to you both as you start the next chapter!
Aleesha Webb
Congratulations to both of you, your friendship and your families. Cheers!
Allison Erickson
Congratulations to you both on the success of Sage and Best Wishes!
Susan Johnson
Karen and Cathy,
Congratulations as you finish the book of Sage. The two of you truly reflect the ideals you set out at the beginning of the Sage story: trust, care, respect, integrity, drive and creativity. You have been impactful to me both personally and professionally. I hope this is not good bye but simply – be seeing you!
Susan Johnson
Dean Friesen
Congratulations, Karen & Cathy!