Thank you, Alan….
My friend, Alan Steinman is sick. He is going through something we all sincerely hope none of us need experience. Life certainly is not fair – and we all see that sort of unfairness each day.
Alan Steinman stepped up to the plate for SIMA awhile back, at a time when SIMA was struggling. The leadership was in disarray. Discord was part of the daily grind that comes with overseeing a non-profit – and it should not be that hard. Something needed to be done, and Alan stepped up and said “I’ll take the heat”.
Many in the organization wondered if SIMA would last another year. Everyone was reticent to take on the issues and problems that were the norm each day (at that time). When Alan volunteered and stepped in, a good many folks were relieved, thinking “glad it’s not me”. Others said “Alan??? Oh oh.” Not real polished at times, speaks his mind (even more than I do), gruff on the outside, opinionated (to say the least) – but also, willing to listen to others problems, offer advice, and very, very intelligent when it comes to fighting snow (amongst other things).
To his credit, he admitted up front he had no idea what was involved, and had no idea what to do tomorrow. But, like the incredibly strong willed individual he is, Alan waded into the morass and acted like the proverbial “bull in a china shop”. He didn’t much care what others thought – and he made it happen. He got things straightened around.
There are those of us who believe it is entirely possible Alan Steinman actually saved SIMA. If that is to be his legacy in the snow industry – I think that is just fine.
We love you Alan – and wish you well as you weather this ongoing storm in your life.