Twenty-two years ago, I walked into ATRA looking for work. Lance Wiggins was the Technical Director and gave me the opportunity to work on the ATRA hotline as a technical Advisor. I thought I knew it all, only to find out it was totally different than what I expected. Without a doubt, I am the one who changed.
I gave my best years to this company. In return, you all gave me opportunities, challenges, and friendships that will remain intact long after I’ve forgotten the joy of walking into our monthly meetings to see a box of donuts on the table (before COVID-19).
The ATRA Corporation has a bright future ahead of it. Even though I won’t be a contributing member to the future of ATRA, I take pride in knowing that I had a hand in making the ATRA corporation what it is today. Just as you all had a hand in making me the man I am today.
I’m forever grateful for my career. Life could have taken me in so many different directions. As a young tech, I knew I would change the world. I knew I would do great things. Now, as I stand here many years later, I can say that I did the best I could to be a good person and employee, and maybe that’s enough.
Before I hang up my professional hat and put on my golf hat, I have some advice for my coworkers: Who you are matters. You may not change the world, but you bring your special character to the table and are the only one who can do that.
I hope that one day when it’s your time to say goodbye after a long career, you feel the same peace I feel at this moment.
I’ll miss seeing and talking to all of you every day and the challenges you provided. Thank you for twenty-two years of fun and life-changing moments.
I will miss seeing and talking to all the members and vendors from all over the world.
With a tear in my eye, I say goodbye to ATRA.
May the force be with you!
~Mike Brown.
