Kellogg World Alumni Magazine Spring 2005Kellogg School of Management
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EMP-31

It's been a while, EMP-31ers. Hope all is well. Without further delay and with much thanks to this issue's contributing, er, rather primary, editor, Larry Silman, here is the news: Larry reports that Greg Oslan is doing well in California. Julie is busy raising their girls (Jacqueline, 11, and Leslie, 9) and is active in volunteer and charity work at Stanford. Narus, Greg's latest turnaround project, is well on its way to being a success. He says they've established themselves as "the leader in providing a common IP software platform for the delivery of security, lawful intercept, packet analysis and billing applications for IP communications carriers around the world." We have no idea what most of that means, but they're expected to be profitable this year and looking forward to capitalizing on the progress. Greg hopes to see everyone in a couple of months, hopes everyone is well and still cannot hit a golf ball into the fairway.

In other news, Bob Poltarak is still with Avnet, but has relocated to Tampa, Fla. In addition to surviving (barely) the implosion of the telecom market, he's now recovering from four hurricanes, two alligators and a reputation as a local rebel, since he occasionally tries to drive around Tampa at speeds approaching 40 miles per hour.

Steve Brown's farm didn't take off quite as well as hoped, but his new business, making children's clothing from hemp, is really starting to get off the ground. Early delays, due mostly to an inventory fire, have been overcome with a strong revenue performance in the fourth quarter. Steve is looking ahead to a "totally awesome" 2005.

While continuing his career at Burlington Northern Santa Fe in Fort Worth, Texas, Dave Stropes is enjoying his life as husband, father and co-chairman of his local gardening club. In 2005 Dave will begin a new chapter in his educational development by enrolling in the graduate program at the Brillcream Barber College in Southlake, Texas.

Beating all the odds, Jim MacLaughlin is still working at Motorola. On the personal side, he made it to the semifinals at last year's USABDA national championships in both the rumba and Viennese waltz categories. Way to go, Jim!

Meanwhile, Larry closes with some personal news: "I've been with European charge-card supplier AirPlus International for just over a year (while still living in Chicago). The North American operation is a bit like working at a startup, but without the immediate worries about making payroll since the company is well-established and growing around the world. The position has meant endless travel, both domestically and abroad, but the business is growing and some semblance of order is within sight." Larry is also the newly adopted father of a beautiful 2-year-old shepherd/husky mix, which he almost named Mulica until he realized he might only see it every other week."

Lee Esler is proud as punch to report that he has been in touch with many of our classmates as part of his work at Spencer Stuart as they navigate career changes and new opportunities. Many of our classmates have done quite well since our days in Evanston, which should come as no surprise.

World traveler Lynn Monika says: "Life in SF continues to be good. It is a really wonderful/beautiful place to live. I love it. I am currently not working due to a layoff from my last company, which ran into start-up issues. It was a great senior-level position doing business and technology management. I have spent the time with family, connecting with friends, doing some travel as usual, enjoying California ... and looking into what comes next. I am very glad I had this time with my dad recently, since he passed away just a few weeks ago from a long battle with Parkinson's disease. I was very close to him and will miss him dearly, but am comforted knowing he is now resting peacefully. I am now spending time refocused on my job search. I hope this finds all of you doing well and enjoying life!"

Gary Binkowski has another successful move under his belt, as he is now CFO and treasurer of Organized Living Inc. Mike Collins and Jay Crookston have very little news to report, but both remain very happy. Mike Mulika and I ran into each other outside his office in Chicago's Prudential building. Mike's back in high tech as president and CEO of Bridge Networks. Please keep the updates coming. Take good care, Tim

©2002 Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University