Step 8 - Deal Day

"Deal Day"

So, we finally made it. Today’s the day. It’s time to say goodbye to the business I've nurtured for 18 years. I can’t quite believe it’s happening.

Everything I touch and do seems overly symbolic. I had to return my company car - a car I really love - and the simple act of getting it valeted before handing over to Luke became this big emotional goodbye.

Christ, I really need to get a grip…

Our advisors had prepped us that the signing wouldn’t be exciting, and they weren’t wrong. We - me & Lisa, Luke & Lloyd, Jeff, Reo & Phil, the two new Employee Trustee Board Directors - were seated around the board table, laptops open, signing document after document electronically. It was a mundane process, completed in a mere 15 minutes. Despite the jokes and banter as we were clicking away, there was definitely a sense of anticlimax.

To compensate, the new and departing board members celebrated with a long, leisurely lunch. The sun was out, the beer flowed, and it gave us all a moment to reflect on the significant step we had just taken.
The company party that followed was a lot of fun. It was amazing to remember how much many of the team have transformed over the years: employees who had joined us as single, fresh-faced pups now had partners and kids in tow. The bouncy castle was a big hit with the kids…and a few adults. There was a real family feel to the whole thing as the people around me - now co-owners of Eyeful - laughed and chatted with each other.

There were, of course, a few notable absences - the external consultants - who had declined to join the festivities. I was initially hurt by their decision, but I realised that it's impossible to please everyone all the time. I'm at peace with that.

Of course, the toughest part of the day was when I was cajoled into sharing a few words. I had prepared some thoughts, but nothing could prepare me for the surge of emotion when I thanked Lisa for her unwavering support over the last 18 years. The tears were unexpected but inevitable (and slightly embarrassing). It felt like the release of a lot of pent-up emotions.

So, as I write this at the end of a long day, I’m both exhausted and excited. I know I’ll need time to decompress, but there’s also a sense of anticipation. I’ve got stuff to do, and I can’t wait to get stuck in. If I’m completely honest with myself, there’s also the tiniest twinge of apprehension. Will I go stir-crazy with all this newfound time? Will I regret this decision? Will Lisa want a divorce after two weeks of undiluted “me”?

Only time will tell.