I struggled with whether or not to post this, but it is a real-world reminder that creating fun isn’t always fun.
Those that are close to me know that I chose to retire from Cedar Fair before having to vote on the consolidation of SIX and FUN. I recognized that what was going to be required after the merger would be very different from the strategies that had worked for me previously and my sticking around would just make it harder on all involved.
That was an intellectual take on my reason for leaving.
What I am now admitting more publicly is that there was another concern that factored into my decision.
I recognized that I wasn’t up to watching talented colleagues being asked to exit in order to achieve the cost synergies that were promised to investors.
In recent days that parade of departures has stepped off. Several of the industry’s best are marching into the unknown on a timeline not of their choosing.
Some could accuse me of getting old (true) and lacking the courage to do what was best for the investors, but I’ve made unpopular decisions before.
This is different.
It isn’t because the business or the individuals were performing poorly. This is purely math.
It’s also not a surprise. This die was cast when the merger agreement was signed.
I’ve said many times before that I don’t miss the business, but I do miss my former colleagues.
True that!!!