On May 10, JMP will say a fond farewell to Director of Pre-Sale Support Ian Cox as he moves from the demands of the workday world to the lazy days of retirement.
In his April 9 email announcing Ian’s retirement, CEO Jon Weisz said, “We are all going to feel the impact of losing Ian’s great ongoing contributions to JMP, but let’s all send our best wishes Ian’s way in the next steps in his life’s journey.”
Many of Ian’s colleagues took Jon’s sentiment to heart, sending a plethora of good wishes and fond memories Ian’s way:
“Ian always seems to be a person who asserts an inner freedom in the face of an external world. This warm, humorous, patient, consistent, and persistent independence is constantly manifested. I will certainly miss my time at work with Ian. I wish my friend Ian every fun adventure in this next chapter of life.” - Chuck Boiler, Senior Manager, Pre-Sales Support
“I clearly remember the first time I met Ian in 2005 and the impression he made on me, which he has fulfilled in the subsequent 19 years. Of course, Ian was warm, friendly, and approachable. However, it was clear this was backed up by considerable intellect and thoughtfulness. Ian continued to bring these qualities to our working relationship, which has been a pleasure. Thank you, Ian, and very best wishes for your retirement.” - Adrian Turner, European Sales Director
Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.Ian surrounded by SEs in Manchester for JMP 18 training.
“I first met Ian when I came to JMP about 14 years ago. We bonded immediately over our enjoyment of cycling, espresso, and all things JSL. Since then, I have always been able to rely on his counsel, his sense of humor, and most importantly, his friendship.
One of my favorite memories is being able to bike through Umstead State Park [near JMP HQ in Cary, N.C.] with Ian, Jon Weisz, and Dan Valente while Ian was visiting. It was wonderful to be able to share a ride with Ian, on what was a perfect day in one of my favorite places.
Surely all of us who know Ian are happy that he will now have more time to pursue his many and varied interests – which now include spoiling his first grandchild – but selfishly, we will all miss our friend. I look forward to sharing a ride and some espresso in the not-too-distant future!” - Brady Brady, Principal Systems Engineer
“I remember meeting with Ian one afternoon at a conference we were sponsoring in Manchester to hand over staffing of the JMP booth. I was new to the job, and I’d been diligently sitting there all day waiting for attendees to ask me about Graph Builder, without much joy. ‘We’re not going to get much selling done now, Phil,’ said Ian. He took me for a coffee instead and we talked for an hour or more about many things including (cyclist) Marco Pantani, living in Scotland, and what my kids were watching on Netflix.
"Ian is, of course, hugely talented, knowledgeable, and prolific. But he’s also great on the big picture, being smart about applying our efforts and being consistently curious. He’s serious about what we do but makes sure we don’t take ourselves too seriously. That’s why it has been such a privilege and a joy to work with him.” - Phil Kay, Team Lead, Global Technical Enablement
“I have many great memories of working with Ian over the years. His impact on our culture and mindset in the technical pre-sales organization is very significant and I suspect it will be part of his legacy at JMP. Ian endorsed what might be described as his axiom of “Simplicity, Impact, Relevance, and Brevity” which provided an efficient focus for what technical engagement needs to achieve. These guiding principles, along with his genuine humility, insightful and high-level perspective on our work, were appreciated and will be missed.” - Curt Hinrichs, Director of JMP Academic Sales & Marketing
“Whenever I interview candidates for JMP, I always remember Ian's words: "Hiring is the most important thing we do." Ian taught me that each new hire must fit JMP's culture and have the skills to excel in the role. It’s a critical task that we simply cannot afford to get wrong.” - Nick Shelton, Manager, Pre-Sales Support
“Ian was one of the first few JMP employees I’d met, first virtually as part of my interview panel, and then a few weeks later in person. I was initially struck by his approachability and strong sense of empathy, which have been present at each subsequent interaction in the years since.
"He’s left an indelible mark on the technical sales staff in EMEA and the organization as a whole, not only in his contributions toward efficient communication and positioning of the product (as well as the product itself), but also in orchestrating and propelling the ‘confident, connected, cared for’ mentality and culture. In more ways than one, he’s helped make JMP a great company and an especially great place to work." - Hadley Myers, Manager, Pre-Sales Support
"Having Discovery in Manchester meant that Ian was at home and really knew the city we were in, so when Ian and Jon and I went out for a coffee drink, instead of going to one of the numerous coffee shops near the hotel, Ian led us to walk almost a mile to the best place, in his opinion. It worked out well, with the most impressive cappuccino I have ever had. Ian has a passion for delightful quality." - John Sall, JMP Founder and Chair
"I met Ian in 1989 when I was working at BBN, and he was an advocate user of RS/1 at Digital South Queensferry Fab in Edinburgh. A sales colleague invited me to the meeting, expecting many tough questions from Ian. The reality was far from it; instead, I found him to be someone with a quiet, assertive, collaborative, and caring attitude of how we can make things better together. Ian’s philosophy was exemplified with how he brought us into a partnership with Prof. Tony Walton at Edinburgh University to integrate simulation tools with DOE to aid semiconductor device design.
"Ian joined us at BBN at the point when we had closed a $1 million order with a semiconductor company in the southwest of England for a product that didn’t exist. Ian duly set about working with the customer to guide and help them solve problems, which included numerous trips on the night train, always arriving fresh-faced, smiling, and ready to help their semiconductor engineers get more insight from their data.
"Together again at JMP, Ian continued to be the same caring, considerate, hard-working, empathetic friend, colleague, and boss who always goes beyond what is expected while making it look so easy.
"Thanks for being a great role model. Enjoy this next phase of doing great things, this time for you, Ursula, and your family.” - Malcolm Moore, Senior Manager, Pre-Sales Support
Happy retirement, Ian! As you cycle off in pursuit of new trails, rest assured that your legacy at JMP is profound and long-lasting.
