TED



I don’t know how many people can say this but I know a guy that everyone like’s.  I mean everyone.  I have known this gentleman for many years and have yet to meet anyone who has anything bad to say about him.  Do you know anyone like that?  His name is Ted.  He’s kind of a hard guy to describe because he doesn’t look like anyone I have ever known (although he reminds me of a better looking version of Joe Torre).  The best way I can describe him is he reminds me of Andy.  You know, of Raggedy Ann and Andy.  There is not a lot of physical resemblance but Ted just reminds me of Raggedy Andy.  There is the constant smile, hair sticking out from under his cap and the perpetual hang–loose look of Andy.  If Andy could walk I am sure he would jangle along like Ted does.  

My friend Ted happens to have a background in the automotive industry, originally as a racing driver, more recently in the automotive event business.  Any gear head worth his salt can quote you chapter and verse of Ted’s accomplishments in racing.  He had success at every level as a driver including the pinnacle of American racing, the Indianapolis 500.  Along the way he made more friends among those he knew and those he did not know than most of us ever will.  A friend of mine, who was there, said that at the recent 100 year anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 Ted was warmly greeted by the past drivers that were honored and fans alike. 

Currently, Ted is a valued member of the Apex Performance team.  Together they work as a partner with most of the leading automotive companies of the world.  His racing background allows him to provide valuable and insightful feedback to company engineers regarding their products and there isn’t much he has not done when it comes to staging events.

I got a little off track there, I intended to tell of his uniqueness.  He is one of the great story tellers ever, which means stuff always seems to happen when he is around.  That gives him an endless source of material for water cooler talk back at the office.  He is also a great practical joker.  He takes particular delight in telling a story of carving a piece of scrap metal into the shape of a gun and placing it in his roommate’s luggage before he headed to the airport.  Then there was the time he parked his skip loader against the door of a port-a-potty while his friend was inside.  

To say he is easy going is an understatement.  I doubt if his blood pressure has ever risen above 100 over 40.  His pulse is permanently fixed at about 60.  Nothing seems to bother him other than when the Dallas Cowboys lose.  He has a calming effect on everyone around him.

We all have those acquaintances that add richness to our lives.  One of my great joys is to be in a gathering with Ted and his peers while he is at his story telling best (ask him to tell you about the story that ended with the quote "is that for TV or the theaters?")  I have a feeling my life is not the only one being enriched.