Our hearts go out to the family of Paul Gilliland who died suddenly Sunday evening at his home in Nashville.
I was blessed to know Paul as a colleague and mentor at SmartDM as well as a friend. Paul came on board as the company's CFO in the fall of 2000 at a critical time. The financial discipline and leadership he brought probably saved the business...several times. And then it was no coincidence Paul was there as the business thrived and grew. When we finally couldn't fit one more employee in our office space, Paul negotiated a deal that sent my unit across town into a modest office suite in a medical building on Charlotte Avenue. Paul gave me my first office which was a big deal to me although I tried not to show it. Paul knew. After we re-united the staff back on Donelson Pike, Paul put me in his own office; choosing to move out and share an office with his staff. I'll never know why he did that except that he was uniquely selfless.
Paul was a teacher. He taught me how a departmental budget worked and then held me accountable to manage it. Paul spoke with authority without needing to intimidate.
Paul was a generous friend. In September 2001, Paul and Beth graciously offered Lyn and I the opportunity to vacation at their place on the beach in South Carolina. The trip was our 5th wedding anniversary celebration. It was a special time towards the end of the final year it would just be the two of us. On my desk there is a snapshot taken of Lyn and I that week as the sun set into the Atlantic Ocean. I'll always remember that gift.
In 2005, I was fascinated to have a view into how a company is sold. Paul was, again, front and center with his knowledge and experience. Paul, along with SmartDM's founders steered the company from the worst of times through to a deal worth $20+ million. SmartDM became Acxiom soon after. Paul, for reasons he did not tell me, chose to move on rather than continue with the new owners. He came at the right time and when he decided to leave he did so having worked hard up to the last minute.
In June, Paul and I traded emails for the last time. Here is part of what he wrote:
We’re doing great. I’m traveling a lot but I really like the job and we’re making it work. I’m usually out 3 nights a week, sometimes 4. I’ve got a corp house in Woodstock that’s really nice, so the girls are coming down here some this summer.
How are you doing? How's the family?
Paul loved his wife Beth and daughter Allison. Beautifully framed portraits hung on his office walls.
Paul made a lasting impression on me and now upon his death I'm reminded of the qualities I would like to imitate so that mine will stand as an example as a life well lived.
A scholarship fund has been set up. The family requests memorial gifts be sent to:
The Gilliland Scholarship Account
c/o Nashville Bank & Trust
4525 Harding Rd. Suite 300
Nashville, TN 37205
