Geoff Perkins
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Retirement 2017

14/1/2017

9 Comments

 
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It is almost 20 years since I began my life at Walford. My association goes back even further since I got lost trying to find the place in 1992.
At the end of January my time with Walford comes to a close and I take my retirement.
I am not sure what retirement means other than no longer being the early morning slave to my alarm.
It will mean forming a relationship with a new barista. I have had 20 years of meetings at Paparazzi on Unley Rd. 20 years when I have written more than 8 million dollars of business at table number 17 or close by.
My thanks to the broad range of sales people who understand how to do business with me. It is a simple formula. Buy in to our aims and goals and be a partner in the long term development of Walford. I have worked with many good people who have embraced this process. I will miss the deep and detailed negotiations.
I have already noticed the difference trying to buy my own phone. I have had a mobile phone since 1991. I have never bought one retail for myself. Purchasing without the potential of a large organisation behind me is a different world. I don't get access to high level corporate sales people. I get the regular retail sales force. I think I am just too scary for these young people. Guess I need to tone down a little. I am no longer buying the metaphorical sheep station. Now I will be hunting the humble lamb chop. 
One of the many things I gotta to get used to.
Retirement could be just working to a more varied timetable - I can do that. And remembering all the things I treasure about me. I can revisit those things and actually deliver.
I have loved the coffee fuelled conversations of the last two decades. If you feel there are a few more problems in the world we can solve -  make contact and we can get on it.
I hand back my keys on Jan 27. 
Jan 30 is a new adventure.
Maybe I’ll be able to get back to my blog at www.geoffperkins.com
Maybe I’ll get back to tweeting @gperkins_1
Maybe I’ll need my own social media policy.
Maybe I’ll see you there.

9 Comments
Cherie Pickering
14/1/2017 13:47:17

Congratulations on your retirement Geoff. You will be sorely missed in the education community ... particularly the ADEs in Adelaide. I sincerely appreciated your support and encouragement when we, at Unley HS, began our journey introducing iPads, and Apple technologies in general, into the Unley HS community. I shall keep an eye on your blog and look forward to reading of your retirement thoughts and adventures. All the best, Cherie

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Pam
14/1/2017 15:46:13

Congratulations on your retirement. Enjoy. They will be lost without you.

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Sheryl
14/1/2017 16:29:23

I get a strange feeling whenever I think about retirement. Not sure if it's the closing of one door or the unknown of all there is beyond work. It is and has been such a huge part of who I am. I will be interested to hear about your new adventures.

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Marlene
14/1/2017 19:38:00

Such wonderful observations and contemplations. We will miss you Geoff in more ways than one. Wishing you well in your retirement, knowing that we will cross paths on the beach or in a cafe or at a gig. Go well xxx

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Mick
15/1/2017 22:13:30

Hey Geoff one door closes behind you and another opens in front of you I'm sure some of those people that you played sheep stations with will want to make use of your knowledge and skills I'm sure you will find a way to do that yourself with a new audience if they don't! Take care and enjoy the next two weeks Unchartered but exciting times ahead for you I think.

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Darryl Cross link
16/1/2017 12:53:11

Congratulations Geoff on an outstanding effort at Walford & for taking the school on a huge IT journey that no-one could ever have imagined. As the future unfolds, it is very difficult to see you "retire" from life, so it will be intriguing to see what chapter opens up next for you! Thx for all your help along the way & for the congenial & friendly way in which you conducted yourself. God's blessings!

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Colin Pearce
27/1/2017 11:24:36

Brilliant career(s) so far Geoff.
Roll the wagons. Westward Ho. Can't wait to see what you get up to next. Love and best wishes.

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Marie Good
27/1/2017 14:30:00

Welcome to retirement, you are bound to have a fabulous time. You are always welcome at SAAUC, South Australian Apple Users' Club.

Marie

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Chris Downing
1/2/2017 15:49:02

All the best Geoff, you deserve it. Don't ever forget the number of lives you've affected over the years. I think it's fair to say the education landscape (certainly the Apple education landscape) would look different in this state if not for your influence.

See ya 'round 👍🏼

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    This is me thinking about thinking. My thoughts about what I stumble over. Generally over a coffee.

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