And that’s a wrap. Today is my last day with Xumo It’s been a magical nearly 12 years for me since the start, and in having a little to do with this whole #FAST / Free TV thing. I think it’s pretty unique and special to have started a business that got sold 3 times: Once to Panasonic (JV), again to Comcast and then again to Charter Communications. Some great memories (to name but a few) - Wrangling with Panasonic for nearly a year to put the initial JV deal together, including meeting this JIRO EGAWA fellow who became the best business partner one could imagine, and the one taking my place as I move on. - Hail-Mary flights to Korea and (very) late night drinking sessions to put the first FAST deal in place with an OEM. - Visiting ad agencies around the US carrying our TV in a bag to do demos. was SO glad when the little lightweight 32” came out rather than the heavy 42”. I loved how powerful this technique was compared to using slide decks. - Becoming a button on a remote control of a major TV brand, displacing a major streaming superpower when we were less than 40 people. - The “survival” years when the business was growing so fast that cash-flow management became an adrenaline sport. - End of year celebrations of beating goals, including one very special all-hands trip to San Diego and seeing the Xumo name up in lights. - Sale of the business to Comcast. Late nights managing due-diligence and in the daytime running the business. Wow! Incredible. - Taking on the traditional Title 6 video world with responsibility for all of Xfinity's streaming platforms, and the beginnings of the idea that led to the next chapter. - Announcing Xumo - the new Charter + Comcast joint venture which will change the streaming world for the better, including our first Xumo-branded retail TV’s and Stream Boxes. Most of all, it’s the people that make it special, the Xumo team that made it all happen – the ones I am most grateful for. The battles, the wins, the ups and downs, the business partners who saw something valuable in this idea and took a leap of faith to work with us when we were very small and continue to be excited about the business now it’s getting a little bigger. Thanks so much to all…
Jeff Eissinger
2mo
Wow, what a ride! A lot to be proud of in the journey. Isn't it always the people and relationships formed that stand out in the end? Always about the team, and this is a great one
Mark Lee
2mo
Thank you for your partnership as our first FAST provider for LG Channels! Great accomplishments and looking forward to your next venture.
Peter J Roberts
2mo
What a ride and so much to reflect and be proud of! Hope you can find time to get some surfing in!
Matthew Durgin
2mo
Just amazing to read this even though I was there in person seeing your incredible leadership for a good portion of it! Congratulations on getting to the end of this chapter and proud to know you Colin... Thanks for everything!
Gavin Bridge
2mo
Thank you for your kindness you showed to me, the little chats and being a source of advice to me. You are a true gentleman of FAST and I hope you’re not gone from the industry forever. I’ll always think fondly of the events we did and for the drinks by the pool at the Majestic!!
Wendell Wenjen
2mo
I also remember carrying a 50" Smart TV to agency meetings and particularly a meeting with Time Warner at Columbus Circle when I had to bring it through the loading dock. And hauling a 55" to CES for meetings in our suite. Fun times! Congratulations Colin.
Ken Lloyd
2mo
Colin Petrie-Norris superb recap. I felt all of your ups and downs. Great luck on the next stop.
Michael Ortman
2mo
Congratulations, Colin Petrie-Norris. I enjoyed working with you. And as a parting gift, I thought I’d let you know I’m having three of these installed in my new home today.
Rick Howe
2mo
Colin - let’s get you on a Friday Fireside
ex-Google | Data Science | ML | IP Law
2mo12 years, huh? Coincidentally, almost every professional conversation I've had for the past 12 years involved me engineering a way to mention that the founder and CEO of Xumo was an early-career mentor of mine. Congrats, Colin. You are a legend. You taught me at a very early stage of my career that being serious about business did not preclude one from also being kind, fair, and generous. You've continued to live that example ever since, both as a leader and a friend. Best wishes to you in the next stage of your journey. Cheers!