Acknowledgments

It has been said that writing a book is a journey. As with any journey it normally cannot be done alone for it to be successful. This book is a case in point. I would not have been able to complete this book without the support of many people.

My wife, Rhonda, has not only been inspirational to me in making Virtual Vic come alive, she has inspired me to keep going when I questioned the concepts in this book. She provided guidance and often confirmed that it was important to get the story of Vic out to the world in a time when leadership and the challenges of the virtual work environment are starting to manifest within many organizations. Rhonda, thank you, for your unending support and guidance.

Andrew and Brittany, my children, have also provided support. Often their support could be misunderstood when they would tell me, “Dad, enough about Vic; just finish the book.” I know they understood the concepts discussed. Now that they are productive adults making their own mark in the world, it is with much appreciation they have stood beside me on this journey. They even helped “Pops” learn newer aspects of technology; thanks, Andrew and Brittany.

My son-in-law, Adam, has also provided support and guidance. As a marine officer who was serving our nation in Japan during the time I was writing this book, he (and my daughter) with the use of technology provided the ability to keep a family connected while being many miles apart; talk about remoteness.

To my mom and dad, who have both passed away, I can never thank them enough for all the support and encouragement they provided. Without their care and lessons throughout my life this journey would have been difficult to endure. My mom passed away during the final edits of the book and I ask that you read the personal touch section to understand the great lesson she taught me related to the use of technology.

To my dear friend Lou, who was not only my father-in-law, but a friend who helped me shape many of my thoughts about Vic before he passed away. The talks we would have when we spent time together were life lessons that will never be forgotten. To Margaret, my mother-in-law, thank you for helping me define who Vic is and introduce his informal board of directors by discussing with me Reggie, Samantha, and Bob.

To all the virtual workers and leaders who have dedicated themselves to this new organizational structure, thank you. Without you my studies and research would be without merit. It is because of you that we must find better ways to lead and work within the virtual work environment.

All the teachers and professors who helped shape my thinking along the way, I say a big thank you. I am sure some of my high school teachers are wondering what happened to me to turn me into a writer and researcher. They need to know that providing guidance and staying on me to complete my studies while encouraging me to use my energy in a productive way has yielded results. The professors who worked with me during my undergraduate work and into my PhD, I cannot thank you enough. Dr. Salmon and Dr. Forsythe, in particular, thank you.

During my professional career I have had the honor to work for some of the best leaders. Under the leadership of Tony Cataliotti, Ellen Glover, and now Tom Ferrando, I have had the opportunity to learn from some of the best and been able to grow as a leader .

My coworkers and colleagues, I want to thank you for your support throughout the years.

I have had the privilege to lead some of the finest individuals in my leadership roles. It is my true belief that I was able to lead and grow as a leader because we worked as a team. There are too many to name, but they know who they are and I want to thank them for their support throughout the years.

The illustrations of Virtual Vic and the other characters where done by a very talented illustrator, Melanie Judd. Melanie was able to take my concepts of the individuals and bring them to life. Thank you for your dedication and hard work.

A special thanks to my lifelong friends, Kevin, Cathy, and Sarah as well as Sarah’s husband, Corey. Kevin, Cathy, and Sarah have been my friends since elementary school. We have recently reconnected and have not lost one ounce of connection. I thank you for a lifetime of memories and with the inclusion of Corey we have found new memories that have inspired me to keep going. Our renewed friendship has been extremely important to me in knowing regardless of the distance at times, a true connection will endure any challenge.

Finally, as with all successful journeys there is a sense of accomplishment; yet, without readers this journey may fall short. In advance I thank all the people who will read the story of Virtual Vic and gain some connection to it. I hope that you are inspired by the story and can take some practical lessons as you continue to work in this new organizational structure. Like all successful journeys, journeys that are accomplished provide inspiration for us to do more. I plan to make other journeys related to the virtual work environment, and until that time, thank you all and I look forward to seeing you on future journeys.