We started GEWllc shortly after our Son Michael was born.  Betsy wanted to stay home with Mick, with Betsy’s back ground and degree in Accounting we were able to do that with Betsy managing our Payroll, invoicing, and accounts receivable.  As we grew Betsy took on HR, 401K, benefits, managing state license, accounts payable, licensing in the different jurisdictions, State Reporting, etc.

Initially GEWllc was based out of a small bedroom in our first house, where Betsy and I worked.  My desk was on one side of the room while Betsy’s was on the other.  We could not work in the office at the same time as their simply was not enough room (our chairs hit if we were both working…).  I miss that room.

As GEWllc grew, Betsy’s work load and responsibilities grew not just in number of staff and Partners but with increasing client’s in multiple different States and Territories.  We could not have grew to where we are today without Betsy’s attention to detail, non-stop commitment to our staff and most importantly with her “just always being there”.

One funny story.  I picked up an Expert Witness case that required a fast turnaround.  I asked the attorney’s involved if ok for Betsy to help me.  They agreed.  I asked what I should invoice Betsy’s hours at, they agree to same rate as their Paralegals at $75 per hour (this was of few years ago…).  Coming home I informed Betsy of the new weekend project, needing her help over weekend…  She agreed than asked ‘… well what do I get paid?…’  So I asked her what she was making per hour while she worked at City of Camus.  She said $35 per hour.  I asked if that works, she agreed and I let a little smile out.  Betsy asked me ‘What’s so funny?’.  I then told her I was charging $75 per hour; making a $40 per hour profit on her.  She called me an “ass”…  Yes I did tell the attorney’s involved who LOL.   A few months later we did enjoy our first trip to Hawaii; partly paid for by this weekend working together.

In Betsy’s desk I found a Thank You note written to Betsy from our Partner Bill Wood.  It simple said “Thank you Betsy, we could not do this without you.  You are the glue that holds us together”.

I do miss us hitting the back of our chairs when we worked together in our first little office.  The Michael and Katie running into the office wanting to play…

I met Bruce in 1994 while he was working at the AGC as a Sr Loss Control Representative working with many contractors throughout SW WA and the Greater Portland metro area. I think Bruce knew ever contractor and every car dealership in the Region.

From the beginning Bruce and I had a great relationship helping contractors and pulling jokes on each other and other people… One specific time was at an ASSE dinner meeting. We all had a few drinks and dinner before the presentations. The presenter had the lights turned down which spelled perfect for falling asleep… So I got up to stand at the back of the room, shortly Bruce and Ian Chase joined me with Ian standing between us. At some point in the presentation the presenter but up a chart and Bruce whispered some inappropriate comment to me (Ian between us – who looked up with surprise at the comment not knowing the decades long friendship and joking Brice and I did back and forth). Not to be out done, I made an inappropriate comment back to Bruce; with Ian hearing this, he just lost it and Laughed out loud (like really loud) and he had to walked to back of room LOL… Everyone turned around looking at us three. Bruce and I just stood there arms crossed like nothing happened while everyone started looking at Ian… When all turned back around to the presentation, Ian walked back between us two and called us, well something inappropriate…. Bruce and I loved joking around and pulling jokes on others…

Bruce and his family joined me and my family at different events over the years/decades from dinner, to hockey games to parties and countless ASSE meetings…. Bruce’s love for his wife Willie and Son Bruce Jr was a role model for all of us to follow. There is no comparison to the love and respect Bruce had for his family.

Bruce was very active in the Local ASSE serving as Chapter President two consecutive years as well as many other positions but the position I think he loved the most was that of Governmental Affairs. Bruce spoke at many Conferences and has been recognized by fellow safety professional winning many awards and acknowledgements. Bruce was also very active in the formation of and growth of the Construction Safety Summitt.

I was very very fortunate to have Bruce join me as a Partner at GEWllc in 2012. Where Bruce managed many construction accounts for us as well as got us into many car dealerships providing them safety services.

Bruce, you will never be forgotten my Friend, my Mentor, my Business Partner, my Buddy.