Remembering Don Harvey: A Tribute to a True Legend

Yesterday, we said our final goodbyes to a legend and my dear friend and business partner of 30 years, Don Harvey. It's hard to encapsulate the impact he had on me and everyone around him in mere words. Don wasn't just a colleague; he was a mentor, a visionary, a father figure, a friend and the epitome of resilience and hustle.

Don had an infectious optimism that seemed to radiate from him every day. In all our years working together, I never once saw him have a bad day. Even when faced with challenges, he approached them with a level of grace and determination that was truly remarkable. Don was always there to lend an ear and offer guidance during tough times, a quality I'll forever cherish.

He took a chance on me when I was just 21, a liberal arts major with no background in sales or technology. But under Don's guidance, I learned the ropes, soaking in his every move. He had a natural way with clients, making every interaction about them and their needs, not his own. His emphasis on building relationships while consistently generating actionable items and new business set the standard for our success.

In 1998, we co-founded VistaRMS, embarking on one of the most exciting journeys of my career. Don instilled in me the importance of always doing "just one more thing." His relentless drive to make that extra call or connection often made all the difference. I'll never forget the night when, ready to leave for the day, Don made that one last call, resulting in a breakthrough client that propelled our business forward.

The "Harvey Hustle" was his mantra—a commitment to continuous learning, relentless drive, and uplifting others along the way. His Harvey Hustle rubbed off on all of us. Thanks to Don's hustle and our amazing team, we earned the accolade of the #2 fastest-growing private company in the Inc 500, an achievement we celebrated together with pride.

However, our journey wasn't without its challenges. After the events of 9/11, our business took a hit. But true to form, we didn't stay down for long. We pivoted, reinvented ourselves, and persevered branching into the federal sector. I'll always remember those tough times, the sleepless nights, and the sacrifices we made to keep our dream alive. But through it all, Don's unwavering optimism and resilience shone brightest.

When a large, plublicly traded staffing firm acquired our company, Don could have retired, but his dedication to our team and our vision kept him by my side for another 15+ years. Together, we championed the mission of "One Team – One Fight," a rallying cry that embodied our unity and determination as we built out this company to be the #5 largest IT Staffing Firm.

Don's impact extended far beyond the office. He touched the lives of everyone he met, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. Alongside my father, Don will forever hold a special place in my memories. Their legacy lives on through scholarships at Penn State in their honor, a small token of gratitude for the wisdom and guidance they bestowed upon me.

Don’s final resting place is Arlington National Cemetery, where my dad was buried ten years before him almost to the day. Both of them were great men who served their countries proudly and selflessly, fighting in Vietnam. My dad came home from the war permanently disabled, and his life was forever changed. Don also spilled his blood for this country earning two Purple Hearts. It’s fitting to me that they will both be remembered forever, with flags placed at their graves every Memorial Day and wreaths every Christmas.

Don, you will be deeply missed, but your legacy will live on in me and countless others. I am committed to paying forward all the invaluable lessons you taught me and passing them on to future generations. As my career comes to a close with the chapter with you, I gaze toward the future and it feels right to embark on this new phase in a different organization without you by my side. It will be my first solo endeavor without your guidance, but I'm eager for new adventures. (more to come on that in a later post.) I know you'll be looking down from heaven, cheering me on alongside my dad.

Thank you to all of our employees who have become friends and family who joined us yesterday. I know I can speak for Don when I say, you have made both of our lives better.