Salvatore Salamone, I worked with and then for Steve at MasterCard from 1989 to 1995.
Favorite Quinnie Memory or Story
One day at work, I had been given some news about some promotions that really bothered me. Steve could tell I was upset. He invited me to lunch at O’Neals (kinda got the impression they knew him there when we walked in). We spent 5 hours talking about my concerns. While I can still faintly remember what was bothering me, I can vividly remember how much better I felt that Steve talked to me about it and took the time to listen. We did not solve any problems that day but I went home knowing someone took the time and cared. Of course he paid for the burgers and beer as he told me “my money was not good there.” He was a great guy.
Favorite Quinnie Characteristic
I had many conversations with Steve during my 6 years at the company. Steve had a way of responding to something that puzzled him or he could not fully explain by saying “It is what it is”. He is the first person I had ever heard say that and to this day, I still use it. Also, when I told him a story about something that happened at work, he would typically ask me to speed it up (I may have been a bit wordy) by saying “Net Net Bottom Line, what is the answer?”. Once again, a phrase that I still use.
Memorable Trips, Events, Occasions, etc.
I was in NY a few years back, I believe in December of 2003 and I met Steve on the subway. I had not seen him in 8-9 years. I approached him and he immediately smacked me on the back and yelled out “what’s up Sally-boy.” I was genuinely happy to see him and he appeared happy to see me. We spent about 10 minutes together talking and I immediately felt comfortable talking to him as if it had been 8-9 days I had not seen him rather than 8-9 years. He had a way of inviting you into his world that made you very comfortable.
Steve was the first person to introduce me to golf. We were in Phoenix together on a business trip and he took me out to hit balls for the first time. He showed me the stance and explained some of the rules (i.e. if you don’t hit it past the ladies tees you have to play the next hole with your private parts hanging out of your pants – is that a real rule?). I really enjoyed the trip.
Final Thoughts and Farewell
Steve was a good man who adored his daughter. He had a picture on his desk of his daughter wearing a green dress at Christmas that I can still remember to this day. She was the apple of his eye and I cherish feeling the same way about my daughter as well. He was a good man.
