(originally published as a tribute to Don in the Fall 2009 issue of In The Works)
Long before Facebook, or even the internet, Don Craighead became a one man social network and force for good in Minnesota’s technology community.
It all started with popcorn balls, in Kindergarten. “The
other kids sold one or two,” Don recounts.
“I said ‘Give me a case’ and I sold them all.”
Don’s moxie, vision, drive and smarts have taken him
far. After graduating the U of M’s
rigorous mechanical engineering program, he launched a company called
Powermation, on his family’s ping pong table. Then and now, Powermation promises innovative
automation solutions and exceptional customer service. “We weren’t just selling them equipment,” Don
explained. “We were there to figure out
what the problem was, what the customer was really trying to get done. And they knew, they knew we’d never,
ever leave them in the lurch.” Don
laughs. “Take very good care of your
customer,” he advises, “and it’ll come back to you.”
As Powermation prospered, Don took an early “retirement” and
began a second career as champion of Minnesota’s
technology industry. He joined The
Works’ Board of Trustees many years back, and has been an invaluable advisor
and advocate through thick and thin. Any
conversation with Don is peppered with advice on what’s going on and who’s
doing what. He’ll hand you their business
cards too, to make sure you connect. Don
has single-handedly introduced The Works to hundreds of interesting people.
 |
| That's Don on the right. Alas, he is not wearing his famous orange jacket. |
The Works is one of many causes that benefit from Don’s big heart and business card re-distribution system. Competition is a stupid word, he says. “We’re all in this together.” Then, more quietly, he adds, “Give, Give. Don’t try to keep score.”
Thank you, Don Craighead, for your many gifts to Minnesota's technology community and to many lucky nonprofit organizations.
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