We have lost an incredible leader and friend. Jamiel Saliba, passed unexpectedly, which has left many at a loss for words and holes in our hearts. Jamiel was one-of-a-kind and someone said it best to me when they said, they broke the mold with him. Jamiel was a good ‘ol boy from Birmingham who had a big personality and even bigger heart. Anyone who met him walked away a different person. He came into a room and people listened. There are so many lives he influenced and touched, it is difficult to fathom his outreach.  He was also one of the funniest and witty people I know. Even in the most difficult of times, he made the situation better. He loved entertaining, he loved his work, he loved his work family, he loved Alabama football and above all, he loved his beautiful family. I have so many memories of him I could write a book, I know there are many who could do the same. Jamiel enjoyed sharing a “jug o’ juice” (aka red wine) with colleagues and friends and didn’t pass up a great Italian or Steak restaurant or a Karaoke bar to sing Sweet Home Alabama (of course!). He came into my life about 20 years ago and as soon as I met him my life was forever changed. He would tell a story about our first business experience together (too long to tell!). Over the years I would be so embarrassed and cringe when he’d tell it and I would tell him he needs a new story! What I wouldn’t give to hear that story again. He left us too soon, he had so much more life to live.

If I could talk to him one more time I would tell him Thank You. Thank you for believing in a naive 23 year old, thank you for taking me under your wings, thank you for always standing up for me and putting things into perspective, thank you for confiding in me and allowing me to confide in you, thank you for being there at my highest of highs and my lowest of lows, thank you for making me the person I am today, thank you for making me laugh so hard my stomach hurt, thank you for all of the love you gave, thank you for never being too busy to talk to me, thank you for being my mentor, and most of all, thank you for being my friend. I love you Jamiel.