On one of his recent trips to San Diego, SAIC’s new CEO Walt Havenstein dropped in at Cave Street to meet me and to discuss his plans for the company (photos below). I found that many of his thoughts about management were similar to my own — that employees should have a say in the management of the company. This was encouraging to me.

I offered to help him wherever I could, if he chooses to access that resource. I’m beginning to feel that the employees of SAIC are in good hands in these troubled times.

* * *

Last weekend I attended the Ernst & Young U.S. Entrepreneur of the Year ceremonies at the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort and Spa. One of my remaining impressions of the event was of the venue — the Marriott is really spread out. I’m certain I walked at least a mile each day to attend the different events, which was good for my cardiovascular system.

One more impression: Jay Leno was a wonderful master of ceremonies for the main event. He has the world’s best sense of humor. When Ernest Rady got up to accept his award, he said into the microphone, “Oh, my goodness me — I never expected this.” To that, Jay said, “Look Ernest, you’re going to need to clean up your language — we don’t allow the use of strong language at this meeting!”

The national Entrepreneur of the Year award winners represented 10 different categories:

  • Overall winner: Tom Adams – President, CEO, Rosetta Stone
  • Distribution and Manufacturing: Ken Solinsky – President, Insight Technology Incorporated
  • Emerging: Dallin Larsen – Chairman, President, Founder, MonaVie
  • Energy, Chemicals and Mining: M. Jay Allison – CEO, President, Comstock Resources, Inc.
  • Financial Services: Ernest Rady – Chairman, Insurance Company of the West
  • Health Sciences: Bruce L. Downey – Former Chairman, CEO, Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Media, Entertainment and Communications: Timothy J. Leiweke – President, CEO, AEG
  • Real Estate, Hospitality and Construction: Lee R. Anderson, Sr. – Chairman, APi Group, Inc.
  • Services: Robert Klein – CEO, Safeguard Properties
  • Technology: Paul Sagan – President, CEO, Akamai Technologies, Inc.

I finished my trip with a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which took me far up the slopes of Mt. San Jacinto. The upper station is at about 8,500 feet in altitude. The view was inspiring.



11 Responses to “Meeting with Walt Havenstein and Entrepeneur of the Year Ceremony Recap”

  1. 1 Andre V Milteer, M.A.

    Bob,
    What a Wonderful & Blessed Life You Have! SAIC continues the Way Forward with W. Havenstein; you are able to continue to contribute intellectually to varied discussions. Moreover, you were part of a Live audience with the Great Jay Leno! Of all of your credentials and accomplishments, I’m most envious of your Jay Leno interaction…’Just Kidding;’ glad you’re back and contributing to the discussions. -Andre, M.

  2. 2 Bob Wertheim

    Thanks so much for sharing with us your positive take on Walt Havenstein. As a U.S. Marine (note that there is no such thing as a “former” Marine) and especiially a fellow Naval Academy graduate, we should expect nothing less from him!

  3. 3 Damian Solomon

    Bob,

    I’ve worked for both SAIC and BAE Systems, and the two corporate cultures are very much different.

    SAIC got the better deal with Walt picking up the helm there. I hope that Walt shares his style with SAIC and that it spreads and helps remold SAIC.

  4. 4 Dr. Beyster

    Bob: Thanks for your post. As I said before, Walt Havenstein appears to be a very competent man. I hope and trust he’ll do well for SAIC. I note every day that nothing is happening with the stock price, not that I need the money. But I’m curious why a business that’s doing so well fiscally isn’t doing better in the public market. Hopefully that will change now. — Bob

  5. 5 Dr. Beyster

    Andre: Thanks for your note. As I stated last week, I look forward every year to seeing Jay Leno perform his bag of tricks. He’s a real class guy. — Bob

  6. 6 Dr. Beyster

    Damian: I appreciate your post, and I’m happy to hear you have a high opinion of Walt Havenstein after having worked with him at BAE. SAIC is at a crucial point in its history. The stock price seems to be stagnant even though the company continues to grow and prosper. Strange world we live in. — Bob

  7. 7 Damian Solomon

    Dr Beyster,

    I also hold the dubious distinction of having worked for SAIC for several years.

  8. 8 Vince

    Dr Beyster,

    As an IT employee at SAIC for almost 5 years, I am troubled by the current direction to move IT jobs to the East coast. Long time IT employees in key positions are leaving SAIC due to this direction and the management style of upper IT management. I was wondering where your thoughts are about this direction.

    Thanks,

    Vince

  9. 9 Mark Neuhausen

    Hi Dr. Beyster. I had the pleasure of working for Walt Havenstein when he was the GM at Raytheon E-Systems Melpar Division in Falls Church, VA. I also worked briefly with you at SAIC. SAIC is in good hands as he is ethical, honest, and straight forward.

  10. 10 Dr. Beyster

    Mark: Thanks for the response. I’m glad to hear you have a high opinion of Walt. He has a challenging path ahead of him. These are tough times for companies — including SAIC — and experience is critical. Besides his high ethical standards, Walt is a believer in employee ownership, which was a pleasant surprise to me. — Bob

  11. 11 Dr. Beyster

    Vince: I too am disturbed at the migration of technical and admin talent from the west coast to the east coast. I wouldn’t have done it. I would have tried to hold the team together here. However, things will probably work out all right. — Bob


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