Last week, I visited Arizona to celebrate the opening of our Scottsdale facility. While there, I had the opportunity to spend some time with professional athlete, Peter Jacobsen. As I watched him interact with fans, I began to think about the celebrity culture in this country and the dynamics of the relationship between celebrities and fans. Despite the fact that not all celebrities are arrogant, a number of persons are of the view that they are a bunch that could care less about their fans. You've probably seen or heard about celebrities who tend to become annoyed when you ask them for an autograph. Such response is usually not well received. So, many times we seem to like to talk about celebrities in a negative light and fewer stories of good deeds are spread. It probably has something to do with our culture. We just love watching a good train wreck, like a Nascar crash or a hockey fight!
So, I couldn't resist the opportunity to spread the good word about my friend, Peter Jacobsen, who is more like the guy next door than a celebrity. Peter is a true gentleman, always making time for autograph seekers, greets them with a friendly smile and a warm hug, and is happy to pose for a picture. When you observe him, it is evident that his actions are genuine, never faked because he knows if it were not for these adoring fans, he wouldn't be able to do what he loves for a living. I've never seen any professional athlete or celebrity come close to Peter when it comes to the way he relates to his fans. What I find equally amazing is how much his real life persona matches his TV persona.
Some of you may know that Peter is the LSI spokesperson. He had back surgery at LSI and only 10 days after surgery, he was in the lead at the Toshiba Classic, and later won the 2008 Wendy's Champions Skins Game. Since that time, hundreds of people have contacted his company to find out where he had back surgery. Many have been surprised to receive a call from Peter to wish them well and tell them about his experience at LSI. His warm and friendly personality makes him approachable and we are happy to have him as our spokesperson.
Regardless of what walk of life we come from, we all look to others for guidance; athletes are no different. Peter is truly a model example on how to treat fans and I encourage emerging professional athletes to take a page out of Peter's book. Remember the old saying, "Be like Mike," I say, be like Peter.
So, I couldn't resist the opportunity to spread the good word about my friend, Peter Jacobsen, who is more like the guy next door than a celebrity. Peter is a true gentleman, always making time for autograph seekers, greets them with a friendly smile and a warm hug, and is happy to pose for a picture. When you observe him, it is evident that his actions are genuine, never faked because he knows if it were not for these adoring fans, he wouldn't be able to do what he loves for a living. I've never seen any professional athlete or celebrity come close to Peter when it comes to the way he relates to his fans. What I find equally amazing is how much his real life persona matches his TV persona. Some of you may know that Peter is the LSI spokesperson. He had back surgery at LSI and only 10 days after surgery, he was in the lead at the Toshiba Classic, and later won the 2008 Wendy's Champions Skins Game. Since that time, hundreds of people have contacted his company to find out where he had back surgery. Many have been surprised to receive a call from Peter to wish them well and tell them about his experience at LSI. His warm and friendly personality makes him approachable and we are happy to have him as our spokesperson.
Regardless of what walk of life we come from, we all look to others for guidance; athletes are no different. Peter is truly a model example on how to treat fans and I encourage emerging professional athletes to take a page out of Peter's book. Remember the old saying, "Be like Mike," I say, be like Peter.
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