Thanks Bull

Back in 2002 I was a nobody analyst at a small Salt Lake City VC firm most people had never heard of. That year my boss introduced me to his former boss at Excite, Brett Bullington. At that point, Brett had transitioned out of a day to day operating roles and was a full time dad and angel investor.

Like most people who meet Bull, we clicked right away. For Brett, connections come easily. Which is just one reason why he is one of the most plugged in people in the Valley.

Long before angel investing was cool, Brett was one of its few great practitioners. He didn’t have a spray and pray approach. His was a true investment of dollars and time often serving on the board or spending full days a week with the companies and founders he’d backed. Each of whom felt the positive impact of having him around the table with them.

Despite being heavily recruited by top VC funds and hot startups for CEO gigs, Bull has always been mindful of his priorities in business and family life. Any conversation we’ve had over the years tends to be split between his portfolio of companies and his kids activities and achievements. He was equally effusive and glowing about both.

At the time we met, I had nothing to offer him. He would not be perceived as cooler for having me in his network. Nor would he have access to anyone he didn’t already know. Yet he gave me air time and access to his network freely sharing introductions and dealflow as he did with so many others.

Over the years our friendship has continued to grow. A few weeks back he invited me to join him on a cross country bicycle ride. Time nor circumstances permitted, but I’ve been following his route.

Less than a week ago Brett had a sudden and traumatic accident. He’s in pretty bad shape. There’s a Tumblr page which is updating daily on his progress and each day hold bits of hope that he’ll continue to be with us for much much longer.

I don't necessarily have anything deeply insightful to add here, but as I read the updates on Brett’s condition my heart leaps between sadness for the pain he’s suffering and gratitude for the friendship and example he’s shared with me over the years. He’s never asked for anything and always given freely even when he had no reason to do so.

Thanks for everything Bull. We could use a whole lot more just like you.