Paul Hebert- What The Actual HELL is Going On?

Paul Hebert was part of the original FOT gangsters, the O.G.’s, if you will. When we met, and I’m not even entirely sure when that was, I think it was maybe in Kentucky, which…of course it was in Kentucky because {insert joke here}… anyway, when we met, it didn’t seem like we would be fast friends. Paul was doing his “black jacket and cigar” thing while I was bouncing down the streets of Lousiville in knee high boots, which I thought conveyed professionalism (and the First Lady proved me right on Monday…amirite?)

However, we managed to meet face to face and start the first of many smoky, outdoor conversations that sometimes  centered around HR, sometimes life. Whatever we were talking about, Paul and I always had a great time doing it, whether it was in balmy Las Vegas or frigid Omaha, we’d brave the outside weather to talk one-on-one about whatever the heck we wanted. Occasionally, we’d chat on the phone but even if we didn’t, Paul and I would pick up a thread after months, like it was yesterday.

Anyway, Paul very quickly became important to me. He became a friend, a mentor, a colleague and a super fun guy. And then I got a letter saying some stuff was going on and that he was definitely sorta sick, maybe a LOT sick and not to worry. WTH!?!?

Cancer keeps making it’s crummy rounds on my friends and family, especially lately but for some reason Paul was the last person I’d ever imagine in danger. I don’t know why, he’s got this weird Brando thing going. So a lot of people are writing about Paul today in honor of Tim Sackett Day (which I refuse to acknowledge as a thing) and I thought there are some things that you should know:

Paul is totally smart. I was digging around on his site and found this incentive starter kit that is like, awesome. If you’ve ever heard him speak, it’s like .003% of the stuff he actually knows.

Paul is pretty funny. Exhibit A:

“No one ever told me that tobacco use could cause cancer in your gentleman’s luggage.”

Paul loves his kiddos. He tries to play off the whole curmudgeon thing but he really does. Many of our best conversations have centered around the raising of kids (the right way!) I think knowing all about human psychology and incentives gives him a bit of a leg up in this category.

I have seen Paul dance. Well not like boogie DOWN but definite arm and shoulder movement.

Today is Paul’s birthday. I love birthdays.

Paul will get better.