Doug Cooper

As sources of card inspiration go, there is none more fun than Doug Cooper. Along with providing our founder with truly sound business wisdom and great marketing advice, he also cracks her up on a regular basis. Doug and Jodee were good friends in college, and remain so today. Here’s Jodee’s story on how he inspired the “Choose friends who make you laugh” design specifically:

“Maybe like you and some of your own forever-friends, Doug and I are now separated by several time zones. But I’m grateful to say that ~ after 40 years of friendship ~ we are as close as ever, I think because we agree to share deeply, support each other completely, and laugh at every opportunity. I can also tell you this: Doug will never live down the phone conversation we had one night about two decades ago now …

“He had just joyfully sold his first business — and sadly parted ways with his first wife — and said he was feeling a little lost after all that shedding. From my couch in Chicago, he asked me from his in San Diego, “What was I like back in college?” and sounded so serious and vulnerable that I got right down to business. “Well, I remember you were as courageously committed to growth as you are right now. You were funny and smart, as full of ambitious ideas as you were self-doubt.” He said, “Sounding familiar. Please go on.” (:-)

“Ok, well, you were a kind and caring friend to many. Insightful, hard-working, creative and soulful.” On and on I went for nearly an hour. Endless adjectives and anecdotes. When I finally came to, “And I remember all the girls thought you were so cute when you’d pull up in your great little navy blue Karmann Ghia convertible.” I heard a satisfied smile in his voice as he said, “Thanks. This has really helped.” I replied, “Good. I’m glad.”

When I was sure that he felt truly seen and appreciated, I ventured, “OK, now you have me wondering. What do you remember about me?” He was quick to say, “You had,” then stopped. Dead silence until he added, “Nothing,” and then tacked on, “Nevermind.”

“So let me get this straight,” I said. “I filled the last half-hour with my fondest memories of you, and your memories of me consist of ‘Nothing.’ and ‘Nevermind?’” He took a long pause and a big sigh before, “Well, I was going to say, ‘You had great tits.’”

“WHAT!?!” So much for soulful! But, before I had time to get properly miffed, he jumped back in, “No, sorry, no, Jodee, that was just my 20-year-old self and the Karmann Ghia talking! Let me start over!” Then we both burst into laughter that still bubbles up all over again every time we share the memory.  Is it any wonder that Doug also inspired the, “Some guys grow up but never grow old” card, too?!?  Love that guy.

Cards Dedicated to Doug