Mr. Polin touched many of our lives in ways he will never know. Years ago, as a member of a small networking group, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Pollin at the Verizon Center luncheon.

He shared a story about working through his “lows” and never accepting “NO” as an answer – when you are passionate about doing the right thing! The story he shared was about his passion for building a better community/city.

Several weeks ago, I had the pleasure of hearing one of his “mentees” speak for the Breakfast of Leaders at the National Business Center in Loudoun County. It’s no surprise that this same passion for building communities came through. We need more leaders that toss out the conventional management by numbers theories…and work to build passionate teams and communities that will make a a long term difference!

We are very fortunate to have such great leaders in our communities. I will consider our ventures a success if they make 1/1000th of the difference you guys have made. Thank you Mr. Pollin and thank you Mr. Leonsis!