How do you take a hated name in a big-city sports environment and turn it completely around -- making it a byword for success and drive -- all in under 12 months?
Make his first name Rocky.
I know, I know.. I'm supposed to be on vacation. But I couldn't help quickly commenting on this one.
The name of William Wirtz was a byword for hate in Chicago, with the vitriol against the Wirtz name growing deeper and harsher with each passing season. This went well beyond a bumbling franchise (the Cubs have been bumblers for the better part of a century): this was a reaction of common fans against a man who would give everything away -- including his own good name -- offering it all at the altar of greed.
It even led a former lawyer to write a book titled "Career Misconduct" - in which he cites and supports numerous arrogant and sometimes downright illegal activities by the Wirtz family. Talk about negative press...
With WWW's passing, his youngest son Rocky was tapped to take over the operations of the Blackhawks.
Rocky's story is worth mentioning whether or not you concern yourself with sports, because his business-savvy and personal approach are a model for any person.
At the end of last season, despite narrowly missing the playoffs yet AGAIN, Rocky Wirtz was likely surprised to receive the thunderous cheer of "Rocky, Rocky!" from Blackhawks fans.
The reasons for his success are rather simple, and they merit imitation in any field.
First, Rocky delegated. He brought in -- and continues to bring in with today's signing of Scotty Bowman -- the best people to do the job.
Second, Rocky reached out to his constituents. He took the pulse of what fans were left, balanced it against sound market research, and went to work accordingly.
Third, Rocky seems to understand that gains cannot be made without initial patience, sacrifice, and investment. For three decades, Hawks fans were only given patience. Now with sacrifice and investment added in, a real buzz is brewing.
Fourth, Rocky cleaned house. From top management down to bench-warmers, all the dead skin has been cut away. Sometimes you have to bleed a bit before the healing can begin.
Lastly, Rocky is simply positioning himself as the quiet head of a dynamic and forward-looking organization. He's provided a vision, all while providing the means to achieve this vision.
One almost wishes he would run for public office.
We can all stand to learn a thing or two from Rocky Wirtz, regardless of our position in life. Let's hope that his initial success blossoms into a real and well-deserved hockey dynasty for Chicago.
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