Randy Chilton pays tribute to operator Lee Batson
I can't get past the 103 days. On October 24, 2001, the industry lost a leading and much respected operator. George Lee Batson III, 52, passed on around dinnertime, on a fall day. He was in Little Rock, Arkansas, at an apartment that he had rented while being treated for Multiple Myeloma at the University of Arkansas cancer treatment center. By his side was his companion, Nancy Norris. It was 103 days earlier, July 13, that he went to the doctor's office complaining of a backache. Lee wasn't one to complain much. The back had been bothering him at least since March of this year when, in hindsight, he remembered laying in bed noticing his back wasn't right. The doctor told him on July 13 that at least some of the problem was that he had a broken rib. Lee didn't even know it. What he learned shortly thereafter was that his ailment was Multiple Myeloma cancer, a disease that attacks the bone marrow, weakening the bones from the inside out.
Lee's home and office is located in Orange Beach, Alabama. Earlier in life, Jimmy Ryan, Lee's first official employee and long time confidant, tells me Lee served time in the Air Force, owned a disco and went to school to become an electrical engineer, among other things. His first coin operated equipment experience was running weight scales. He would go into his locations and see the other coin operated equipment being run very poorly. His performance with the scales was excellent, so his customers expanded him into other categories, such as video games. From there he built a company that operates in eight states throughout the southeastern United States. He established himself as an industry leader very early on in his career.
When asking those that knew him well what Lee's proudest moment would be if we could ask him, they were torn as to how he would answer. They didn't know if the time he caught a 500-pound Blue Marlin would be the highlight, or maybe it was when he got his pilot's license. Perhaps it would be when he set his first Wal-Mart vestibule with amusement games in Fairfield, Alabama in 1982. He was also very proud to be an architect of Wal-Mart's Headliner video program, which is still in tact today. Working with then Wal-Mart Other Income Director Dave Graham, Lee was suggesting to David that Wal-Mart could make more net revenue with Cruisin' U.S.A. and other new video titles accepting 40% commission rather than the traditional 50% split. That one program did more to make Wal-Mart a premier video location than any other program. His Sunshine Companies now operates in over 500 Wal-Mart stores, and is widely recognized by his peers and Wal-Mart Other Income Associates as one of the very best operations in the industry.
During those 103 days, he was afraid at first, as anyone diagnosed with any type of cancer would be. Taking a methodical approach to his problem just as he had in business decisions many times, he read about his type of cancer and developed a plan. The University of Arkansas is the very best place in the country to be treated for his type of cancer. I knew this before from another friend of mine who had gone there and been treated successfully. Lee wasn't a guy to get excited and stressed over any decision, and this wasn't to be any different.
I can imagine that Lee was a great guy to work for. With his low-key approach to everything, I wonder if he ever raised his voice or let anyone know that he was upset. Insiders knew that when he would slip out for the afternoon to go fishing (he owned his own 44 foot vessel), he was just needing time away to sort through some issue or solve a problem. It was said that if Lee didn't know the answer to something, he would just start reading everything he could find on the subject at hand. That's what he did with his cancer. He learned about his ailment, found the best place in the country, and was there in just a matter of days. Those who spoke to him during those 103 days speak of a very confident man who had decided he could beat whatever had come his way. He almost did. The cancer didn't technically take him, but rather a massive heart attack ended his life that night. His treatment was in full stride when he died, and the prognosis was getting better with every check up.
It's been said since October 24 that "There but for the grace of God go I" by more than one friend of Lee's. Seeing his 53rd birthday was a given prior to his diagnosis in July. He didn't make it. Lee had the boat, a successful career that was going to allow him to retire as a young man, and the desire to live out his golden years fishing for Blue Marlin in the Gulf of Mexico. When someone tells you to "Enjoy the journey, not the destination," this is what they are talking about. We've no guarantees we're going to make it. It sure appeared that Lee was enjoying every day of his journey. He was successful, genuine, and he wasn't boastful quite a refreshing combination. David Jackson of Pachinko Palace said it best: "Lee was the E.F. Hutton of our industry. When Lee spoke, everyone listened. Lee taught me how to think outside the box." I couldn't agree more.
Here are a few thoughts from some of Lee's other industry friends:
"Lee was an innovator, a mentor of mine, and teacher to all. He was one of the most intuitive men I've ever known. Most importantly, he was my friend."
Chris Wade, Operations Director Other Income, Wal-Mart:
"In my days at Wal-Mart, I quickly identified Lee as someone I needed to hang with. He knew his stuff and taught me a lot. I've known him as a supplier, a competitor, and a friend. He was a class act. At a Wal-Mart golf tournament he played 18 holes, quite poorly, and in a sport jacket. Now that was funny to watch."
Britain White, Sugarloaf Creations:
"You mean the John Wayne of Alabama? A manufacturer's dream, always buying, good pay, and a good friend. Lee was a real straight shooter. He loved his job, every day."
Gordon Smart, Smart Industries:
"Lee was the kind of guy that you felt comfortable with the first time you met him. He was always eager to help and offer good advice, and in an industry as competitive as ours, that is unique. I will miss him."
Fred Simon, Amusement Factory
"I respected Lee as an operator and as a competitor. I always found him honorable. He was a fun guy to be around. He was the one guy who could keep Fred Simons and Dave Kamen in line."
Randy Fagundo, Sugarloaf Creations:
"Sunshine Enterprises will miss Lee dearly." However, the Sunshine bench is very deep. At 52 years young of age, you're not generally spending much time putting your succession plan in place. During Lee's 103 days, he did just that. Four key executives of the company, at Lee's direction, are in the process of purchasing the company. Robert Noell Jr., is Chief Executive Officer. Kathy McCaffrey is the Chief Financial Officer. Ed Roller is the Chief Operating Officer, and Tres Sprinkle is Business Development and Customer Relations. The company is in good hands. Speculation has run rampant with such a high profile operating company losing its leader since October 24. The management team wanted me to assure readers of this magazine that although it is quite different without Lee, and he is missed every minute, the business continues, and will continue to run without interruption. The average tenure of a Sunshine employee is over ten years. They know what to do. Lee was a leader that stayed out of the way after the direction was given. This may prove to be his most important business legacy.
The first person mentioned in Lee's last will and testament was Jimmy Ryan. While it is clear that someone had to be first, Jimmy was as surprised as anyone. You see Jimmy was Lee's first employee, hired 28 years ago. Lee wanted Jimmy to have his "Yacht Master Rolex" watch. Jimmy was bursting with pride and emotion retelling the story of this priceless gift from Lee.
Lee, in the softest selling approach imaginable, was a master of persuasion. When Jimmy met Lee 28 years ago, Jimmy was working as an electrician, earning a nice $20,000+ per year. After meeting Lee, and hearing about his plan, Jimmy quit his 20K+ job, and went to work for Lee for $1,300 per year. Jimmy couldn't be happier with his decision today.
It's a tragedy to lose anyone at 52 years old. I guess it happens every day. It happened in New York to 5,000 people and they didn't even have one day to prepare, let alone 103 days. But I didn't know them. I can't even comprehend that catastrophic event. Lee's passing hits close to home. He's one of us. He does what we do everyday. A mere 104 days prior to his passing, he was on top of the mountain. Today we honor his life. He was someone who along the way influenced and educated many people, developed many operating procedures, and was an innovator in every sense of the word. I still laugh at his latest crane development, the "LEEmousine." Innovator, you bet. Respected operator, absolutely. Lee was a class act that this industry will miss.
The family request that donations be made in the name of Lee Batson, to:
The Multiple Myeloma Foundation-Tricot, 4301 W. Markham Slot 816, Little
Rock, AR 72205.