With the passing of Bruce Lindgren this weekend, it’s only right that someone who knew him well should write about him. Turning this over to ERIK CANDIANI with our sincere thanks…
BRUCE LINDGREN was a connoisseur in the art of constructing creative words in advertising… carefully concocted copy that perfectly encapsulated clarity with a distinct edge of originality and a knowing wink and smile. It was clear to all who knew him that he was doing precisely what he was meant to do — and he did it until his final days with us.
His passion for the industry, its players… the people behind those player titles… came through in his every interaction, and he had a way of making you feel that nobody was as important as the person with whom he was now speaking. Producer to President. He had energy and youth in his eyes that belied his age, and he knew what was going on everywhere and with everyone. The amazing part? Each of us fortunate enough to have known, befriended or worked with him feels as though he was always there for us. That’s a common theme after reading the many, many thoughts left for and about Bruce: We all felt he would help day or night and at any time.
“How Can I Help?” Some mistakenly believe there were no “associates” in “Lindgren & Associates” besides Bruce. That couldn’t be further from reality. WE were all his associates. It was “Lindgren & Us”. He treated every one of us as his partner… while mentoring, learning from and listening to us. He had some of the best “associates” in the business because he selected wisely, backed the right horses and guided the careers of some of the very best we now know.
Reflecting upon that, I realize I was completely wrong yesterday in my premature post about “television losing a great ad-man”. We have not “lost” Bruce. Know why? I am far from the only one who says we owe our career to Bruce Lindgren. He fostered unique creative, oft times bluntly shared his unique old-school thoughts of long-gone ad men, gave hard-earned advice from a lifetime of experience…. and literally built careers.
His fingerprints are all over the names of some the best we all know in our industry. He touched many legacy brands, opened impossible doors for those who may not have seen their potential before he did, and anyone lucky enough to have worked with him is better for it.
I will slow down my next spot, Bruce. Promise. You had to tell me that a couple of times too many.
I already miss you, friend.
Have a glass of iced tea today… with very little ice (because that was his preference)… and toast the life and career of one of the most unique individuals in the biz.
Bravo. And to a life Well Dunne….
Think About This: “We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk
This was absolutely perfect. Your post yesterday came from the grief that you were feeling. Hold Bruce close in your heart. When you can’t find the right words to say…look to your heart. He will help guide you.
Thankyou for these wonderful words about my brother. He was not a person to talk about what he accomplished in a career field he loved. So many wonderful memories of him.
Beautifully said Erik. His legacy does and will live on through all of us he touched, and all who continue to pass on his wisdom. He was my brother, friend and mentor through most of my career. Truly one of a kind.
-MH
I met Bruce decades ago when we were each working with a station in Honolulu to improve their product and create a culture of success. He was wonderful company and he took me to one of those sushi places you’d never find without him. We talked about the business, people we had in common, family, sports–he was a great person to hang out with.
Over the years we would bump into each other on the road, share a client here and there, and he was always upbeat and encouraging. When you know someone just a little over time, they usually don’t have the impact that Bruce did.