FMIA Guest: Kim Pegula On Lessons Learned Leading Bills During Covid

[Lurker]

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/07/05/kim-pegula-bills-owner-fmia-guest-nfl/

 

I really enjoyed the bit about "Employees are family."   A whole lot of hot air / PR-speak to unpack in that column...

[machine gun kelly]

Lurker, I appreciate the post.  Read most like PR.  I wasn’t really sure on the Frasier and San Diego Coach comments.  I wouldn’t have added that piece, but her prerogative.

[oldmanfan]

She does a nice job in the column.

[AlCowlingsTaxiService]

Employees are family ... until they’re not. 

[Mango]

Can somebody help me clarify this one. 

 

Quote

In May, we held a town hall open to every employee across our organization called “Listen, Learn, Love.” The town hall featured Coach Frazier, recently retired linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, defensive end Jerry Hughes, director of player development Marlon Kerner and a pastor in our community. While the participants were all Black, they represented a diverse group. I was involved in planning the town hall and I kicked off the meeting to emphasize that this was a priority for ownership and that Terry and I are all in. I felt it was important that we spent the time for our own family, people we knew we could affect, and who were deserving of our time and effort on this topic.

 

I am reading this at first as, "She organized this "Listen, Learn, Love" group. Which is great. But then says all the participants were black? Did she mean all the speakers were black? When I read "participant", I read that all people, attendies, presenters, etc. If that is the case, is this just an echo chamber of POC telling each other what it is like to be a POC. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to be gained from a group therapy model, especially in trying times, but it almost reads like she organized her own focus group to explain to her what living as a minority is like. 

She organized the whole damn thing and named it "Listen, Learn, Love" I would imagine that having white people their to, ya know, "Listen, Learn, and Love" is imperative for this entire exercise. 

[J-GunJoshAllen17]

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

[Mr. WEO]

Particularly heartwarming is the part where she arranged a private jet for one of her millionaire employees....so they wouldn't have to fly commercial.

 

I'm sure those laid off really teared up while reading that.

[RoyBatty is alive]

21 minutes ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

 

I have heard both Terry and Kim talk and if either of them sounds dumb, is certainly isn't Kim.  Kim is smart and savvy. How far she has gotten and grown into the job is pretty astounding, especially for a minority female in a male dominated sport.  She is also excellent with the PR and the "human touch " with fans...she isn't all all unapproachable or think she is better than others.  I give a lot of credit to Kim and am impressed bu her.

[Doc]

56 minutes ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

 

Opinions...

[Augie]

28 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

Opinions...

 

....but I’m sure based upon hundreds of hours of personal one on one time spent discussing all the important aspects of running a sports enterprise as well as life in general. 

 

 

Or not. 

[NoHuddleKelly12]

1 hour ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

And this is based on...?

[Don Otreply]

16 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

....but I’m sure based upon hundreds of hours of personal one on one time spent discussing all the important aspects of running a sports enterprise as well as life in general. 

 

 

Or not. 

 

[All_Pro_Bills]

2 hours ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

Employees are family ... until they’re not. 

Like family.  Reminds me of a joke.  What's the difference between in-laws and outlaws?

 

Answer:  Outlaws are wanted..

 

 

[Don Otreply]

1 hour ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

Don’t be jealous...

[gonzo1105]

I know this wont be looked fond upon but between the Sabres(who I'm not a fan of) and the Bills (who I clearly am a fan of), I have been hearing too much about her recently for my own personal liking. To me I guess you can look at it two ways, she likes having her hands in her business interests(her prerogative), or you can look at it that she is always pushing her way into things that she shouldn't.

 

Not calling her dumb, but she sounded pretty dumb for saying that Botterill wouldn't be fired and basically saying that she knew more than the average fan did due to her inner workings only to fire him 3 weeks later is pretty dumb. She not only flip flopped but she also insulted a fan base when what they were saying ended up being true.

 

Then I hear about the headset thing. I get if your McDermott or Beane that she is the owner and you have to do things she wants but no way in hell am I letting her do that even in a game that "doesn't really matter". How does that benefit the Bills? Shes never gonna be a coach, it doesn't help the business side of things to listen in etc, I guess I dont get it, she wants to hear how a well run coaching staff does things?

 

Then I hear about all this stuff about treating employees like family when they cut people in their own business. Its all very wishy washy for my personal tastes. Let the people do the job and be in the background. Thats what good owners do. My own opinion.

[Doc]

24 minutes ago, gonzo1105 said:

I know this wont be looked fond upon but between the Sabres(who I'm not a fan of) and the Bills (who I clearly am a fan of), I have been hearing too much about her recently for my own personal liking. To me I guess you can look at it two ways, she likes having her hands in her business interests(her prerogative), or you can look at it that she is always pushing her way into things that she shouldn't.

 

Not calling her dumb, but she sounded pretty dumb for saying that Botterill wouldn't be fired and basically saying that she knew more than the average fan did due to her inner workings only to fire him 3 weeks later is pretty dumb. She not only flip flopped but she also insulted a fan base when what they were saying ended up being true.

 

Then I hear about the headset thing. I get if your McDermott or Beane that she is the owner and you have to do things she wants but no way in hell am I letting her do that even in a game that "doesn't really matter". How does that benefit the Bills? Shes never gonna be a coach, it doesn't help the business side of things to listen in etc, I guess I dont get it, she wants to hear how a well run coaching staff does things?

 

Then I hear about all this stuff about treating employees like family when they cut people in their own business. Its all very wishy washy for my personal tastes. Let the people do the job and be in the background. Thats what good owners do. My own opinion.

 

Yeah, considering all the other football news out there...

[PromoTheRobot]

3 hours ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

Employees are family ... until they’re not. 

 

Same goes for sports teams.

[Punching Bag]

3 hours ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

Employees are family ... until they’re not. 

 

Well some family members are kicked out for good reasons.

 

Had a 25 year old relative who did not work, did not go to college and did not do anything at home.

Father was laid off so he told his son it was time to leave.

Son went to court via public attorney and stated he was not given proper notice to be evicted.

Father's attorney argued since he never paid he was not entitled to renter's protection (as soon as he took case he told father to give son notarized letter and father made sure he had recording showing he received it) and even he was he already has been given sufficient time.

Judge stated that while an official notice was given it was in question because the previous eviction without notice.  He said he would accept the notice as given to son and start eviction period.

 

Father emptied all food from house, disconnected services except power and water, and put locks on all doors except son's bedroom and front door.  He also changed key of car since his son had an extra "he lost".  Without cable/music channels, food, etc he moved out into house of a friend.

[Doc]

13 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

Well some family members are kicked out for good reasons.

 

Had a 25 year old relative who did not work, did not go to college and did not do anything at home.

Father was laid off so he told his son it was time to leave.

Son went to court via public attorney and stated he was not given proper notice to be evicted.

Father's attorney argued since he never paid he was not entitled to renter's protection (as soon as he took case he told father to give son notarized letter and father made sure he had recording showing he received it) and even he was he already has been given sufficient time.

Judge stated that while an official notice was given it was in question because the previous eviction without notice.  He said he would accept the notice as given to son and start eviction period.

 

Father emptied all food from house, disconnected services except power and water, and put locks on all doors except son's bedroom and front door.  He also changed key of car since his son had an extra "he lost".  Without cable/music channels, food, etc he moved out into house of a friend.

 

Yup.  Just depends on how long you're willing to put up with them.

[Mickey]

8 hours ago, Lurker said:

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/07/05/kim-pegula-bills-owner-fmia-guest-nfl/

 

I really enjoyed the bit about "Employees are family."   A whole lot of hot air / PR-speak to unpack in that column...

 

It is a lot like my family. Like the time we cut cousin Chuckie (his knees were shot) or the time we traded Uncle Zeeb for two nephews and a sister-in-law to be named later. That one really made Thanksgiving Dinners a lot less combative.  

[Buftex]

Despite what so many of you are bitching about, we are lucky to have the Pegulas. They have made some mistakes, for sure, but their heart has been in the right place.  I see there is a particular strand of fans who have always had it out for Kim Pegula.  You sound like a bunch of fugging idiots.  So, she gave a GM a vote of confidence, then back tracked? Gee..that never happens in sports!  If you are seeing "too much" of her for your liking, tough.  I have no doubt the NFL is pushing her to the forefront to help shore up their diversity issues. If you are upset that the Pegulas laid off numerous employees, it has happened all over the country.  

Edited July 6, 2020 by Buftex

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

At a rather 'rinky dink' operation I worked at way back in the 70s, one of the schedulers was protesting our driver complaints about the scheduler's cluelessness over routing trucks.  "We're family!" the scheduler whined.  "How do I get disowned?" questioned a fellow driver.

[machine gun kelly]

Guys no one knows the inside.  I think a lot of Kim.  She’s an admirable, and bright woman.  Have someone close to me as a friend who knows her and she has said nothing but really positive things about her and a true Bills person.  Good. Enough for me.  My daughter is Chinese (adopted) and my very best friend is a woman who is South Korean.  I believe Kim has our best interests at heart.  Yeah, I thought it was pr talk, but I’ve been in corporate America so long what did you expect.  She was just being smart.

 

if they didn’t have this team and city at heart, they could have easily moved the team.  If it was a $ thing, they would have done.  It’s the OCcam’s Razor argument.  The simplest argument is most likely true.  I know most of you know it, but those that don’t, look it up.  Basic philosophy and strategy.

[Doc]

1 hour ago, Buftex said:

Despite what so many of you are bitching about, we are lucky to have the Pegulas. They have made some mistakes, for sure, but their heart has been in the right place.  I see there is a particular strand of fans who have always had it out for Kim Pegula.  You sound like a bunch of fugging idiots.  So, she gave a GM a vote of confidence, then back tracked? Gee..that never happens in sports!  If you are seeing "too much" of her for your liking, tough.  I have no doubt the NFL is pushing her to the forefront to help shore up their diversity issues. If you are upset that the Pegulas laid off numerous employees, it has happened all over the country.  

 

It's just opinions...

[BuffaLoko]

5 hours ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

 

As someone already said: ¨opinions¨ only or how can you know all of this in your statement? based in your experience? or maybe by being acquainted to someone who runs a business?, I´d like you to please share with us, otherwise, I think can (imaginary) hear the automated response of ¨just my gut or opinion¨, and all is well and settled! ?

[BullBuchanan]

5 hours ago, J-GunJoshAllen17 said:

Kim Pegula is actaully a pretty dumb person. She lucked into her position in life and has really no business running a sports team or any other large scale business operation.

Her whole story just has a giant creepfactor associated to it. She was 19/20 - Terry was 37/38 and they started dating and he gave her a job. I don't knock the hustle, but she didn't get where she is because of how smart she is. It's a pretty quintessential "Real Housewives" story as someone whose SO watches it on a daily basis.

 

1 hour ago, Buftex said:

Despite what so many of you are bitching about, we are lucky to have the Pegulas. They have made some mistakes, for sure, but their heart has been in the right place.  I see there is a particular strand of fans who have always had it out for Kim Pegula.  You sound like a bunch of fugging idiots.  So, she gave a GM a vote of confidence, then back tracked? Gee..that never happens in sports!  If you are seeing "too much" of her for your liking, tough.  I have no doubt the NFL is pushing her to the forefront to help shore up their diversity issues. If you are upset that the Pegulas laid off numerous employees, it has happened all over the country.  

It's because the Pegulas are turning into the Good Guy version of Al Davis and Jerry Jones without the results.

[Doc]

15 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Her whole story just has a giant creepfactor associated to it. She was 19/20 - Terry was 37/38 and they started dating and he gave her a job. I don't knock the hustle, but she didn't get where she is because of how smart she is. It's a pretty quintessential "Real Housewives" story as someone whose SO watches it on a daily basis.

 

She might not have been the one who built the empire, but that doesn't even make her close to "dumb."  To say so is idiotic.

 

15 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

It's because the Pegulas are turning into the Good Guy version of Al Davis and Jerry Jones without the results.

 

LOL!  No results?  Where, in the NHL?  This is a Bills board.  Take complaints about that team to that board.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

6 hours ago, AlCowlingsTaxiService said:

Employees are family ... until they’re not. 

 

I had that same thought.  Employees are family - until your sister ticks you off and you make her pay you to drive her home when she calls you for a ride home on release from jail.  Or the dad of one of your kids breaks off contact because you asked him "Are you Sure?" when he told you he was getting married.   Or your daughter's husband moves out before they've been married a year.

 

Oh - not THAT kind of family?

 

40 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

Her whole story just has a giant creepfactor associated to it. She was 19/20 - Terry was 37/38 and they started dating and he gave her a job. I don't knock the hustle, but she didn't get where she is because of how smart she is. It's a pretty quintessential "Real Housewives" story as someone whose SO watches it on a daily basis.

 

Here's what bothers me about this kind of assessment.  Suppose we grant that Kim Pegula didn't achieve her position by being smart or especially knowledgeable about football.

 

Do we go around the league and apply the same standard to the other owners/presidents/CEOs? 

 

Seriously - around the league how many of these guys achieved their position because of how smart, knowledgeable and competent they are? 

 

It just seems like a double standard to me. 

[RoyBatty is alive]

11 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I had that same thought.  Employees are family - until your sister ticks you off and you make her pay you to drive her home when she calls you for a ride home on release from jail.  Or the dad of one of your kids breaks off contact because you asked him "Are you Sure?" when he told you he was getting married.   Or your daughter's husband moves out before they've been married a year.

 

Oh - not THAT kind of family?

 

 

Here's what bothers me about this kind of assessment.  Suppose we grant that Kim Pegula didn't achieve her position by being smart or especially knowledgeable about football.

 

Do we go around the league and apply the same standard to the other owners/presidents/CEOs? 

 

Seriously - around the league how many of these guys achieved their position because of how smart, knowledgeable and competent they are? 

 

It just seems like a double standard to me. 

 

It is a blatant double standard.

[BullBuchanan]

10 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I had that same thought.  Employees are family - until your sister ticks you off and you make her pay you to drive her home when she calls you for a ride home on release from jail.  Or the dad of one of your kids breaks off contact because you asked him "Are you Sure?" when he told you he was getting married.   Or your daughter's husband moves out before they've been married a year.

 

Oh - not THAT kind of family?

 

 

Here's what bothers me about this kind of assessment.  Suppose we grant that Kim Pegula didn't achieve her position by being smart or especially knowledgeable about football.

 

Do we go around the league and apply the same standard to the other owners/presidents/CEOs? 

 

Seriously - around the league how many of these guys achieved their position because of how smart, knowledgeable and competent they are? 

 

It just seems like a double standard to me. 

You're absolutely 100% spot on. Most people don't achieve insane levels of success through merit and especially not merit commensurate with success. That said, when people act as if they did, when they really didn't, it can be even more galling. I think the problem with Kim is that by inserting herself so strongly into the organization, she's telling us that she's up to the task. When it comes to the Sabres it's obvious that isn't true, and as for the Bills, it remains to be seen.

34 minutes ago, Doc said:

 

She might not have been the one who built the empire, but that doesn't even make her close to "dumb."  To say so is idiotic.

 

 

LOL!  No results?  Where, in the NHL?  This is a Bills board.  Take complaints about that team to that board.

I never said she was dumb.

[NoHuddleKelly12]

1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I had that same thought.  Employees are family - until your sister ticks you off and you make her pay you to drive her home when she calls you for a ride home on release from jail.  Or the dad of one of your kids breaks off contact because you asked him "Are you Sure?" when he told you he was getting married.   Or your daughter's husband moves out before they've been married a year.

 

Oh - not THAT kind of family?

 

 

Here's what bothers me about this kind of assessment.  Suppose we grant that Kim Pegula didn't achieve her position by being smart or especially knowledgeable about football.

 

Do we go around the league and apply the same standard to the other owners/presidents/CEOs? 

 

Seriously - around the league how many of these guys achieved their position because of how smart, knowledgeable and competent they are? 

 

It just seems like a double standard to me. 

Take it back Hap!

 

 

 

https://raiderramble.com/2020/07/02/fans-not-happy-with-job-mark-davis-has-done-as-raiders-owner/

 

 

Edited July 6, 2020 by NoHuddleKelly12

[Doc]

56 minutes ago, BullBuchanan said:

I never said she was dumb.

 

That part wasn't aimed at you, per se. 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 hour ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

...Or your daughter's husband moves out before they've been married a year.

Whenever that happens, I demand back the cost of the 'stag and doe' tickets I invariably bought for that.

Edited July 6, 2020 by Ridgewaycynic2013

[Buftex]

3 hours ago, BullBuchanan said:

Her whole story just has a giant creepfactor associated to it. She was 19/20 - Terry was 37/38 and they started dating and he gave her a job. I don't knock the hustle, but she didn't get where she is because of how smart she is. It's a pretty quintessential "Real Housewives" story as someone whose SO watches it on a daily basis.

 

It's because the Pegulas are turning into the Good Guy version of Al Davis and Jerry Jones without the results.

Yeah, I get that.  But they are our good guys, so why not pull for them?  They stepped up and saved our team from moving elsewhere...I don't think some here appreciate what a big deal that is.  On top of that, they have poured a *****-ton of money into the community. They are flailing with the hockey team, I will concede, but they seem to be on the right course with the football team. Every revenue stream they have is being negatively affected by the state of our country right now... is Kim Pegula any less qualified than many sports owners?  It just seems that some want them to fail, and enjoy taking shots at her, specifically.  I guess Ijust find it pretty dis-heartening.  The Pegulas are doing no worse with the Bills than Ralph Wilson did for most of his time as the owner.  They have only been running the team for 5 years...can't we cut them any slack? Or, do we want to drive them away too?

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

Realistically it's no different than any other business as to what they say and how they act.  The difference here is if it were say Joe's Belt Manufacturing, it likely wouldn't even make the news unless the numbers were large and very few would care unless you knew someone here personally affected.  But with fans, we feel like we're a part of it, but we're not.

[oldmanfan]

The only owner I can think of that has had actual pro playing experience in their sport is Jeter.  Jerruh played college football but not pros.  If I’m missing any let me know, but this is why I have always found the concept that an owner is bad because they don’t understand a given sport is kind of silly.

 

I found the column enlightening and gave insights into what she and Terry are trying to do and the challenges they face.  Parts of it came off as tone deaf, but overall it was a very interesting read.

Edited July 6, 2020 by oldmanfan

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, Ridgewaycynic2013 said:

Whenever that happens, I demand back the cost of the 'stag and doe' tickets I invariably bought for that.

 

I am so "out of the loop" I have no idea what a "stag and doe" ticket is

OK, I got it now.  Canadian, Eh?

[The Dean]

IMO the article was intelligent, thought provoking and very well written. I take many of the negative comments as just typical stupid Internet BS.

 

One would have to be extremely ignorant (like living under a rock their entire adult life), just plain stupid or overly combative to suggest her use of "family" is insincere because they are laying off/firing some employees. In a business setting "treating your employees like family" doesn't suggest you will be in the owner's will or she will pay your way through college. It may be an overused cliche, but if you've ever worked for a company that treats their employees impersonally, like interchangeable automatons you might come to appreciate an employer that actually cares about their staff and values them as individuals. 

4 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I am so "out of the loop" I have no idea what a "stag and doe" ticket is

 

Oh deer. 

 

I don't really know, either. Just wanted to use the deer pun.

Edited July 6, 2020 by The Dean

[Mr. WEO]

3 minutes ago, The Dean said:

IMO the article was intelligent, thought provoking and very well written. I take many of the negative comments as just typical stupid Internet BS.

 

One would have to be extremely ignorant (like living under a rock their entire adult life), just plain stupid or overly combative to suggest her use of "family" is insincere because they are laying off/firing some employees. In a business setting "treating your employees like family" doesn't suggest you will be in the owner's will or she will pay your way through college. It may be an overused cliche, but if you've ever worked for a company that treats their employees impersonally, like interchangeable automatons you might come to appreciate an employer that actually cares about their staff and values them as individuals. 

 

Oh deer. 

 

I don't really know, either. Just wanted to use the deer pun.

What would those she laid off think of her “we are family” example, I.e. her arranging a wealthy player’s private jet ride to Buffalo?

 

Would the say it’s stupid internet BS, even though it comes from her? 
 

Pointing out tone deaf BS from wealthy owners isn’t itself BS...

[The Dean]

1 minute ago, Mr. WEO said:

What would those she laid off think of her “we are family” example, I.e. her arranging a wealthy player’s private jet ride to Buffalo?

 

Would the say it’s stupid internet BS, even though it comes from her? 
 

Pointing out tone deaf BS from wealthy owners isn’t itself BS...

 

 

Speaking of overly combative...

 

I can't even decipher your question.

 

If someone gets fired they will be pissed. I was pissed when I found out I was cut out of my father's will. (I was restored a few years later, not that it matters much given the amount of money that will be left. ?)  But we are still family. 

 

Are you suggesting they should be happy because they were treated like individuals by a caring organization even though they lost their job or the whole family thing is BS? Again, words mean different things in different contexts.

 

And he words are  her words, not internet BS. But most comments are written by anonymous posters, not well thought out and simply meant to incite. Like most of your posts, IMO. But trolls will troll. 

 

Not that you are worth my time, but I have worked for companies (and bosses) who treated the staff like meat and others that have treated their employees more like "family". Even when I finally left the company, the difference in the experience while there was dramatic.