Before I leave, there's one more thing I wanted to write about and something that took me until now to be able to do. I don't talk about the business side of things often here but AnandTech is represented by a 3rd party sales and marketing company known by the name LMCD. They've been our exclusive partner since 1999 and we've got a long history with them. They handle the ads, we handle the content and the two stay separate.
I've worked with the team there for most of my life and last year they unexpectedly lost a member of the family - Cara Hamm. She was only 39 and passed away suddenly without warning or explanation. I remember the day vividly. I had just landed at SFO about to head to Intel for a Bay Trail reviewer's workshop. That week was going to see the release of the iPhone 5s and the debut of the AnandTech Mobile Show at IDF. Cara had passed away between the time that I took off from RDU in the morning to the time that I landed at SFO. I got the call before we pulled into the gate at SFO and began what can only be described as a blur. She left behind her wonderful husband Mike and two sons, Cody and Dylan.
Cara was easily our biggest fan. She believed in the site more than anyone else. She believed in me and exuded so much confidence in me whenever she was around. The reality is that's the effect she had on everyone. Cara could and would take an interest in everyone, she'd make you feel like you could accomplish anything and that your problems and feelings were the most important in the world. She was ridiculously thoughtful, caring and wouldn't take no for an answer.
I remember being at a CES dinner several years ago and discussing our challenges being taken seriously in the mobile market. We were having issues with getting HTC to sample us (a problem that eventually got fixed) and just as we were discussing this Peter Chou, CEO of HTC, walked by our table on the way to his. We recognized him and I remember Cara walked straight over to him, introduced herself and gave him a pitch on working with AnandTech. She did something I don't even think I would've done. She had the courage, confidence and ambition to do anything.
For the longest time I was only able to write to Cara, not about her, in her passing. Cara was a huge part of my life for over the past decade and although most of you never knew her, I wanted to make sure I left behind something remembering her. She was truly our biggest fan and the biggest AnandTech supporter I've ever known. We all miss you very much Cara. If you knew her or if you want to leave some kind words for her family, please feel free to do so here.
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Dustin Sklavos - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
My first CES, in 2011, I had no idea what the heck I was doing or where I was going. LMCD organized our meetings, and I was periodically getting shirpa'ed around by various members from meeting to meeting.At one point I was handed off to Cara...I can't even remember which vendor I'd ticked off prior to the show, but we met with them, and she graciously let me try and work things out (I think I was successful). After that she talked to me for a bit about how the meeting went, and she was very encouraging. And then, when I started bungling the next meeting, she righted the ship.
I was extremely green when I started at AnandTech and not at all used to handling meetings with vendors. It was a tremendous learning experience, and she was a big part of that.
at80eighty - Saturday, August 30, 2014 - link
Peace to you Cara. and thanks for making this possibleTETRONG - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
Her spirit and talents must've been needed elsewhere very desperately to be called away so suddenly..looks like she had the whole being an "awesome human being"-thing mastered, ..judging by this pic and the effect she had on you.If I sound certain that this isn't the last you or her family will see of her..it's because I am.
HusseinH - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
Rest in peace, Cara.Hairs_ - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
Thank you for sharing this story. All too often the human side behind tech and business gets ingored, particularly by we keyboardists in the comments. It's good to know that the site has, and had, such ardent supporters behind the scenes.CameronR - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
News of Cara's passing last year shook me deeply. It was always a delight whenever I ran into her at events and she'd flash that big Cara smile and give you a big hug. Even though I hadn't been in a position that manages an ad budget for years, she would still stay and touch and always offer to take me Skiing with Larry in Nevada. Sorry I never took you up on that ski trip, Cara.HisDivineOrder - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
Death of one you care about helps you understand how your own life is short. Even her passing has impact. In this, she lives on, though not in the way we might wish.Caramia - Sunday, August 31, 2014 - link
Thank you Anand for honoring Cara. Her big smile and heart of gold is missed by all who love her. You were the brother she never had. Cara fiercely protected those that she loved. She demonstrated strength, courage and a willingness to go the extra mile at all costs.I had the special honor of being her Mom!
maximumGPU - Monday, September 1, 2014 - link
She seems like a truly genuine person. They're rare these days.Rest in peace Cara.
sheh - Monday, September 1, 2014 - link
Didn't know her but it's always sad. All the best to her friends, and family.