I knew Andy from my brief time at Industry Dive. I was, frankly, struggling. I didn’t feel like I fit in the job well, I was stressed because of my long commute and I was probably close to burn out, if not experiencing it. 

Andy became my manager after some restructuring, I don’t remember exactly when. But he was so, so kind. He took me seriously. I remember when I told him I was leaving for a new job, he still kept commitments to take me out for a coffee, and even though I demurred, he made a point of taking me out for lunch during my last week. 

One of the things we talked about a lot when he became my editor was coffee, and specifically espresso. He helped me choose a decent starter espresso machine, and gifted me a bag of beans he roasted at home. 

Months after I left Industry Dive, maybe even years later, I posted on Twitter, sad, that I had accidentally broken the glass coffee pitcher I used to steep cold brew coffee. A few days later, I got a package from Amazon with no note. Someone had sent me a new one! I had no idea who. 

Andy, who I had emailed with occasionally, fessed up eventually. It was him. I wasn’t his reporter anymore, but he saw something simple he could do for someone, and so he did. 

That little gift, and the thoughtfulness behind it, has stuck with me since. It will continue to stick with me. Andy’s gentle approach to mentoring younger reporters and his kind way of managing are traits I try to reflect in my own life and work. He’s inspired me to, when I have the presence of mind to do it, send friends little gifts like he did for me. 

I regret not keeping in better touch with Andy. But I also know that parts of him — those that are generous, those that are thoughtful, those that are enthusiastic — will stick around forever.