November 10th, 2010 – Mike Long speaking and smoothing the way as we meet the executives of American Express for the first time.
It’s with very sad regret that I woke up this morning receiving the news that Mike Long passed away this weekend.
To some the name may not resonate, but, to those in the Merchant Risk and Financial/Fraud circles, Mike was a pioneer and well known fixture in this industry. He was also someone I had the honor to call friend.
Mike was one of the founders of the company I work for now (Accertify), and he was instrumental in the strategy and development of our fraud fighting platform. Mike was also instrumental in building the relationships that would land our largest clients.
It was with great honor that Mike and the other founders endorsed me to head up the day to day stewardship of our largest client. In that, Mike was a tremendous mentor to me in understanding the nuances of the industry, and we would collaborate and talk often on strategy and fraud trends.
Mike Long was a very dynamic individual. He was selfless and passionate about what he did. In that regard, when it came time to internationalize Accertify, Mike up-rooted his family and moved to the United Kingdom to open our first office in London.
As General Manager of the EMEA region, Mike continued his legacy as the consummate “cheerleader” for Accertify. Doing what Mike did best, he spent years building networks with a whole new continent of clients, and cementing our place in the EU financial space.
Even as busy as he was, you could always shoot him an email and keep tabs, and he always made time for you.
Mike was that guy who cherished the relationships he had, and he never forgot a single detail about anyone he met.
It always was great to see him when he’d visit the Itasca office, and it always was a great time to have a beer and catch up on his latest stories from abroad.
He truly had a charisma that allowed him to control a room, knowing how to captivate an audience.
I learned a lot from this man.
As one of the cornerstones of this corporation, Mike started as my superior. But, since those first days when I was wet behind the ears (September of 2010), Mike personally became my mentor, my collaborator, and finally someone I would grow to call dear friend.
I will truly miss you, the laughs, “SMH” moments at some of the stories you’d tell, and the awe with which others in this industry were equally enthralled by your presence.
Rest well my friend…
-Jorge
September 27th, 2010 – On a conference call, with a water bottle in one hand, and still one handed catching the ball in the other. He was just that good.
The exact details will be shared through more formal channels as is appropriate, but to his Wife and family, I am truly sorry for your loss.God bless you during this time of mourning..