Rest in Peace, Mr. Taffner

I learned today that television executive and pioneer Donald Taffner, Sr., passed away.  He was the founder of DLT Entertainment, a TV syndicator of shows like Benny Hill and Rumpole of the Bailey and producer of Three's Company and Too Close for Comfort. DLT was the place where I had one of my first jobs. 

I started out in the mailroom, a good place to get to know everyone in the company -- sales, research, operations, administration, legal, human resources, and of course, public relations and marketing.  I was promoted to the PR department and eventually became the Creative Services Manager, which led to other jobs in my career.  During my three years working there, whenever I saw Mr. Taffner, he always had a kind word for me.  I was a young Bronx boy trying to get my foot in the door in the entertainment industry. I remember hearing his New York accent and knowing that he too started out in the low rungs of the business and worked his way up.  I had heard many times how he always wanted to offer others the same opportunities for success.

I learned a lot at DLT -- I wrote my first press release there, I designed my first one-sheet and wrote my first marketing copy, I drafted my first synopsis and script treatment.  I managed my first convention appearance and made contacts at TV Guide, Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and dozens of other places. I had the chance to meet John Ritter and other celebrities.

Looking back, there were things I would have done differently, opportunities that in hindsight I clearly let slip through my fingers, mistakes that I made as a naive kid that I wish I could go back and correct, but all were stepping stones on my life's journey. 

Overall, though, it was a great learning experience in a beautiful office space on 56th Street in Manhattan.  I met some people there who are still my dearest friends and that is probably the greatest gift that DLT Entertainment ever gave me.

Rest in peace, Mr. Taffner, and thanks for giving me a chance.