In Memoriam: Bob Cimasi—First Quarter 2018
In Memoriam: Robert James Cimasi, MHA, ASA, FRICS, MCBA, CVA, CM&AA
By Nancy McCarthy, Senior Editor, The Value Examiner
My first memory of Bob Cimasi was about five years ago. I had been hired as the senior editor of The Value Examiner (TVE) a few months earlier and I had, maybe, three issues under my belt. I had never met Bob, but was eager to speak with him and see if he would contribute to the publication. Our meeting was short and to the point. He was a bit gruff and a little rushed. He told me what he’d like to see happen and, until it did, he would not be interested in publishing in TVE. It took two years, but progress was apparently being made. Not only did Bob start submitting articles, but in 2015 he offered to serve on the editorial board.
Bob died on December 6, 2017. I learned of his passing from Lari Masten, chair of TVE editorial board. I had to read her e-mail several times to comprehend its significance. I was just getting to know Bob as a colleague. His insights, comments, and reviews were always timely and on point. Although I didn’t know him well, I saw flashes of his personality as a man who was passionate about his work and his life.
Bob Cimasi was a nationally known lecturer on healthcare industry topics and a renowned author of nine books; he contributed numerous chapters that were featured in legal treatises and anthologies; he published articles in peer reviewed professional journals and industry trade publications; and, was often quoted by the healthcare industry press. He was a pioneer of the business and healthcare valuation profession, and devoted a significant amount of his professional life giving back to his colleagues as a mentor, educator, and array of other endeavors. As Lari Masten so eloquently said in her e-mail, “Bob was an amazing trail blazer, mentor, and a generous protector of both the old and new guard in BV.”
Todd Zigrang, MBA, MHA, FACHE, ASA, President of Health Capital Consultants, has provided the following information on Bob:
By Nancy McCarthy, Senior Editor, The Value Examiner
My first memory of Bob Cimasi was about five years ago. I had been hired as the senior editor of The Value Examiner (TVE) a few months earlier and I had, maybe, three issues under my belt. I had never met Bob, but was eager to speak with him and see if he would contribute to the publication. Our meeting was short and to the point. He was a bit gruff and a little rushed. He told me what he’d like to see happen and, until it did, he would not be interested in publishing in TVE. It took two years, but progress was apparently being made. Not only did Bob start submitting articles, but in 2015 he offered to serve on the editorial board.
Bob died on December 6, 2017. I learned of his passing from Lari Masten, chair of TVE editorial board. I had to read her e-mail several times to comprehend its significance. I was just getting to know Bob as a colleague. His insights, comments, and reviews were always timely and on point. Although I didn’t know him well, I saw flashes of his personality as a man who was passionate about his work and his life.
Bob Cimasi was a nationally known lecturer on healthcare industry topics and a renowned author of nine books; he contributed numerous chapters that were featured in legal treatises and anthologies; he published articles in peer reviewed professional journals and industry trade publications; and, was often quoted by the healthcare industry press. He was a pioneer of the business and healthcare valuation profession, and devoted a significant amount of his professional life giving back to his colleagues as a mentor, educator, and array of other endeavors. As Lari Masten so eloquently said in her e-mail, “Bob was an amazing trail blazer, mentor, and a generous protector of both the old and new guard in BV.”
Todd Zigrang, MBA, MHA, FACHE, ASA, President of Health Capital Consultants, has provided the following information on Bob:
"Bob founded Health Capital Consultants, a nationally recognized healthcare financial and economic consulting firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1993. During his thirty-five-plus years in the valuation profession, he earned distinction as an Accredited Senior Appraiser; Certified Valuation Analyst; Certified Healthcare Business Consultant; Master Certified Business Appraiser; and, Mergers and Acquisitions Certified Professional. In 2006, Bob was honored with the prestigious “Shannon Pratt Award in Business Valuation” conferred by the Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA). In 2007, he was named a member of the College of Fellows of the IBA. In 2011, he was named a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). In 2016, Bob was named a “Pioneer of the Profession” as part of the recognition of the NACVA “Industry Titans” awards, which distinguishes those whom have had the greatest impact on the profession."
In addition to his business valuation family and friends, Bob leaves behind his wife Laura, his brothers, sisters, brothersand sisters-in law and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Along with his family, his friends, and the people whose lives he touched, I wish Bob Cimasi Godspeed. He will be missed, but his influence will be with us for generations to come.
A Business Appraiser in Heaven
By Robert James Cimasi, MHA, ASA, FRICS, MCBA, CVA, CM&AA
Bruno dreamt he went to heaven, ‘cause St. Peter was ringin’ his bell
Now that, in itself, was amazin’, since he’d spent a lifetime goin’ to Hell.
I guess it just goes to show you, with a business appraiser, you never can tell.
Now I didn’t know what they told you, or what you’ve been led to believe,
But Heaven, Bruno thought, would be Paradise, a reward you had to die to receive.
With so much love, peace, and pleasure, you’re supposed to not want to leave.
So gladly, with anticipation, Bruno answered that Heavenly call,
And stood at those Pearly-Gates proudly, like Lucifer back ‘fore the fall.
Already feelin’ that Paradise feelin’, and worried ‘bout nothin’ at all.
Now that, in itself, ought to tell you, the direction this tale’s gonna take
For history’s shown that business appraisers, venture boldly where others just quake,
And a business appraiser with nothin’ to worry about, is a disaster just waitin’ to make.
So, when the Pearly Gates swung wide with a flourish, Bruno couldn’t believe his own eyes.
For he saw there floating before him, much to his shock and surprise.
A replica of mighty Mt. Rushmore (only greatly expanded in size).
Foremost was carved a dignified Shannon, with Jay Fishman placed off to his right,
On the left, shone the visage of Ray Miles, and then Bruno’s jaw dropped down at the sight,
Stunned to see Aswath Damodaran chiseled in stone, and squeezed in behind Shannon real tight.
Then Bruno heard St. Peter address him, as he stood there entranced with the scene
St. Pete said, “Welcome to business appraisal heaven—the celestial palace of all that’s serene.
You’ll find here every delight of the intellectual palate, beyond the imagination of your wildest dream.”
Then St. Peter said, “Bruno, here’s the ground-rules—your observations you may discuss if you must.
But you only get to hold polite, quiet discourse—you’ll opine no conclusions in Heaven we trust!
Clouds here can’t bear the gravity of strong opinions, under the weight of argument they will just bust.”
“Now, as a mortal you dreamed up your own Heaven, from things you desire and upon which you dwell,
All the pursuits that in life you adored most, you wish will surround you, in Heaven, as well.
But you’ve got to resist that belief if you stay here, ‘cause here for eternity you must be passive as Hell.”
Bruno was certain St. Pete must be joking, so he faced him squarely and forcefully replied,
“You’ve clearly never experienced the thrill of pursuing—a well-crafted argument that can’t be denied,
Or, St. Peter, I know you’d quickly agree, it feels so right to argue, the urge just can’t be denied.”
“And though Heaven is certainly lovely, and eternity sounds so sublime,
With your ban on argument I would have to be leaving, or I’d soon be a vocal proponent of crime.
If I can’t assert, then defend, my opinions in Heaven—somewhere else is where I’ll be spending my time.”
Upon which the firmament trembled about him—Heaven exploded in a great burst of light,
And the clouds ‘neath Bruno’s feet dissipated, as he tumbled back down through the night.
Then just as he passed through the Hell’s fiery gates, he awoke from his dream full of fright.
Now the lesson to be learned from Bruno’s story, is that business appraisers should ensure that it’s worth,
Giving in to the temptation to argue like Hell (where most appraisers seem to be heading since birth)
And since their urge to contend is so hard to resist, it’s for them, Heaven (as well as Hell) here on earth!
By Robert James Cimasi, MHA, ASA, FRICS, MCBA, CVA, CM&AA
Bruno dreamt he went to heaven, ‘cause St. Peter was ringin’ his bell
Now that, in itself, was amazin’, since he’d spent a lifetime goin’ to Hell.
I guess it just goes to show you, with a business appraiser, you never can tell.
Now I didn’t know what they told you, or what you’ve been led to believe,
But Heaven, Bruno thought, would be Paradise, a reward you had to die to receive.
With so much love, peace, and pleasure, you’re supposed to not want to leave.
So gladly, with anticipation, Bruno answered that Heavenly call,
And stood at those Pearly-Gates proudly, like Lucifer back ‘fore the fall.
Already feelin’ that Paradise feelin’, and worried ‘bout nothin’ at all.
Now that, in itself, ought to tell you, the direction this tale’s gonna take
For history’s shown that business appraisers, venture boldly where others just quake,
And a business appraiser with nothin’ to worry about, is a disaster just waitin’ to make.
So, when the Pearly Gates swung wide with a flourish, Bruno couldn’t believe his own eyes.
For he saw there floating before him, much to his shock and surprise.
A replica of mighty Mt. Rushmore (only greatly expanded in size).
Foremost was carved a dignified Shannon, with Jay Fishman placed off to his right,
On the left, shone the visage of Ray Miles, and then Bruno’s jaw dropped down at the sight,
Stunned to see Aswath Damodaran chiseled in stone, and squeezed in behind Shannon real tight.
Then Bruno heard St. Peter address him, as he stood there entranced with the scene
St. Pete said, “Welcome to business appraisal heaven—the celestial palace of all that’s serene.
You’ll find here every delight of the intellectual palate, beyond the imagination of your wildest dream.”
Then St. Peter said, “Bruno, here’s the ground-rules—your observations you may discuss if you must.
But you only get to hold polite, quiet discourse—you’ll opine no conclusions in Heaven we trust!
Clouds here can’t bear the gravity of strong opinions, under the weight of argument they will just bust.”
“Now, as a mortal you dreamed up your own Heaven, from things you desire and upon which you dwell,
All the pursuits that in life you adored most, you wish will surround you, in Heaven, as well.
But you’ve got to resist that belief if you stay here, ‘cause here for eternity you must be passive as Hell.”
Bruno was certain St. Pete must be joking, so he faced him squarely and forcefully replied,
“You’ve clearly never experienced the thrill of pursuing—a well-crafted argument that can’t be denied,
Or, St. Peter, I know you’d quickly agree, it feels so right to argue, the urge just can’t be denied.”
“And though Heaven is certainly lovely, and eternity sounds so sublime,
With your ban on argument I would have to be leaving, or I’d soon be a vocal proponent of crime.
If I can’t assert, then defend, my opinions in Heaven—somewhere else is where I’ll be spending my time.”
Upon which the firmament trembled about him—Heaven exploded in a great burst of light,
And the clouds ‘neath Bruno’s feet dissipated, as he tumbled back down through the night.
Then just as he passed through the Hell’s fiery gates, he awoke from his dream full of fright.
Now the lesson to be learned from Bruno’s story, is that business appraisers should ensure that it’s worth,
Giving in to the temptation to argue like Hell (where most appraisers seem to be heading since birth)
And since their urge to contend is so hard to resist, it’s for them, Heaven (as well as Hell) here on earth!
