From an empty parking lot to a $200 million dollar company, HarborCenter is the talk of the town. However, just over a month ago that talk took a surprising hit. John Koelmel, former President of the company, resigned from his position. Catching many off guard, especially Kim Pegula, and many others working for HarborCenter.
This would not be the first time Koelmel left a big name company. He was the former President and Chief Executive Officer of First Niagara Bank. Since December 2006 Koelmel relished the opportunity. First Niagara Bank grew financially and expanded. Koelmel helped plant more than 2,000 blue-and-yellow First Niagara Signs around the region. Three years into his success, Koelmel was named “banker of the year” in 2009. He described his banks as “rock solid.” In March 2013, that rock shattered, as First Niagara kicked Koelmel to the curb.
Some say the excitement got the best of Koelmel. Fortunately for him, Terry and Kim Pegula came knocking on his door asking him to become part of their HarborCenter project a few months later.
A press conference was held to announce Koelmel’s addition. From that point on, he would always be seen with a construction hat while the building was going up. Making sure things were in line and running smoothly was an attribute of his.
“He was always buzzing around. Very friendly, he was all about this building. Whether you knew him or vise versa, he would always say hello,” said Simon Fedak, an employee of the rink shop at HarborCenter. When the time came to hire for HarborCenter, Koelmel used one word frequently.
“Dazzle,” he told the new employees. That’s what he did with whatever or whomever he came across. “Very energetic person. He is Mr. Dazzle,” said Lauren Carlson, a Tim Hortons manager within HarborCenter. “He is a very happy person,” Carlson continued.
Why would someone with such known positivity up and leave a company on the rise?
The day his resignation was announced, employees had no idea. Said Jaamal Mccarter who works for Tim Hortons in HarborCenter: “It was surprising he left.”
Koelmel likes the sport world, working for Terry and Kim Pegula, owners of the two biggest franchises in Buffalo, was right up his ally. Like Mrs. Pegula, he is “people oriented,” said Carlson.
“He had a nice impact. He made a name for himself,” said Fedak. Surely, Koelmel was a huge reason HarborCenter has had so much early success. So why now? Why not if and when at all the business slows down?
“I’m a fan of transitions earlier than later,” Koelmel told reporters the day of the announcement. “I’m not one to hang around when there isn’t a real need.” He also mentioned this day wasn’t a matter of if, but when.
“This was a transition that was long anticipated in terms of the specifics of the HarborCenter role,” he claimed. Koelmel knew the HarborCenter would become more complex and require new leadership. Why then, did the Pegula’s ask him? More importantly, why did he accept the position knowing this was coming?
Maybe it was because the Pegulas knew he was the man to get their vision up and running. Seeing as he had so much success with First Niagara Bank. Koelmel getting run out of the bank must not have been a problem for the billionaire couple. His relationship with them was in good standing along with people he knew and worked with at HarborCenter.
Chuck Lawlass is the rinks manager and knew Koelemel personally. “He helped build this. As a team, we can move on, I don’t think it will slow us down at all,” said Lawlass. It has been five weeks since Koelmel’s departure, and as Lawlass predicted, things have not slowed down.
Currently HarborCenter is hosting the IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships, a tournament that is being broadcasted nationally.
Sean Green, Director of Operations Sports Development at RiverWorks, thinks change can be tough. “It’s something new. It can bring excitement. Especially with something like this,” he explained. Mccarter added that Kolemel’s leaving “hasn’t changed anything in Tim Hortons.” Whoever it is that takes the Presidential position, should have an easy transition.
Why the change for Koelmel? One source who wished to remain unanimous claimed he may become a politician. But there might be a more simplistic reason.
“I think he wanted to start it, then leave,” said Mccarter. “Move onto other things and continue with life.” That falls in line with what Koelmel said, he’s one to leave sooner than later.
There’s no question that without Koelmel, HarborCenter wouldn’t be where it currently stands. Maybe that was his plan all along. Start a multi-million dollar company, thank the Pegula’s for the opportunity, and pass the torch. Whether those intentions are true or not, that’s what he’s done.
Thanks should be given one way or the other. Koelmel to the Pegulas or them to him. Everywhere he has gone success has followed. Millions of dollars at First Niagara then some more at HarborCenter. It was a small amount of time before everyone knew what Koelmel would be doing after First Niagara. This time around may be the same. The Pegulas have created the phrase “One Buffalo.” Maybe Koelmel just wants some “One Koelmel” time.
There’s no question that without Koelmel, HarborCenter wouldn’t be where it currently stands. Maybe that was his plan all along. Start a multi-million dollar company, thank the Pegula’s for the opportunity, and pass the torch. Whether those intentions are true or not, that’s what he’s done.
