A Legacy Worth Honoring
On May 27, 2022, my brother and business partner, Dan Doescher, passed away suddenly. He was far too young. I remain committed to honoring his life and remembering the legacy he left behind.
One time, I attended a Plante Moran retirement reception and had the opportunity to speak with Terri Pollock, a retired partner with a distinguished career. Terri served on the Firm Management Team and as the Auburn Hills Office Managing Partner. I do not believe we had seen each other since Dan’s funeral.
After we exchanged pleasantries, Terri said something I will not forget.
Dan Doescher
She told me, “I do not know if I have ever told you this, but the job your brother did as team supervisor to Jason Drake was some of the best mentoring I have ever seen in all my years at the firm. It was extraordinary.”
She went on to explain that Dan saw something in Jason that extended beyond his accounting and audit role. He recognized that Jason had unique gifts as a business advisor, especially with internationally active clients. Dan made sure Jason’s assignments were concentrated in that area, where he clearly flourished. Just as importantly, Dan strongly and consistently praised Jason’s abilities to other firm leaders, which helped open the door for others to notice him, support him, and continue mentoring him after Dan’s retirement.
That was wonderful to hear.
What gave Terri’s comments even greater significance was the timing. It had recently been announced that, effective July 1, 2024, Jason Drake, at age 44, would become the managing partner of Plante Moran.
Later, I heard directly from Jason himself. He told me that he credited Dan with helping make that opportunity possible, and he dedicated the honor to my brother.
Dan, thank you.
There are many ways a person can leave a mark. Some do it through titles or accomplishments. Others do it by the way they invest in people. Dan did both, but what stands out most to me in this story is the way he helped someone else see and step into their potential.
That is a legacy worth honoring.
Dan’s life goal was this:
Aspire to be a meek, trustworthy, humble man of integrity, full of gratitude expressed through generosity.
I cannot think of a much better summary of the way he lived.
