CDI lost its way the minute Roger Ballou left
Pros
Interesting businesses and plenty of good people. The people in the divisions were fantastic and had many good leaders. The original family made CDI but it’s growth and continuity was thanks to Roger stepping in as CEO when needed and the talent in the divisions. It appears the current CEO is the beat since Roger.
Cons
While Divisions were outstanding & the strength of CD, corporate staff Leadership positions were a joke. Roger’s excellent judgement and decision-making made up for it. Then Roger retired after more than a decade because he disliked answering to the arrogant family lawyer that ran the board. That lawyer hired Paulette to replace Roger. Paulette’s hire was the beginning of the end for this company. Everything became about her and she brought shockingly little to the company. The talented Division leaders saw through her and departed. Only former associates and yes people were put in place. CDI stock collapsed from $21 to $5 during a bull market expansion when stocks more than doubled. After Paulette was removed when her contract ended, it was too late and CDI is a shadow of what it was and could have been. From what I can tell the current CEO is the best since Roger but I’m not rating current.
