Thank You And Goodbye

Exactly five years ago today, I walked into the offices of VerticalScope as a fresh faced 21 year old and began my career as an auto journalist. And now it’s over.

It has been a privilege to have worked at TTAC for nearly 4 years, under the tutelage of Ed Niedermeyer, Bertel Schmitt and Jack Baruth. Without Ed, I would never have had the opportunity to join the site. Without Bertel, I would not have 99 percent of the knowledge of the auto industry that I have today. Without Jack, I would not have my own personal OnStar that I can call when I am lost and need direction (in matters both personal and professional).

I am in debt to the contributors of the site, who are the real stars of the show. The current roster of writers, who have been at the site for longer than my entire career, have consistently provided the best automotive content anywhere in the world. I stand in awe of their knowledge and expertise, not to mention their patience and understanding in enduring the ups and downs that come with working at this site.

As tired a cliche as it may be, I can say that the decision to leave was extremely difficult. TTAC has given me the opportunity to drive some the the most interesting cars, to see some of the most beautiful spots on the planet and even to carry on relationships that would never have flourished had I been bound to a 9-5 office job. But I felt as if I had given everything I had to the site and to the craft of writing – and though I am far from where I would like to be as a writer, an editor and an observer of the auto industry, I felt as if my capacity to give back to the site and the readers has been exhausted.

At the same time, I have always felt that after TTAC, there would be no move to a buff book or another online publication. Nothing can ever compare to the freedom and independence that comes with writing for this site. I’ve decided to leave automotive writing on a high note. My next role will be in the auto industry itself, where I can hopefully play a part in shaping the future of the automobile.

I am humbled to have served you, the readers, and I hope that my legacy at the site will be this: I made every effort to answer your emails, your phone calls and your invitations to meet in person. No matter where I went, there was always a reader (or a group of readers) willing to host me in their city for a drink or a meal. Others were willing to put their careers on the line just so they could give us a scoop. Knowing that I have made some life long friends out of the Best & Brightest has been the most gratifying element of my time here.

Thank you,

-DK

Toronto, April 20th, 2015