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John - you have always met with a smile and a hug...always. I have tried to pass on this ritual to everyone I meet at BF so they feel welcomed and valued. You are one of the people who make Brown-Forman special and a great place to work. I would list more lessons you have taught me, but I will continue to pass them on while taking credit for them! Be safe and know your spirit will live on at BF...

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Congratulations, John!
What an amazing career! You will be missed by me and so many others. Thank you for your guidance, support and excellent leadership. I will remember my Jack days fondly, and please let me know if you need me to update my wardrobe suggestions PowerPoint 😂.

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The East Region LT (and a few special guests) raise a glass to you John! Cheers and Congratulations!!!

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JOHN - Words can't express how much you mean to me. You are a living example of inclusive leadership, and I'm so thankful to know you and that I had the opportunity to learn from you. I can't wait for you and Tonya to bring your RV up to Michigan so I can toast you by the lake!
Donovan

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I cannot thank you enough for your leadership, mentorship, friendship, fun and the positive influence you have had on all aspects of my life. You are one of kind and am honored to have worked for you both on Jack and this amazing Emerging Brands team. I will miss you dearly but look forward to more times at 'the island' and so happy that you can enter this next chapter of your life.   Congratulations and THANK YOU.
Laura

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John-

I just wanted to congratulate you on your retirement! I am so lucky to have gotten to work closer with you on the Emerging Brands Team and learn from one of the best. Thank you for your leadership, for truly caring about your people and by leading by example. I (and so many others) will truly miss you!

Best-
Jackie Croxdale

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John,
It's difficult for me to put into words what working for you and having you as my mentor has meant to me.  You have truly been my biggest advocate and and an inspiration as a leader.  Thank you for being you and helping all of us in the authentic, beautiful way that you do.
Veronica

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All the best John!             Adventures await you :) 

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All the best John!             Adventures await you :) 

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John,
You have been a delight to work with the past several years!  And although our paths have only crossed periodically over the last decade, you have always made our encounters pleasant, with your wit, engagement and encouragement.

Wishing you joy filled days ahead as you transition into the realm of retirement!

Take Care ~ Mischa S.

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Congratulations on Your Inspiring Career! You are a true leader who exemplified the BF Way and Values! Your Devotion to Authentic communication is something that I, and so many others, truly hold dear :)) Enjoy the next chapter and I can't wait until we meet up in Louisville or in the Northeast! Michael Lopez-Calleja

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So thankful to have been apart of your team!

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So thankful to have been apart of your team!

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Thank you for being an amazing leader and mentor. I have learned so much from you in the last few years. Just know that you will be greatly missed. We will do our best to make you proud. Congratulations!! Enjoy retirement!
- Lindsay

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How exciting to plan your next chapter after a legendary career at BF. You deserve an amazing retirement. Wishing you many days of sunshine spending your time as you please. Thank you for your leadership and being an example of our BF values.  You'll be missed, yet what you've built at BF will carry on to the next generation of leaders.
Cheers to you ! Tricia

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And most importantly, to have you as a friend.  Famous John saying - It's what's on the back of the card that matters.    Love that.  I am fortunate to have been able to learn so much from you.  Looking forward to cocktails with you and Tanya on the beach! Eventually :)!
Ann

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John,
You have been like a second father to me and there aren't words that can ever explain what you have meant to me, Caitlin, and the kids the last 14 years. While B-F and my life just won't be the same without you here, you have always taught me that family is always first and I'm so happy that you will get to enjoy yours more than ever before. I can never repay you but I promise I will always do my best to make John Higgins proud. Thank you. I love you. Cheers, Doctor =)
- Dustin

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Getting hired to work under the legendary John Higgins is a career highlight for me! John, thank you for seeing something in me and for offering me an opportunity to learn and grow from under your leadership! You have been an incredible manager for this short season! Cheers to you and all the exciting things to come in this next chapter! You will be greatly missed!

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John -
To say that you'll be missed is an understatement! It has been nothing short of incredible working with you for the past several years on EB. Your leadership, kindness, sense of humor will always be an inspiration. I feel very lucky to have been part of your team and had the opportunity to learn from you. Thank you for all the fun conversations around vacations and travel! Congratulations on this next exciting step of your journey and cheers to you!

- Andrea

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John, you have captained the ship in smooth water as well as rough seas.   I couldn’t image a better captain under any conditions, and I was always happy to be your shipmate.  You have made lasting memories on so many but better yet you have made lasting marks on many of our careers.   Most importantly… thanks for being a friend!

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John,

Where do I begin to express what your 22+ years of mentorship, leadership and friendship has meant to me?  From our early days on Finlandia (DI/WH About 2 Bucks:), to having the opportunity to work for you over the last 2 1/2 years, and all the great times in between – YOU have been an amazing North Star.  I am so glad you gave me a second chance when I obviously did not make a good first impression with you all those years ago. (HA HA – I won’t repeat here your initial description of me as confessed years later!)

I am so happy for you and excited for what is ahead.  Can’t say I am not heartbroken for all of us that won’t see your smiling face every Monday morning 9:30am!  I will miss you and the leadership you have given to so many of us at B-F!

Congratulations – Best Wishes – And you better stop in ATL when you are coming through in that “Resort on Wheels”!!!

Cheers - Donna

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You are one of the reasons I love working at Brown-Forman. You have this ability to drive people to be great, which in turn makes the business great. I've appreciated our time together for your support, your stories, your mentorship, your push to make me a better leader, and your friendship. I truly believe no other person in this organization could've led the launch of Emerging Brands and seen the success that the team has had in building these acorns and building talent. People often talk about big shoes to fill with people like you. I don't think that's possible in this case. You just hope the new pair is as good as the last.

Enjoy this next stage of life and know you've made an impact on so many people, a testament to the legacy you leave. Thank you for being you.

Cilantro and Slainte
Sean

P.S. -- There's a yurt at Rock Farm whenever you need it.

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What a privilege it has been to be apart of an organization  that you have  impacted in so many ways. Your leadership, mentorship and countless acts of kindness will be forever be apart of your legacy.  Personally, I can't thank you enough  for all you have done for me over the years. Wishing you all the very best as you start this exciting new chapter of your life.  Enjoy every moment of it...you deserve it and so much more.
Danielle

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Thank you for giving a young wines ABM a chance to move to Baltimore and learn from one of the best.  You have taught me and so many others how to lead properly - family and people first!  You have inspired and prepared countless folks to step up and live B-F's values. I will forever be grateful for your mentorship, coaching and friendship.  You will be dearly missed, but Brown-Forman is a better place because of the legacy you leave behind. Enjoy your well deserved retirement and hope to catch you in Lynchburg now and again!

Cheers,
Casey

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I count myself lucky to have been given the chance to work with you, if only for a short time.  Your ability to motivate and create a culture of positivity has led to building one of the best teams around. The Emerging Brands model is one of complete success.  A legacy that will live on as it is replicated across the globe. Enjoy your retirement as it is well deserved.
Cheers to you!
-Elizabeth

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Thank you for the mentorship, guidance, leadership and good times.  I will never forget or discount the things you've done for me, my family and my career.  Stay loose and give em hell in retirement.

- Colin

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Congratulations John! I am so thankful I was able to work under your leadership. While it may have been a short amount of time, you have made a great impact. Your advice, guidance, and transparency are something I will cherish for the rest of my career. I only wish it could have been longer! Cheers!

-Kayla M.

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Thank you for the many years of our special friendship and relationship. We certainly could write a book on all we have done and experienced together. Your mentorship, advocacy, counsel and always looking for the solution will be missed by so many. I have been very motivated working closely with you over the years. You are a true professional and BF is a better company because of your contributions. An impressive legacy to truly be proud of. I am very fortunate to call you "my friend." J. Manuel

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You may be the youngest looking retiree in Brown-Forman history, but your legacy extends well beyond a healthy career!   There likely isn’t a role you haven’t, or couldn’t play, and with each you’ve led with passion, compassion, and conviction.    From building brands, businesses, and the people you’ve touched you have been one of the most influential leaders I’ve had the pleasure of knowing.     Congratulations on 38 years, a Higgins legacy that looks like it will span a century+, and what will clearly be a happy and healthy retirement surrounded by an incredible family.

Cheers to You!
Erin

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What can I say to a leader I have always felt comfortable talking to and expressing ideas to.  You have made my career journey meaningful and supportive.  Thank you for everything you have done and leading the Emerging Brands and taking us all on a great trajectory as we grow from acorns to trees.  Lastly, and I can never forget this, for persuading Robinson to hire me!  I wish the best for you in your retirement and hope to stay connected for all things non-business related!  I will definitely miss our regular catch ups. Congratulations. 

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What can I say to a leader I have always felt comfortable talking to and expressing ideas to.  You have made my career journey meaningful and supportive.  Thank you for everything you have done and leading the Emerging Brands and taking us all on a great trajectory as we grow from acorns to trees.  Lastly, and I can never forget this, for persuading Robinson to hire me!  I wish the best for you in your retirement and hope to stay connected for all things non-business related!  I will definitely miss our regular catch ups. Congratulations. 

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-Neel

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I have heard from many of my direct managers that you were one of the most influential people that they have had the opportunity to work with. My favorite note was that you never forgot to include fun as part of your work. I'm so glad my managers were able to learn from you and hopefully pass the same lessons onto me!

Meaghan Whitmer

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John, I consider myself extremely lucky to have joined BF under your leadership. The business and team of people you have built in Emerging Brands are truly best in class and blazing a trail in Brown-Forman history. Your legacy will continue to live on. Thank you for always championing the people and the brands.

Enjoy the next chapter, and maybe drink a couple Benriach Penicillin cocktails along the way :)

Karoline

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You have been such a positive force for the Emerging Brands Team.  Although our time working together was brief, I am honored to have you as a big influence on my Brown Forman journey. Cheers to you and your retirement.
-Tristin Westphal

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For all the patience, understanding and unwavering support you gave Team 86 as we onboarded during one of the weirdest times in human history... Thank you for being our lighthouse, and for being a genuinely good person! You had better make your way to the barage next time you're in Los Angeles - you will be deeply missed by all of us!

- joe brooke

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Thank you for your hard work and dedication to BF over the years and congratulations on your retirement! I really enjoyed working with you and will miss your leadership on the team. Thank you for being a great mentor and friend! Cheers to you!

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John - I've shared with you my sentiments about your influence on many aspects of my life, so I feel that I don't need to air those thoughts out in public.  What I will make public is my deep gratitude and profound appreciation for having the opportunity to know you, work with you, and especially learn from you.  Cheers to you for a well-earned retirement, sir.

With respect and admiration,
Gary Pickard

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John - it has been a pleasure to be under your leadership as part of the Emerging Brands team these past few years. Thank you for always being supportive, approachable, and kind. Congratulations on retirement!

Nick K

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John, you have been a giant within BF since I joined the organization. You have been a great sounding board, mentor and leader and your leadership. You deserve all things that come with this next chapter of your journey. You've left an indelible mark on the organization, your respective teams and many of us individually.

Cheers!

Michael Bolling

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When I first started Brown-Forman in 2015, it only took a few days for me to start hearing about "John Higgins" and how great of a leader and person he was. Fast forward to 2018 when EB was established and I had to chance to work under your leadership... it only took me a few minutes to realize what I'd been hearing for years about you was so incredibly true!

You've made such an impact on me and my life - both professionally and personally. I am beyond blessed to have worked on your team and to call you a friend! You will be SO missed. Raising my glass to you and this very well deserved next chapter of your life!

Olivia

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John,
I will miss our monthly calls. I always left our calls feeling re-charged and ready to get after it again. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of The Emerging Brands Team; it has been a highlight of my career.
I'm so happy for you and your family and I'm hoping you start a Youtube channel, documenting your travels in the RV. Fulltiming With Higgins?? Thanks again John. There's No One Better In The Market Than You!
CC

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John, you've made a strong and lasting impact on me and so many others at Brown-Forman, may your retirement be everything you’ve hoped for!

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John, you've made a strong and lasting impact on me and so many others at Brown-Forman, may your retirement be everything you’ve hoped for!

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Loren Catrambone

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Mr Higgins, it was such a pleasure to work with you. I am very happy for what is in front for you!! Go and enjoy your time with your family, you have earned it!! Felicidades!! Chuy

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Señor Higgins... hats off (and you know I love hats) to you and your storied BF career. Your'e leaving a monumental legacy. See you around Amigo.

Valdemar