Jim Boldebook - Employee Tributes Part 2

"Dear Jim,  It’s hard to put into words just how much you’ve meant to me over these past 33 years, but I want to try—because I really want you to know the difference you’ve made in my life. You took a chance on me in 1992 when I interviewed for a Traffic Manager position at CBC. I came in on a Sunday afternoon, and we immediately hit it off. We bonded over working for radio stations (I was still at my first job as a radio advertising salesperson) and talked for two hours. I knew there was something special about you, about CBC, and about the opportunity you were offering me. I was just a couple of years out of college, and eager to get into advertising. You kindly opened that door for me. I walked through—and never left. Jim, you didn’t just teach me about advertising. You taught me how to build real, lasting client relationships. You showed me that when people trust you—not just with their money, but with their vision for success—you can help them build something incredible. You shaped my career, and more than that, you shaped my life. CBC became a family because of you. You created a place where people wanted to stay; where we felt seen, supported, invested in, and appreciated. Your enthusiasm for the auto industry was contagious and your generosity was unmatched. You believed in us, your team, and gave us your time and your unwavering pride in watching us (and CBC) grow. I’ll never forget the fun we all had over the years at CBC. The Wheel of Fortune prizes (we took Alex to Disney World on one of my spins!), our unforgettable company parties, the frequent Chinese food company lunches, all the shenanigans (which I dare not repeat now) we laughed so much! And of course, there was our dearest Louise—bringing us eggplant parmesan for lunch and rum cakes at Christmas, making us feel like part of your own family. I still think of your mother Lou-Lou all the time. I miss her dearly and love hanging the ornaments she gifted me every year on my Christmas tree. I’ll never forget her ingenious ideas about how we could all work together to save the company money (my favorite was by using less toilet paper!) She was truly one of a kind! The bottom line, Jim, is that you built something truly special here, and we all felt it. I want you to know that I am forever thankful for you. You provided me with so many opportunities to grow my career and build a life I’m proud of. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for you. You were not just my boss; you were my mentor, my friend, and someone who truly became like family to me. You are a brilliant mind, a kind soul, and a pioneer in our industry. And you will always be one of the most important people I’ve ever known. I love you dearly, Jim. Your legacy—everything you built, everything you taught us, and all the lives you’ve touched—lives on, and it always will. With gratitude and love." - Faith Logan

Jim Boldebook was a true icon in automotive advertising. For over 40 years, his commanding voice captivated radio listeners across the East Coast and beyond, establishing him as the voice for automotive dealerships nationwide. Putting his skills and talent into practice, the agency he founded in Biddeford Maine, Creative Broadcast Concepts, or CBC has grown into one of the most respected boutique automotive agency’s in the nation. Jim’s talent wasn’t just about reading copy, it was about connecting with the listener. His legacy extends far beyond the airwaves, and into the hearts of all who worked with him. - Nick LaRochelle

One of my unexpected pandemic surprises was a call from Jim Boldebook in the spring of 2021. A Bay Area Honda dealer needed help, and Jim called me to plan a collaborative pursuit.  Though removed from day-to-day operations at CBC for nearly two decades, Jim’s affection for the company never waned, nor did his passion for helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses.  Jim and I got to work, catching up on industry needs at the time, while also returning to the basic principles of brand building that many in our space often ignore.  In this moment, you would have struggled to guess his age because his vigor and gusto were so profound. The legendary firehose of ideas that Jim was known for was on full blast – validating why so many in the industry view Jim as an automotive marketing genius.  Our client pursuit was successful and we landed the business.  But the most valuable asset I gained in that interaction was the experience of working with Jim one final time.  Jim was many things to many people.  But to me he was the embodiment of a core principle that I live by: it is more important to be real than perfect.  And in a day and age when perfection is seeming sought after at all costs, it was always refreshing to see somebody take the stance of, “this is who I am, take it or leave it.”  And that’s just one of the many things that made him a legend in the business.   Jim, you have always been respected and appreciated.  And we will miss you with equal vigor.  We’ll stride forward with your gusto as a way to honor you, with a dash of your genius teachings for good measure, too.  For the automotive business, like life in general, is all about the relationships you make along the way.  And the relationships you forged were like few others." - Joe Schena