Larry Cole, a much-loved and respected sales leader in the promotional products industry, has passed away following a stroke. He was 62 years old. 

Cole was director of sales at Dallas-based Gotcha! Mobile Solutions (asi/57851). The charismatic pro had spent the last 6 ½ years of his promotional products career at Gotcha! – a technology-focused supplier firm at which he won the respect, admiration and friendship of colleagues and clients alike. 

“Larry was the friendliest guy we knew,” said Gotcha! CEO Christopher Jenkin. “He was loyal, hardworking, and loving…so loving. He loved his family, his co-workers, his distributors and, yes, his cats.” Jenkin added with affection: “Larry had more cat stories than anyone we knew.”

Speaking to Cole’s work ethic, Jenkin said that in the years the two worked together Cole was always the first in the office, and generally the last to leave. “I think he took maybe five sick days in all his time,” Jenkin said. Part of that devotion was born of a genuine love of his job and the industry – a passion he shared through his mentoring guidance of colleagues and consultative service to clients. 

“He loved to talk and share, and more importantly, to be of value to the person he was talking to,” said Jenkin. “As many have attested to, he could go on like a night in Russia, but always to impart knowledge and be of assistance.”

Not surprisingly given his knowledge and passion, Cole was good at his job. He played an integral role in building Gotcha! into a fast-growing industry powerhouse. “He joined Gotcha! one week after we launched, and from the two-man crew we were, he helped us build up to the 25-plus employees we are today,” said Jenkin.

Family and friends are gathering for a private memorial service for Cole, whose legacy lives on, colleagues say. Loved ones have also started a memorial Facebook page in Cole’s honor. “His desk is still the way he left it, work ready to be continued the next day when he planned to come in,” said Jenkin. “He was our brother, our friend, our confidant. He will be sorely missed.”