I grew up on the ice in South St. Paul, MN. In those days, hockey was the men’s sport, and figure skating was the women’s sport. In a cold climate like ours, many young women were doing what we guys were doing – dreaming of making it to the top.

I’m drawn to the stories of winners. But I’m genuinely fascinated by the stories of those who fought through a journey of ups and downs. 

In the women’s skating world, one figure stands out as a fighter and a scrapper – Tonya Harding. Tonya was a two-time US Championship figure skater. If you followed the investigation of the assault on figure skating rival Nancy Kerrigan, you know that Tonya Harding was found to have had some involvement. To what extent isn’t certain, but Tonya retired from skating not long after.

Harding was shaped by her extreme discipline, physical strength, personal pride, rebellious nature, and the family relationships she couldn’t escape. In the film “I, Tonya,” her villainess mother, perfectly played by Allison Janney, is central to the story and Tonya’s motivation.

In real life, Tonya Harding’s mother played a minor role, though admittedly, she had a profound psychological effect. The true central character in Tonya’s life, however, was Diane Rawlinson, her coach of over 20 years. Diane was there daily, year after year, opening doors, crafting Tonya’s skating style, and helping her achieve her dreams. While Diane Rawlinson and Tonya Harding had their differences – and even split twice when Tonya wouldn’t buckle down – Rawlinson “got”  Tonya in a way that no one else in the skater’s life did. She helped lift Tonya from the shopping mall ice rink to the Olympic arena. She was an essential part of the journey.

But what happened to Diane Rawlinson once Tonya Harding left the ice? Where do championship coaches go when they’re “done?” Where does any top professional go when the reason for their role doesn’t exist anymore?

Good question. I see this in the graphic arts world all the time. I meet owners – often the founders – whose sole mission has been to nurture the business. Their purpose is a laser-focused obsession with work. They’re like Diane Rawlinson. Their job is their defining role.

No one in their world begrudges these people their mission. After all, their single-mindedness leads to success, fame, wealth, purpose and meaning. And everyone benefits from that, right?

For Diane Rawlinson, that purpose and meaning shifted when Tonya retired. Rawlinson had other skating clients, but she wasn’t taking another protege to the championship level.

Similarly, when an owner is thinking about selling the business, there is a Diane Rawlinson moment. What now? What’s next? Who am I? Will I ever make this kind of impact again?

I see owners go through the grieving process of leaving the business behind and seeking to reinvent themselves. Some go on to buy and grow other companies. Some excel in new areas of their lives. Some are happy to have had a good run and are ready to relax.

In my discussions with owners, I must understand where they are on this spectrum. Are they going to be able to successfully separate themselves from the business, or will they remain forever in a state of “wait and see”?

I tell these owners, and I’ll tell you now, everyone leaves their businesses at some point. You leave on your own terms or they carry you out. Dead or alive. Your choice.

Diane Rawlinson’s focus for 20-something years was Tonya Harding, and then it wasn’t. Did she move on? I was curious. After researching her, it turns out she still lives in Portland, OR, the same city where she coached Tonya. She’s still married to attorney Dennis Rawlinson, who represented Harding in Tonya Harding v. United States Olympic Committee and United States Figure Skating Association. She still has the same cool demeanor of someone who was able to elicit greatness from an athlete who enjoyed the nickname “Bad Girl.”

The stories of discipline and mental fortitude in elite athletes suck me in, and the stories of their coaches can be just as compelling. As for owners who live single-mindedly for their businesses – well, that’s a story for a movie or, at least, a book.

Oh, did I mention I wrote a book? You can learn about it on my website. I’ll be curious what you think.

As I think back on my early years on the ice and later my years in business, I am attracted to the dramatic stories – with all the ups and downs of people who dared to dream big. There’s always a story behind the story.

“When an owner is thinking about selling the business, there is a Diane Rawlinson moment. What now? What’s next? Who am I? Will I ever make this kind of impact again?”


Rock LaManna is The Deal Flow Guy. He helps qualified buyers and investors find businesses that are ready for acquisition or transition. On the sell side, he helps owners improve their businesses, increase value, and position strategically in anticipation of sale, exit or succession. Sign up for his newsletter at TheDealFlowGuy.com and start the process.