Napa Valley College - Roast - Honoring Robert Mondavi Poem by James B. Earley

Hosted

By

Silverado Country Club

Napa, California

6 October 1995


Late November 1985, I visited Robert Mondavi Winery critically in search of employment. After introducing myself, I said 'Mr. Mondavi, I'm desperately in need of a job, I have no preference, any available opening you have will suffice.' Mr. Mondavi listened attentively to my approach, then said, "Well Jim, tell me about yourself." I went on and on, delving into my history, exploring my varied background. Nearing the end of my lengthy disclosure, Mr. Mondavi interrupted, calling out excitingly to Mrs. Mondavi; "Margrit, please come to my office - you've got to meet this fellow, Jim Earley." "Margrit, this is craaazy. I do believe Divine intervention has led Jim to our doorstep. I want you to know that I'm thoroughly moved by what I've seen and heard. I stand convinced he's just the person we need to be our driving force. Ah, Margrit I tell you, I'm impressed with Jim's vision. I can see him now, up front taking charge, charting the course, and steering the way. With Jim at the helm, there'll be no road too rough, no river too wide, no valley too deep, no mountain too high. Going forward, Margrit, I see our pathway secure in his hands. Jim, when can you start? ' I was hired on the spot. But after a few days, I began having concerns about this new job. I soon discovered I'd been hoodwinked, and indeed flimflammed, as this "Driving Force" position he had me imagining, was in reality a chauffeur's job. After years of stewing in this deception, and months plotting revenge, I eventually decided to write this "tell-all book" titled, "A Chauffeur's View From Wappo Hill*." (Waving the gold embossed, exquisitely bound 8 ½ x 14 x 2 inch book for the audience of 500 to visualize.)

….All….my tapes
And transcribed notes
Compiled within
This book I wrote

Every single secret
I've seen and heard….
Is documented here
In my very own words

(*Wappo Hill, the Mondavi Napa Valley Estate, perched high atop the Valley floor - having a 360 degree picturesque view of the surrounding landscape.)


Author's Note:
Amid boisterous laughter and thunderous applause, I walked the book over to the dais where the Mondavis were seated. Mrs. Mondavi graciously accepted the book, quickly thumbed through it, then held it up for all to see - 500 blank pages! A memorable evening....indeed.)