On this day in 1984, a new empire began. Michael Eisner and Frank Wells became Chairman and President of Walt Disney Productions. This began an unprecedented explosion of growth in the Disney company. While both of their careers ended with much scrutiny, I must give them both their due respect. Even though many of their decisions were made for the wrong reasons, they both had their share of home runs and showed a true commitment to the company. Eisner was so hands on that he demanded a test run on Splash Mountain before anyone had rode it. The Imagineers reluctantly placed a trash bag over their boss to keep him dry and sent him on his way. He was ecstatic when he returned to the station and demanded another ride. So even with all of the evil that came out in his later years, Eisner did in fact have a heart.
I like to consider Eisner and Wells like the Star Wars Franchise. In their early years, much like the original trilogy, they were newcomers that seemed unstoppable. But then, their egos got the best of them. And like Episode I, they turned into merchandising machines. So in retrospect, we must look at both the good and the bad. And we can only hope that current executives can learn from their mistakes.
What do you think? What are your thoughts on this on dynamic duo?
ood analogy, for Eisner at least. I wouldn't include Wells in that. Everything was fine until Wells passed away. I think he helped contain Eisner and his ego from running wild like we saw after Frank passed. I think it's similar to how Roy O. and Walt worked where one balanced out the other. It's okay to be a dreamer and to have bold visions and ideas, but there needs to be somebody that listens to the voice of reason to help keep things in perspective at times.
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