Lloyd Robinson, AWISCO
Served as GAWDA President 2010 – 2011
Serving as President of GAWDA from 2010–2011 was one of the great honors of my professional life—and possibly the only job where the role began in Hawaii and ended in New York City. If that doesn’t perfectly capture the balance of responsibility and fun that defines GAWDA, I’m not sure what does.
My induction in Hawaii immediately set unrealistic expectations for leadership. Sun, ocean breezes, and fellow distributors smiling far more than usual—clearly this was going to be an easy year, right? Little did I know that the real test of leadership wasn’t navigating trade issues or industry challenges, but convincing myself that the job wouldn’t always involve palm trees and Mai tais. Still, if you’re going to start a presidency, Hawaii is a great place to do it.
The year itself was classic GAWDA: smart conversations, passionate debates, and a membership that genuinely cares about the future of our industry. We tackled big topics, shared best practices, and leaned on one another during a time when business and the economy weren’t exactly predictable. Through it all, GAWDA proved once again that this organization is about far more than cylinders and equipment; it’s about relationships, trust, and showing up when it matters.
Then came the Annual Convention in New York City—about as far from Hawaii as you can get, geographically and climatologically. From flip-flops to dress shoes, from ocean views to skyscrapers, the contrast was perfect. Hosting the Convention in NYC was energizing, fast-paced, and just a little chaotic—in other words, exactly how a GAWDA Convention should feel! If Hawaii said, “Relax, you’ve made it,” New York said, “Let’s move—there’s work to do.”
One of the things I appreciated most during my term was the humor that runs through GAWDA. This is an industry full of serious professionals who somehow never take themselves too seriously. Whether it was side conversations in the hallway, stories swapped over dinner, or the occasional friendly disagreement that somehow made us stronger, the camaraderie was always front and center.
Looking back now, I’m incredibly grateful—to the board, the staff, the volunteers, and the members who trusted me with the gavel for that year. GAWDA leadership isn’t about one person; it’s about a group of people pulling in the same direction, even if they occasionally disagree on the best route to get there.
I’ll always remember my presidency as the year that started in paradise, ended in the city that never sleeps, and reinforced why GAWDA remains such a special organization.
