Sandbath, exactly my thoughts. It really does seem like the CEO gig is sort of an annoying part of his real job:
"But again, he's the CEO of a PUBLIC company and this kind of thing could be handled better. And should be. Regardless. I assume that the CEO role is sort of like a part-time annoyance to him, though, along with his real preferred duties of deal-making. So I try to remind myself of that."
I agree. Deal-Maker he is. CEO? First time heading a public company (correct me if I am wrong) and being hounded 24-7 is probably a new experience he does not relish. I am sure he knows how to protect clients and other deals with his experience and in the past working with private companies could say "hey, get the F*** away from me"
Eventually my temper would get the best of me, too..especially if someone wanted to see my passport.
Still would like to know what he was willing to say about about the local projects..