---
title: CEO Relationship Building — Serendipitous Meeting
type: article
created: '2026-04-05'
updated: '2026-04-05'
source_docs:
- raw/2026-03-23-sprint-planning-meeting-131970264.md
tags:
- didion
- client-relations
- business-development
- relationship-building
layer: 2
client_source: Didion Milling
industry_context: food-beverage
transferable: false
---

# CEO Relationship Building — Serendipitous Meeting

## Overview

On the weekend before the Sprint 10 planning meeting (circa April 5, 2026), Mark Hope had an unplanned encounter with **Riley Didion**, CEO of Didion, at a local coffee shop. Riley had a Didion sticker on his laptop, which prompted Mark to introduce himself. The conversation was warm and productive, opening a door to a potential site visit and deeper client engagement.

This was notable because Mark had previously been trying to arrange a formal meeting with Riley — the coffee shop encounter accomplished that organically.

> *"It's what he gets for having a Didion sticker on his laptop."* — Mark Hope

## Key Details

- **Who:** Mark Hope (Asymmetric) and Riley Didion (CEO, Didion)
- **When:** Weekend prior to 2026-04-05
- **Where:** Local coffee shop (Mark was there with Gavin)
- **Context:** Unplanned — Mark spotted the Didion laptop sticker and introduced himself

## What Was Discussed

- Riley expressed that he had **heard good things** about the team's work
- He specifically mentioned satisfaction with **Diana** and the work she had been doing with Asymmetric
- Mark expressed interest in visiting Didion's facility to see their operation firsthand
- Riley was **receptive to a site visit** and gave Mark his card, inviting him to call and schedule something

## Relationship Status After Meeting

- Riley Didion is aware of and satisfied with Asymmetric's work
- A site visit has been verbally agreed to in principle
- Diana (Didion's primary contact on the client side) was on vacation the week of 2026-04-05 — scheduling should wait until she returns

## Opportunity

This encounter represents an opening for:
- **Deeper executive-level relationship** with the client beyond the day-to-day contact (Diana)
- **Site visit** that could surface new project opportunities or expand scope
- **Potential new work** — Melissa noted "get more work for them" as a natural next step

## Next Steps

- [ ] Mark to follow up with Riley Didion directly to schedule a site visit (after Diana returns from vacation)
- [ ] Coordinate with Diana before reaching out to ensure alignment

## Related

- [[wiki/clients/current/didion/_index]]