To go along wiht our new design/build plan outside, we are also re-decorating the inside. Jason, Holly, Jessica and I were all talking one day aobut how the front entryway needed something to brighten up the room. We came up with the perfect idea! We put our heads together, and came up with a fabulous idea - using all of our own office equipment!! It has taken some time to actually put our thoughts into something you can see. It is complete, the glue is dry, and it was hung recently. Take a look!!

It was a lot of fun to build something that we actually designed ourselves. It’s funny, because that is what we do everyday, but all of us that work in the office don’t get to touch that part of the company… Stop by and visit us to see for yourself - we’re pretty proud of it, and keep your eyes on our blog to see more photos of the office…

Last Saturday, a few of us attended a “Cinco de Holly” party.  It was the real deal – piñatas, Mexican food, tortilla chips, and margaritas…   It was Holly’s birthday, and the party was hosted by Holly’s mom.  I’m pretty sure it was rigged, but Holly eventually was the winner of the piñata hitting contest!

Mitch, Shannon, Graden and I all attended.  It was another merging of the worlds – where friends, family and business all mixed, creating a fun night.

As many know, Holly is my Executive Assistant, and I’m lucky to have known her for many years, and have known her husband, Seth, for almost fifteen years.  If you’ve ever gotten to work with her on anything, you know that she is incredible, and keeps me on track with everything that competes for my time.  Thanks, Holly, for how you make me look much better than I really am every day!  Happy Birthday!!

In 1991, I was honored to be asked to be a participant in Leadership Overland Park, a program sponsored by the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce, to help develop community leaders. At the time, I was a high school senior, and truly did not appreciate the program, or what it would do for me as my life progressed.

I’ve only recently gotten re-engaged in Leadership Overland Park, attending the graduation ceremony for last years class, as well as recently going to the “Leadership Johnson County” program Personal Reflections on Leadership. The event was held yesterday at the Sheraton Overland Park hotel.

I think the line-up of speakers was most intriguing to me:

Carol Marinovich, the former CEO of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County

Drue Jennings, the former CEO of Kansas City Power and Light

Dr. Bob Clark, Dean at the University of Kansas Edward’s Campus

Ed O’Malley, the President and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.

Needless to say, this group of incredible speakers was more than worth the $40 price of admission.

One thing that stood out to me was in Carol Marinovich’s talk. She was sharing with the group the challenges and opportunities she faced while in office to help bring the Kansas Speedway and Village West to the intersection of I-70 and I-435 in Western Wyandotte County. It was compelling as she told the story. What was even more compelling was the incredible consensus building that was necessary to have everything put into place for success. If you haven’t been to that part of KC recently, it’s worth the trip.

She said this…

“A team commitment is necessary to bring about change…”

Wow.

Clients and friends that are near to Highland Outdoor know the changes we’ve been through as a company the last year or so… Our team here certainly knows that. I was so proud of our team of dedicated employees who are, and have been, completely committed to one another, or our client-centric mission, to our product we deliver, and everything in-between. Carol, I certainly agree. Our team commitment was absolutely necessary to bring about change. And change we have.

Little did I know that when I was in high school that I would be fortunate to attend and participate in such high-level events like what I did yesterday. I’m grateful for that…

By the way, if you’re interested in signing up to attend one of the many leadership events (including Leadership Overland Park), feel free to give me a ring, or shoot me an email. I’d be happy to tell you more…