Trophies2go celebrates 50,000 orders!

Recently, we at Trophies2Go.com celebrated our 50,000th order! For this landmark occasion, we organized a summer barbeque shindig for our employees and their close friends and family. Chicken wings were ordered, melons sliced, popsicles purchased, cookies baked and eggs deviled for this grand event!

For some extra fun, our party had a neon theme. You should have seen the get-ups in the shop on July 31st! If you came by on that fateful Thursday to place an order or pick something up, you were no doubt greeted by one of our obscenely bright customer service agents. At the party, a panel of judges decided who was the most glaringly visible from a distance, and awarded them an awesome trophy. Eric, the son of our co-worker Mike, as well as Sarah & Eric – two of Anne’s children – were declared winners.

Our party location was near the Lake Sammamish waterfront in the hopes we would be able to have some fun in the water. But, leave it to the Washington weather, it rained on and off all afternoon. That didn’t stop a few brave employees from braving the cold water to get a little time on the Jet Ski!  Eventually, we all sat down for one massive game of Apples to Apples where the favorite card played was “Canadians” in reference to our newest employee Janice, talk “aboot” some great fun! The game was happily ended when the popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, cheesecakes and pies made their way out to the table.

At Trophies2Go, we understand the importance of hard work and perseverance. Our employees come into the shop ready to give 110% everyday and for that a reward is needed. A great recognition program is the key to employee satisfaction. We make sure to take the time to recognize our own accomplishments and individual achievements. Whenever we get together to celebrate at Trophies2Go, it’s a great party!

 

The T-Ball Coach – Kelly Conlon

This is a real story from Lakewood, Washington.  The scenario is a t-ball team without a willing volunteer to be coach.  Stepping up to the plate: Kelly Conlon.  While Kelly has a busy work life, multiple kids and stressors that most of us face, his t-ball team was without a coach/mentor to his child and 13 other 5-6 year olds.  Instead of pointing to the other parents and asking them to take on the role, Kelly raised his hand and said, “I will do it.”  That leap of faith is inspiration for this article.  The rest of the story is typical of many t-ball teams around the county; kids not knowing the sport, not having developed skills and not having the attention span to make it through a game.

 

Well, I just attended the team’s last game, and am I impressed!  The kids knew their positions, abided by the rules and had fun, too!  Since I am in the business of recognition, I want to highlight Kelly’s delivery of the end of the year trophies.  While most of the youth trophy presentations I have seen have been a spectacle for both the parents and children, Kelly focused on just the kids.  He got down on one knee and spoke loud enough to be heard by all, yet he spoke directly to each child.  He highlighted 2-3 positive attributes each child learned or possessed throughout the season and presented them with a small trophy and certificate from the league.

While I feel the trophy and certificate are long-lasting symbols of the child’s accomplishment, the words that were spoken are perhaps more important.  Each child left with a sense of accomplishment and pride that serve as a foundation for future achievements.  They know they can finish something.  They know they can be a part of a team.  They know that as an individual, they were a significant part of a team.

 

In speaking to Kelly after the game, he felt honored to teach the kids.  He felt like he witnessed growth in their teamwork, physical skills and in their attitude.  If you ask him if he received enough recognition for teaching them, he would say that he didn’t need any because the joy he received was greater than what he put into it.

 

This story is repeated by the hundreds each sports season around the county.  My hat is off to Kelly and the rest of the parents who accept the challenge of teaching our children structure, responsibility and rules.  These people are to be commended for giving more than their share of effort.

Great Job!