Fatmarc goes to Washington.

Dear Readers,

As a general blog rule, I never talk about my work, or my job. I'm gonna break that rule today.

I love my job, and I love the company I work for. Our company is 100% employee owned, and long before it was fashionable to be "green", we were focused on being a sustainable organization. Our company headquarter buildings are both LEED certified, and we have onsite recycling as well as a recycle center for the entire community. Sustainable is larger than being being environmentally sound, it's creating jobs and a company that's in it for the long haul. If a business isn't profitable- the company won't be sustainable for the long haul. We have prided ourselves in answering to a tipple bottom line:   People, Planet and Profit.  Being an employee owned company is also a critical part of our company's strategy to be sustainable and thrive in the future.

The mission of our company is to be our stakeholder's favorite company. I work for a shoe company, we recognize that we won't likely be the only shoes in a woman's closet, but we hope to be her favorites. As an HR guy, (that's what I do), I know that most folks will not work for us their entire career, but I certainly hope when they look back at their time with they say, "that place was special. it was my favorite employer"

Our company is what is referred to as a high road employer. Our founders have always believed in sharing the successes of the company, and again striving for our mission of being our stakeholder's favorite.  We offer competitive compensation packages pay, paid time off, paid maternity/paternity leave, rich health benefits, education benefits (how I got my masters!) great work life balance- in the end we want a passionate and engaged team. As an owner it's clearly in all of our best interests for the company to be successful! Again, as an HR guy this sets up a situation where I get to be a partner, and not the handbook cop. I did mention I love my job right?

Recently our company was asked to speak with the Democratic Progressive Caucus regarding our high road employment practices. Our CEO and one of our founders is an amazing woman, and an incredible speaker. She was however unavailable and I was asked to go to Washington tell our story, and answer questions.

I was terrified.

I love our country. While I may not always agree with either side of the political spectrum, I have great respect for the folks the choose public service, and are called to be civic leaders. I hold our history, and traditions with great reverence. Like I said, I love our country.

I was blown away to be in the Capital Building, in the office of Minority Whip Steny Hoyer talking about high road employment practices as well as  being employee owned. Congressmen Keith Ellison organized the event, and invited myself and two other businesses to tell our story and answer questions.

Minority Whip Steny Hoyer and Representative Keith Ellison headed up the meeting...

It was intimidating initially sitting around a table with 22 congressmen and women sharing the story of our company, but as things got going it was awesome.  I won't lie, I was a little star struck, but when it got down to business, we were there to share our successes, and they wanted to know how it worked. I gotta say I really appreciated the passion and commitment of the folks I got to meet with, even if personally my politics might not line up exactly with them.  The day was an amazing experience. This was an incredible opportunity, that is not lost on me. It was a day that I will cherish...

Walking out of the Capital Building, I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. I looked to my right and who was standing there giving a lunch time stump speech- Bernie Freakin' Sanders. I wanted to take a picture, but  I'll admit I didn't want to look like dork.

John Lewis a leader in the Civil Right Movement.

Then Congressmen John Lewis, who was attending our meeting walked out behind us. He greeted us, and thanked us for sharing our experiences.  Lewis was a key player in the civil rights movement. The man is a legend. I couldn't resist having my picture taken with him. Dork Confirmed.

trying to play it cool, and failing.

I recognize that many "cuter than James Franco" may not share some of the political views expressed above. I respect that, I do hope that you can see past left and right, and enjoy the story and experience a bit... It was a day to remember for sure. I felt like I had a shit eating grin on my face the entire time, scratching my head with David Bryne ringing in my head, "how the hell did I get here?" I'm still smiling...

And to my friends in Cleveland- I came home from DC tonight and hopped on the bike and rode some fire-roads. After that Monk and I grabbed some nachos and called it a night.  It was a pretty damn good day for sure. Strava file here.

still stoked on this experience.

thanks for reading.

respect
fatmarc