Shout Out Wednesday: Our Clients LOVE What OUR Team Is Doing For THEIR Team

"Gratitude is a beautiful way to acknowledge those who make our lives happier and more meaningful. This, along with care, motivation, people development and training is how I’ve built my business."

Good Morning Folks,

It's an honor to share feedback from our clients about our employees at their sites. These "CCO Shout Outs" as they are known internally were celebrated and rewarded at out last team meeting by Chief Chaos Officer, Jim Caton.

Our clients LOVE us! Why? Because of YOU, our teammates! Here are highlights from all the kudos we’ve received since our last edition. Keep up the good work!

Trevor Adams, Societe Generale
“I wanted to take a minute to tell you how fortunate I have been to know, and work with Trevor Adams. He is a remarkable, conscientious, and quick thinking individual.”

FSO Team at ASME
“Just wanted to follow up with you and commend your staff for their excellent and courteous service. What a pleasure it is to be greeted each morning by your staff members as I walk to my desk. They even know me by name already!”

Jamie Ford, Itau Banco
“This place can use the kind of attitude that Jaime brings to this organization. She is very pleasant and professional.”

Asia Coleman, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
“Talk about a work ethic! She’s such a pleasure to deal with.”

Marc Jongoy, Integro
“Just wanted to drop a note of support and appreciation for Marc. He is consistently polite, supportive and responsive. Glad he is here helping us out.”

Adiatu Yansaneh, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
“Thanks so much for your effort, willingness, and professionalism in handling this credit for us.”

Ben Rydell, Y&R
“I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the many professional services provided by Ben. He is friendly, responsive …On a personal level, he is very caring and follows up immediately with helpful tips to make our lives easier. He is a joy to work with and we are lucky to have him.”

Belinda Plaza, Washington Commons
“I wanted to take a moment to write to you about Belinda, the concierge at Washington Commons in Jersey City. Her warm smile is a delight to come home to each day and if you could see the way my 1 year old lights up when he sees her it would melt your heart. But her exceptional work ethic is what really makes her stand out. Honestly I don't know if this building could run without her.”

Miguel Rivas, Metropolitan College of New York
“He is a good team player and is consistently respectful of co-workers and clients. During my absence he did a great job and consistently meets and completes all my expectations and always exceeds job requirements.”

FSO Team at Brookfield
“Thank you: Jamel for delivering an important set of drawings to Sophia; Jorge for requesting the 3WFC ID for Plaza Construction; Victor for tracking ceramic samples pack and delivering it to Sophia; and Justin for hand delivering the very important Tower 2 plans and CD to Battery Park City Authority. I appreciate your help.”

Louis Martes, AICHE
“Louis has taken on increased responsibilities and the office administrator has really been able to lean on him. Really nice guy who deserves to be recognized.”

Luis Rivera, RK&O
“Thank you so much for handling this so professionally last night.  You did a great job and I really appreciate your hard work.”

Kevin Jackson and the FSO Team at ASME
“I just want to give a huge kudos to the group at ASME for helping make our site tour this morning awesome! All of them (Lou, Ray, Germaine, Kevin & Shaunda) went above and beyond to make sure the site was spotless, to be welcoming and even answered questions and provided great info to the prospect directly. Could not have done it without them!”

Brian McCauley, Sherman
“You had an award winning week! Nice work on all the projects. The new team looks happy and productive each time we meet, and probably because of your influence there too.”

Pam Parker, Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.
“Pam does an excellent job of making sure everyone has what they need when they come to the Copy Room.  She is very pleasant and takes her job very seriously.  I think that Pam does a great service to FSO as she always has a bright smile and an attitude that is pro-active.”

Lisa XXX, Fross Zelnick
“Just wanted to let you know that Lisa has been helping me for the past week to locate a box that we needed. She never gave up. greatly appreciated her help.”

Kaci Polk, FSO Experience Manager
“It’s great to have a director that is willing to teach you everything that he knows and is knowledgeable in his field. I love that he shows a true interest in my goals and the potential growth that is in this company.” –Laverne Peterson, Records Supervisor at McCarter & English

And a *special* shout out to Shalaine Adams (Corporate Trainer) and Chelsea Weiner (People Solutions Specialist) who been out in field developing and implementing updated Experience Greatness and various skills-based training programs for our valued employees. Here is some of the wonderful feedback we’ve received on their tremendous efforts. You GO GIRLS!

“I am certain that this kind of training is essential in the workplace across the country and especially for the personnel FSO is responsible for.  It will absolutely help your employees grow into stronger, more capable, and better employees for you and your clients.  I applaud and appreciate your efforts.” -Client Contact at New York Magazine

“This training will provide them with the tools to deliver the Personal, Passionate, and Productive services that distinguish FSO. Please let me know when the next training class will be held because I want to make sure that all of my employees take this training.” -FSO Experience Manager, Israel Butler

“The training was needed. It was inspiring, and it certainly left an impact on the staff…it made them feel as if they were part of the solution and not the problem. At my last employer, they didn’t care if you were trained or didn’t have any customer service skills. That type of routine made me not even want to go to work.  Today, my work is fulfilling and I’m learning more each day.” –FSO Experience Manger, David Canales

“I want to thank you for your visit at Fross Zelnick today. You were professional, informative and inspiring. You came with so much energy and I know it helped the team.” –FSO Experience Manger, Phillip Boyce

Sound like the kind of team you'd like to be apart of? A company where your talents and ambitions are appreciated, celebrated and advanced? The successful candidate will first and foremost be a savvy, fire-–-in-–-the-–-belly hard worker with a passion for new challenges. S/he will be a will be a spirited idea person with the ability to deliver the highest standards of customer service.

Sound good? Inquire HERE

Have a GREAT day,

Love One Another As I Love You,

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"If you want to change who you are, change what you do."

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A Shout Out To Our Extraordinary Front of House, Hospitality, Facilities and Luxury Condo Teams

"Gratitude is a beautiful way to acknowledge those who make our lives happier and more meaningful. This, along with care, motivation, people development and training is how I’ve built my business."

Good Morning Folks,

Today, I’ve been moved and touched by several emails and many kind words that I received following an event that I hosted last Tuesday on Jersey City’s beautiful waterfront. This event was specifically for our robust staff who have done an amazing job delivering service extraordinaire in the areas of front of house, hospitality and facilities to the high rise luxury condos we support both in New Jersey and New York.

Undoubtedly, we have our passionate people who care about doing a great job for our end users to thank for our budding success. So, that is exactly what we did last week!

We truly enjoyed showing these folks a little extra “love” for all they do.  There was a raffle with great prizes, special on-the-spot recognition and a fun slide show all about the staff!

Because you all know that I believe ‘sharing is caring’, here are some photos and feedback from the celebration:

"It was awesome seeing everyone at yesterday’s get together. It made me proud to be part of a wonderful company like FSO.  In my experience as a professional working with various companies, I have never seen an owner to be so involved and passionate towards his employees.  Another plus for me was being noticed for the hard work I have been doing for FSO - something I am not use too." –FSO Experience Lead Concierge 

"To see everyone appreciated for their good work can't help but touch my heart. Trust me, I appreciate dearly how well I am treated by such a company and so loved by FSO. I felt like it was a family reunion and a holiday all in one. :) Thank you a million for giving me a great opportunity for a better future ahead."  –FSO Experience Lead

"I have to express myself and tell everybody how happy I was yesterday celebrating our hard work and dedication to FSO. Nice to see Mitch, Jim and part of FSO management team." –FSO Experience Lead Concierge 

"Thank you for hosting the event last night in New Jersey.   I had many of the team members say to me that they can’t believe that FSO is having an event for them and how awesome it was to be recognized.  One of the team members who came from a competitor said that he never met the owner of the former company he worked for and here he was being recognized personally from the owner of FSO. Again, thank you so much for a great evening!" –FSO Experience Director

"I felt energy, pride and a sense of family from our Residential Team that I have not seen at other meetings.  Everyone was so impressed that such event was made just for them (Concierges, Super's & Porters). Everyone really enjoyed themselves and were happy to be amongst co workers from nearby sites and management. I am very proud to work with such great people and a great company." –FSO Experience Manager

Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderment and awe.

Indeed reversing the success formula is the key: happiness before success, and not the other way around.

Have a GREAT day, be happy and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

The Love Fest: Happy Employees Make For Greater Productivity And Happier Customers

L to R: Matt Hoffman, Tom Pategas, Missy Adriazola, Peter Marcus,
Bari Klein, Christine Rainey, Stacey Mainiero, Jim Caton,
Denise Ngeow, Shawn Curwen, Russell Gambino, Ben Rydell, Mitch Weiner

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"I woke up today with a new feeling.  The sun was creeping through my window this morning signifying another day but not just any day.  It marked the beginning for our future leaders. And as a future leader, I am honored and humbled to be chosen to be a part of this."

"Every morning I am eager to get to work, so that I can wow the client over & over again. I definitely have the "skip in my step, fire in my belly & twinkle in my eye", but being apart of Love Fest increased it! "

Good Morning Folks,

It's time for another SHOUT OUT Wednesday  Can you hear me? Can you hear me now? Well turn up the speakers because no matter how big or how small your "team," the ability to authentically communicate is the best way to create happy employees. Success comes from within and shows in everything we do.

As grateful as I am for the business that my team has built, I am grateful for their unwavering commitment to succeeding in a way that we all can be proud of.

Gratitude is a beautiful way to acknowledge those who make our lives happier and more meaningful.

That's why I am more than overwhelmed and touched by your kind emails and words and to realize the profound affect we have on each other following the Love Fest we held last week (aka. The All-Hands Meeting). We are truly a family and I am truly blessed to count each and everyone of you as my special and lifetime friends.

L to R: Amara Ambruso, Melissa Krisztal, Sherill Goldberg, Ricardo Wright, 
David Furst, Russell Gambino, Hope Ndoci,
 LaVerne Peterson, Dana Carambot

I wanted to share some of the feedback from our employees. I hope it inspires you as it did me.

"Despite not having been an employee for long, I have to tell you how amazed and impressed and *personally touched* I am by FSO, it's message, and the people in it.  I am so glad that I was asked to stay and help out with the event last night because hearing Mitch speak was a wonderful experience - one that only solidified my vision of what FSO was all about and made me event more excited to be here, and to be the best that I can be.   

It is amazing to think that when I came in to interview I was insistent it should be only a "stable, supplemental income" to my other job as a waitress. And yet barely a week after starting I have already left my other position and am excited and happy to grow with FSO!  (As Shalaine put it, I've drunk the Kool-Aid).  I have been so inspired and felt so at home in this company; I feel blessed that FSO should have found me.  What an amazing place!
Please take this email as me "raising my hand" and letting you know that I'd love to be involved in the Future Leadership Program. 

Additionally, I'm not sure if Informationalists qualify for Breakfast with the CHO.  If they do, I would love to take part!   ~~ Lauren Andrée 

I don't do this often, but I am very excited and inspired by our event and most importantly, Mitch Weiner's words. I woke up today with a new feeling.  The sun was creeping through my window this morning signifying another day but not just any day.  It marked the beginning for our future leaders. And as a future leader, I am honored and humbled to be chosen to be a part of this. I was also deeply touched by the commitment and drive to fulfill dreams.  That is something that in my years in the field, I have never experienced.  Finally, we know that my personal journey wasn't easy and I wouldn't have it any other way.  But today, I must say I genuinely feel the love from you guys and I know that it all has been worth it. 

I would like to end this email with this:  I am geared up and ready to go in the direction envisioned for me with the true belief that we are important to the success of our brand. I will take direction to progress, listen when the sound of criticism speaks, I will learn from those sounds and finally, I commit to my family that as long as I represent the brand, I am dedicated to going the limits and making moves towards the future.

With that said, we ARE F.S.O! :)  Have a blessed day everyone! ~~ Edwin Reyes, FSO Assistant Manager, BBDO

"I can not contain it any longer!!! I have to let you know: My excitement for FSO has not dwindled one bit from the moment I stepped in the office for my initial interview; it has in fact grown!! From my first encounter with Human Resources to the Experience Greatness event to the teamwork at my location: it's all exactly what this organization is about: being PERSONAL, PASSIONATE & PRODUCTIVE.

Let me just say, last night just added more fuel to my fire!!! Never have I been in a room for a corporate event and felt as much energy, passion & excitement as I did. This was the first large event at headquarters I've attended & what a great one to be apart of. Love Fest embodied everything the name says; I could literally feel the love in the room. Seeing Mitch there and engaging with everyone was one of the best moments of the night for me. I've heard how contagious his spirit is, but never got to actually experience that. How could you sit in the same room with him & see that smile and not get the urge to at least grin ear to ear?!? Hearing him talk about all the opportunities for advancement within the FSO family really put my mind at ease. I know that I'm on board with a company who cares about me reaching my highest potential and who will invest the time to train, guide and place mentors around me who will help me navigate to the next step in this journey. It was great to actually see participants of the "Future Leaders Program" who have since moved on to higher positions within the company; it made the possibility of advancement very real. 

Every employee should experience Love Fest at least once, if not more! It was a great way for us to hear what's going on behind the scenes within the company, such as FSO receiving it's biggest contract yet.

I shared in the welcoming of new FSO family members, congratulated those who were promoted & said farewell to those relocating to different offices across the States. I felt like the big door that usually separates CEOs and mid-high level management from hourly employees was opened & I felt welcomed and apart of that moment in time. I actually saw some people I worked with previously who have since joined the FSO family & they looked happier; now that's called LOVING what you do! 

Every morning I am eager to get to work, so that I can wow the client over & over again. I definitely have the "skip in my step, fire in my belly & twinkle in my eye", but being apart of Love Fest increased it! Whoever said, "It's never personal when it comes to business" must have never met an employee of FSO; it's ALWAYS personal!!! Thank you for letting me share in this event & I look forward to many more events such as this." ~~Asia S. Coleman

Gratitude, love and respect should lead the world. Saying "Thank You" and sharing genuine appreciation with another person (even through a smile) is profound and an important aspect of leadership." 

Remember, if in doubt, say thanks. About accepting thanks: "It was my pleasure" is always an appropriate response.

Have a GREAT day, be happy, see you around the bend my friends and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

Ted Tuesday: How You Can Discover Untapped Talent Through Open Dialogue

Good Morning Folks,

Not only did we get such a great response for sharing last week's Ted talk about happiness, it was an eye-opener to realize that so many of our people are, on their own time, investing in themselves and their future by taking advantage of online tools like Ted to build a better life and prepare for career advancement.

And greater tools are coming online every day. Now, more that at any time in the history of business, an individual has all the tools they need to become all they can be.

Fox Business has teamed up with LinkedIn to produce a series of self-improvement and skill development videos. Although not technically a Ted Talk, this video showcasing how LinkedIn's culture of open networking is helping job seeker could be beneficial to all.

I'd like to hear from you. If you have a favorite Ted Talk or find some other content worthy of being shared, let me know and we'll feature it right here with a shout out of gratitude to you. 

Watch the video HERE
 
Have a GREAT day, be happy and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

A Heartfelt Wednesday Shout Out To Karolina Golebiewski and TED

“It’s the lens through which your brain views the world that shapes your reality. And if we can change the lens, not only can we change your happiness, we can change every single educational and business outcome at the same time.”

~~ Shawn Achor

Good Morning Folks,

Kudos and shout out to blog fan and FSO Business Analyst, Karolina Golebiewski, who suggested that my sharing this TED presentation that awed her with all of you…. would mesh beautifully with what we are trying to achieve here on MitchWeiner.com

 FSO Business Analyst,
Karolina Golebiewski

Karolina writes, “I discovered this video (4,671,542 Views to date) about the secrets of happiness work in a professional, yet comedic way from a leading psychologist who studies happiness at work, Shawn Achor. It’s part of the TED series, a knowledge platform that hosts some of the most inspiring speakers across different industries and disciplines.”

TED is one of the web’s greatest success stories, not in the monetary sense because it’s a non-profit and that’s part of what makes it so special. Its success is specifically with regard to how technology can make possible what was not possible before and broaden anyone’s reach to touch another life..

TED believes passionately in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately, the world. They're building here a clearinghouse that offers free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers, and also a community of curious souls to engage with ideas and each other. 

Shawn Achor is the winner of over a dozen distinguished teaching awards at Harvard University, where he delivered lectures on positive psychology in the most popular class at Harvard.

At the heart of this talk is more heart. I am so honored to follow Karolina’s lead and be able to watch Shawn's amazingly significant talk about us being better right now. Being extraordinarily aware is beauty. His beauty is truth. 

Unlocking creativity, inspiration, innovation, passion and all the things companies need more of may really start with creating happiness. Employee happiness and corporate profit are not enemies.

What follows was one of the funniest, but yet most insightful TED talks I've seen in a long time. I'm happier just listening to this great speaker... Laughing out loud to myself. I think you’re going to get a lot from it too.

We believe that we should work to be happy, but could that be backwards? 

In this fast-moving and entertaining talk, psychologist 

Shawn Achor argues that actually happiness inspires productivity

Thank you so very much Shawn for sharing your wonderment and awe.

Indeed reversing the success formula is the key: happiness before success, and not the other way around.

Have a GREAT day, be happy and…

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

*TED is a nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. It started out (in 1984) as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference on the West Coast each spring, and the TEDGlobal conference in Edinburgh UK each summer -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize.  More at Ted.com 

Shout Out Wednesday From the Desk of The Chief Chaos Officer

“They truly went above and beyond their job duties and I’m just blown away…I can’t stress how much I appreciated their help.”

Good Morning Folks, 

We are on a roll! The success we’ve seen is truly amazing, and our ability to attract, train, develop and retain great talent and leadership has never been stronger.

While many companies are struggling to retain and find great talent, all while facing the difficulty of managing a four-generational workforce under one roof (Xs, Ys, Boomers, and Millennials), we excel at attracting and retaining inspired and passionate people with performance-based rewards and opportunities for advancement.

That in mind, welcome to Shout Out Wednesdays today straight from the desk of your Chief Chaos Officer, Jim Caton.

Here are some of things our clients are saying about our motivated, team oriented, passionate people!

==> Alexis Washington – Ogletree

'

“During the past few crazy months, she {Alexis} has really shown her professional growth within the operation here at Ogletree. She has went above and beyond her role as Informationalist by helping whenever and wherever needed. She is taking on more responsibilities and has excelled in the copy room. I've seen her problem solving skills mature as her calmness during attorney and staff crisis allows them to be reassured that "FSO will get it done." Not to mention, she is always reliable and supportive to me which is much appreciated! Thanks Alexis for all your hard work!”

==> Eric Singletary & Althea Glanville – Caplin & Drysdale

“They truly went above and beyond their job duties and I’m just blown away…I can’t stress how much I appreciated their help.”

More about what our clients our saying about our people:

==> Averi Smith – Clyde & Co: “Forward thinking”

==> Antonio Torres – OMD: “A welcomed breath of fresh air”

==> Melissa Krisztal & Sherill Goldberg – FSO: “An amazing staff…so glad they’re here.”

Finally, CONGRATS to Experience Manager Hector Cintron & his team – Frank, Rich and Don - at Samsung who continue to do a great job and were recognized for “going out of their way to help and support other team members”.

For employees, forging a fulfilling career is one of the most important — and often, most difficult —challenges in building a happy life. For employers, building a culture of happiness is key to cementing their brand’s success. When these interests converge, the result is a sense of belonging through shared values and an intangible, emotional belief that we are on a shared journey.

Again, thank for all that you do! The next time you see any of the folks above, please give them a “Shout Out” – for job well done.

We look forward to give YOU your own “Shout Out” coming soon to a Wednesday near you.

Have a GREAT day,

Love Life!

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

Learn more about what DIFFERENTIATES FSO here