Not Your Father's Company Picnic

"I would like to thank you for showing us that management indeed cares about all the employees and how hard work and dedication is truly the key to a successful organization. It was a wonderful opportunity for FSO employees in the same region to get to know each other and recognize the diversity."

Good Morning Folks,

While most companies in this economy are cutting out or cutting back and having pot luck summer supper get togethers in their parking lots, while only top executives and sales stars jet off to golf outings in fancy resorts, FSO (where business never is conducted as usual) believes that our people make the difference. Therefore there is nothing more important than recognizing their achievements and celebrating our success as a family.

So for our second half kick-off and (re)IMAGINATION of the summer picnic as usual, we took to sea, chartering a cruise for a sunset toast around the isle of Manhattan. And we took the whole gang aboard. This was a great expression of gratitute for our site leaders! :) We rocked the boat which is a great metaphor for what we do every day in the field. When was the last time you treated your employees like this?

Wrote one of many employees to me in a post-event thank you, "I would like to thank you for hosting such a wonderful event. It was a wonderful opportunity for FSO employees in the same region to get to know each other and recognize the diversity that the company offers. I would especially like to thank Christine for showing us that management indeed cares about all the employees how hard work and dedication is truly the key to a successful organization."

Said another, "First I would like to thank you for the wonderful boat cruise and I had a great time. I also want to say thank you for allowing me to represent FSO under your leadership. I'm amazed watching the growth of this company and the environment that's created for us makes me feel blessed. It's been a little over a year since joining FSO and I was with Deloitte at the time. Deloitte is a great company and people had asked me why would you leave a company like Deloitte and my response was I missed the passion and energy working with the both of you prior with the other company. I just want to say I'm proud to work for FSO and happy with the training and leadership from Don Adams & Neal Michael. Thanks for everything and I will continue to inspire my team and develop."

So people also ask me what ever in the world brought you out of retirement to deal with the stress of building a business especially in these times? And the answer is that I live in service to others. My approach to employee care and inclusion will be my leadership legacy.

I'm just a kid from Queens, New York – the product of a broken family and the school of hard knocks. I had no expectations of anything being handed to me; I stood to inherit nothing from my parents. Everything I earned came from working “100 jobs at once” – parking cars, serving Baskin Robbins, and pursuing my own future with a relentless passion that drives me today. I’ve built it all from scratch, passion, belief and drive with people who share those traits and want to bring success to life.

My legacy is to pay it forward so people who show up with FIRE>>SKIP>> and TWINKLE... can have the same opportunities I had against all odds, coming from challenging circumstances. It's nights like these, emails like those above, that provide a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment that no amount of money can buy. To see others grow and prosper is the greatest of gifts I can give myself.

I tell my managers: "Leadership is teaching. Leadership is caring. Leadership is giving. Your employees are great. Use them. Teach them. Lead them. Love them. We don't have to do it alone. Show them the love all day every day. They want us to lead them to greatness. Never can be too busy too not have time to think about them and find new talent. Think of all the great people we or I have found this year and beyond. Where would we be without them.Maybe they have friends we can hire hire. Make your leadership skills come alive."

I could go on and on, but the pictures of our event that follow tell a story more powerful than even ten thousand words could. The sky's not the limit because the universe is infinite… but because YOU keep raising the bar!!! (As the saying goes "don't tell me the sky's the limits when there are already footsteps on the moon!" That's the FSO way of thinking. lol)

FSO USA!

Welcome to the FSO Summer Launch

Celebrating as we pass Statue of Liberty

Strike  pose!

Time to enjoy each other's company

Everyone traveled from afar to join the party

Mitch & his ladies (Crystal, Mitch, Denise and Hope)

Smile and laughter all around

See even more photographs on our Facebook page.

I've seen other workers out there – overlooked, ignored, forgotten in the decades-long transformation of Corporate American. They’re the hourly workers who work in traditional, corporate-run catacomb-like mailrooms of the workplace. Their tasks are vital to business, yet their faces are a blur to patrons and higher-ups.

Once upon a time, any job could be the launch pad for a savvy, bright worker’s rise through the ranks. No longer. Today, these workers are anonymous to many, and often fated to stay that way. 

I will always be that guy in the space who cares enough to take care of the hourly employee from the middle manager down. And that's why our company meeting will never be your father's tired old company picnic.

It was great seeing everyone in NYC! What an incredible and memorable sail! FSO rocked the boat and now we head into the field to rock the competition. 

Thanks to our employees for all you do for us, and to our clients for all you award us the privilege of doing for you.

Have a GREAT day as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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"It is never too late to be what you might have been." –George Eliot
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Winning Isn't The Only Thing It's Everything!

"Lets get that word out there.  FSO USA. We are on fire." 

Good Morning Folks,

Well I woke up to yet more snow in NYC. And it says it is going to be a week of snow. Three storms in a row. But that didn't stop the Seahawks last night! And a little snow won't stop FSO ever.

Talk about having a strategy to win and witnessing one of the most dominating team performances ever!

They certainly did and shut down Peyton Manning. That was not luck. All strategy. Just like us.  Nothing is won or gained on basic skills. It is all wining, planning and of course a ton of STRATEGY. 

The Seattle Seahawks played an outstanding game and became the winners. Total domination on all fronts from special teams to starters. 

They started the year asking each other WHY NOT US? 

Every day the team came in and gave it all they had. Each individual player and coach gave it all they had. 

They would accept nothing short of a win in the big game.  

A game to remember for sure and another one those great life experiences - just like the Seahawks - FSO is on fire and Inspiring a Nation.

It's all about team work!

With that in mind I want to share with the world on this blog, what we do at FSO to inspire team work and bring out everyone's best.

In order to properly recognize our folks who go above and beyond providing the highest level of hospitality for our clients, I’m thrilled to (re)present our our (re)IMAGINED Awards & Recognition Program for 2014:

==> (re)IMAGINE Associate Award
This monthly award will be given to FIVE Associates across all. The criteria for winning this coveted award will be based on: Kudos, Performance & Best Practices. The reward? Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> Kudos Distinction Award
This award will be given to one FSO Associate who receives the most amount of unsolicited client kudos in one month. The reward? Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> Inspiration Award
This monthly award is for our Experience Managers who demonstrate: unbeatable leadership, drive cost savings and earn top service scores. The reward? Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> Make it Rain Award
As the names states, this monthly award is for our Experience Managers who as we like to say, ‘make it rain’ – earning top revenue generation. The reward? Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> The Maximizer Award
This monthly award is for our Experience Managers who achieve top margin improvement at his/her sites. The reward? Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> The Mitch Weiner Light It Up Award
Probably the ultimate of all awards, The Mitch Weiner Inspiration Award will be given one employee across our entire enterprise each month. To qualify, you must demonstrate leadership, inspire others, produce outstanding results, comply and adhere to the Client and Employee Love Fest and deliver on Mitch’s message, vision and legacy daily. Certainly no easy feat, the recipient of this award will receive: Cash Prize and Framed Certificate of Recognition.

==> (re)IMAGINE Hospitality Site of the Month
One of the more highly competitive and coveted awards for FSO is our (re)IMAGINE Site of the Month. To put the competition on an even playing field this year, we broke out our sites into two categories strictly based on headcount. They are as follows:

• *The Paramount Group – Includes sites with 5 headcount and below 
• *The Colassal Group – Includes sites with 6 headcount and above

Represented by a Stanley Cup Replica, the award goes to the most outstanding FSO Site of the Month in each of the above mentioned categories. In addition to showcasing the accomplishment with a trophy, each site that wins will be provided with a social event budget to host a gathering of their choice (catered lunch, ice cream social, bowling party). 

Winners of this award will automatically be entered into the running for our (re)IMAGINE Site of the Year. Cheers to teamwork & collaboration!

Our January winners will be announced right here soon.

The future is bright, and I promise you I personally could not be more focused on helping each and every one of you achieve your greatest success. 

Never lose that skip in your step, fire in your belly or twinkle in your eye!

Have a great day folks and see you all soon.  

Mitch :-)

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

BONUS TO THINK ABOUT:

It's Time For Shout Outs! WOW – HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR AWARD WINNERS!!

BBDO Team

"We have an awesome product. We have competitors asleep at the wheel and a boss who pushes for greatness."

Good Morning Folks, 

Due to great strategy and planning, 2014 is poised to be another banner year for FSO. We are going to *light up the nation*! If you love seeing the FSO spirit in action, and reading all the Kudos, today's post is for you.

First, I want to give well-deserved recognition to all our winners– from the EM of the Month to the MVP Award and onto the Passionate Powerhouse Award – this is what it is all about and what we are and will be known for.

Experience Manager of the Month:

November- Kevin Jackson, ASME

December- Christian Diaz 

FSO MVP of the Month

November- Alred Pereira, ED 

December- FSO HQ Office Services Team 

FSO Passionate Powerhouse of the month:

November-McCarter & English

December- Y&R

From Left to Right our staff at: BBDO, Cahil Gordon, Univision Miami, Sarah Lawrence College, American University, UN Bookstore, Schnader & Univision

==> CCO Shout Outs
Here are some of the AWESOME things our clients are saying about our motivated, team oriented, passionate people…

Juan Tinch & Ezequiel Martinez, Univision, New York
"I wanted to take just a moment to acknowledge the amazing support of the ETS Team and NYC Mailroom, Cynthia and last but not least Elideth here at Univision provided with getting computers and phones and all the extra equipment situated. The move could not have gone better or smoother."

Brennan Becker, CAPCO
"Definitely one of a kind. Yes the mark of greatness, is when the small things count. Like her name means in Yiddish, 'Fire'."
    
The FSO Team at CAPCO

Team at McCarter & English, LLP 

Marcus Williams & Devon Spencer, McCarter & English, LLP 
"Last Wed. at about 4:30 p.m. I unexpectedly  needed a file for a meeting that had just been called for last Thursday morning.  My secretary was gone, as was Tracy the paralegal, who had to leave earlier than usual because she was worried that her pipes were freezing at home. Marcus and Spencer appeared at my office door at about 5:15, file in hand.  I was able to prepare and go to the meeting the next morning with the papers I needed. It sounds trite, but we truly are a family here and when people go over and above to help someone else, they are worthy of recognition.  Thank you, Marcus and Spencer. You made the firm look good."

Toni Ann Stevens, Unicredit
"Toni Ann is a rockstar's dream! Really wonderful and detail orientated. Even the toughest person to handle within UniCredit has nothing but raves for Toni Ann. I am so grateful she is the person filling in for me while I am away taking my class, I don't have to worry about a thing. Thank you so much for finding her!!"

Julieta Capote, Moses & Singer LLP 
"Julieta came to work on Friday January 3rd, and despite the snow storm and transportation difficulties, she arrived early to handle our bagel breakfast.  She is amazing, has a wealth of talents, and is just a pleasure to have at our site."

The FSO Staff at The Cliffs, New Jersey
"I just wanted to send you a quick email to let you know that two of the staff at the Cliffs went Above & Beyond for me in the last couple days. I caught that awful stomach bug that is going around. I called down to Martin on Friday morning to call the paramedics and he instantly was upstairs to help me. He also went to the store to pick me up a few things that the paramedics recommended. I honestly don't know what I would have done without his help these last few days."

The Team at CAPCO

Gabrial Santant & Roger Rios, CAPCO 
"I have never been more impressed by the way Roger and Gabriel take care of this place! Just the mere fact that I have only been here 3 weeks and their work has made an impression on me speaks for itself."

Not only are they always extremely friendly and helpful, everything under their realm is always in tip top shape - there is never a want for anything because they are always ahead of the game.  Wanted to just share that with you and make sure they get recognized for their hard work because they certainly deserve it!"

Clare Gallagher, CAPCO
"I wanted to formally recognize Clare for the help she has provided over the last few months. I moved to New York in early September, and Clare has consistently worked to ensure that I have settled in with a minimum of fuss. She was particularly helpful in sorting out my company phone, which I had a few bespoke requirements with. She has also been very helpful with numerous room requests and AV requirements."

The FSO Team at Fross Zelnick 
"All of the filing room staff is in the same unique position as a singer's accompanist and is generally taken for granted by the people they help. I cannot survive here without you, without your help, your supportive quick response, your intelligence and know-how - and flexibility (when I know accutely how thin you are spread some days). I know this does NOT make up for all the pressure that I have personally placed you under, but thank you for all of your help. I could not survive without you."

The FSO Team at Schnader, Philadephia, PA
"The secretaries on 34 wanted to thank Drina for helping out and organizing our copy stations.  They look great and are perfectly organized.  We appreciate her going the extra mile! It makes our work easier. We think all of the mail & records staff have been really friendly, pleasant and quite helpful!  Thanks for doing a great job!"

The FSO Team at Schnader 

Brayhan Cuervo, Neuberger Berman
"With Melissa out, Brian's help has been invaluable to us. We have thanked him 100 times :) but thank you to you and Tracie for making this happen and your ongoing support

The FSO Team at Richemont 
"Here at Richemont we just completed about half of several extremely large moves and construction projects with more on the near and far horizon. I could not have managed or completed these without the entire support of my team. Everything went, and is going very smoothly, with these projects, and this is mainly due to the dedication and strength of the team. I have no doubt that with everyone's continued support, all remaining projects, and especially the move of Cartier's offices, will be a huge success."

Kevin Jackson & The FSO Team at ASME
"I can’t say enough, Kevin is on top of it – he teaches, he trains, he cares. The staff are not only helpful but they really know things. Their knowledge has been phenomenal in supporting me and ASME. The team is in harmony, they are so helpful and if I ask for anything they are all over it and so proactive and get it DONE."

Christine Vanhorne, Brookfield Asset Management

Team at New York Times

"I don't know where to begin...you were a dream to work with. From start to finish I was impressed by how professional you handled everything and how everything was flawless. The dinner itself was beautiful.  I am still besides myself at how well everything came together. It was a pleasure working with you and I congratulate you for a job well done!"

The FSO Team at NY Times
"I just ran into Catherine Dolan in the cafeteria this morning and she complemented you and FSO for such a great job that was done in making sure the equipment was delivered as needed for their show this weekend. Catherine praised you personally and FSO as a whole, how professional and committed the company is."




Donald Myers and Jose Hernandez, Shiseido
"They helped the Miami team plan and execute an outstanding seminar. They were always warm, kind, hospitable and willing to help. The Miami team was incredibly gracious and highly complementary of the group and their experience with your team."

The FSO Team at Shiseido

Luis Muniz, Clyde & Co. 
"Thank you very much for helping out on the Office Services project at Clyde & Co. I really appreciate your willingness to help out outside your current position and other locations that you cover for FSO. It is helpful to have someone who has had experience with similar issues on previous projects to offer guidance. I know FSO, Clyde & Co and myself are very happy to have you assisting in this matter."

Team at Clyde & Co.

Candace Britt, GLM 
"I wanted to give Candace recognition for her work with Eva. These past two days Candace has made sure that Eva has not missed a thing. Candace breaks everything down to Eva so that there are no questions and to prevent mistakes. This shows that Candace takes her job seriously. On top of Candace doing her job and helping Eva, Candace has this warm, approachable, “hey I’m here if you need me” attitude. She is kind and never gives you the impression that any of your questions are silly. Candace is an amazing TEAM PLAYER. Always willing to jump in and help."

As we continue to expand our national footprint with a keen focus on hospitality and concierge service, communication remains key. 

Take a moment to realize we are the only company in the industry celebrating every site for their amazing work. 

Cheers to our winners for striving for perfection now and in the future.

Have a GREAT Day. Love Life & let’s keep the energy and passion rolling!!!

I'll be a seeing you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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Success - "To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived; this is to have succeeded." Hat Tip Dawn Giuffrida
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Shout Out Wednesday: Celebrating The Best of the Best

My Visit to Our Operation at NBC Sports

Good Morning Folks,

Boy has it been a busy month! We welcomed over 40 new FSO Experience Managers; implemented the industry standard in Payroll and HR systems, Paychex; launched an FSO “Finding Talent Telethon” that allowed us to identify great candidates across the country; AND we hosted another very exciting Company Meeting. PLUS, FSO is open in LA!

Here are some of the AWESOME things our clients are saying about our motivated, team oriented, passionate people…I love this stuff! How could you not??

==>Ariel Haag, Sky Club Condos

“He is professional and friendly without being intrusive. He always personally greets us upon our entry, assists us in unloading groceries, and helps us with whatever else we might need.”

==> Lauren Anderee, Informationalist – FSO HQ

“Lauren has been an incredible asset to our organization. She gracefully jumps in to help us with administrative work, providing coverage at other sites and uses good initiative at our Info Hub.”

==> Ray Gonzalez, Office Services – FSO HQ

“Ray is the kind of person every company needs he takes direction well and totally gets the bigger picture.  He has been a great help with organizing and getting things in order at HQ. The best part is that he does it with a smile!  He also recently started to float at other accounts and we have received great feedback.”

==> Jazmine Chase, Marsh & McLennan

“She has demonstrated commitment and dedication to her role as Informationalist supporting the Conference Services operation. She has gone above and beyond her scope of work and is truly a role model for her peers.”

==> Christine Vanhorne, Brookfield

“I would like to let you know that Christine has done an outstanding job coordinating last night’s event! The event was a great success and everything worked out very well. Christine has been doing a great job and we, at Brookfield, appreciate her hard work and commitment.”

==> The FSO Team at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP    

“Thanks to Diane, Mercedes and Doug today! I was told everything went really smoothly for the World Architecture Day Workshop in 25A and 25B – so thank you for their hard work and smiles! I want to make sure it is noted how much I appreciate Bernard’s help during my training sessions…He made several trips for me to drop things off and pick them up and he did it with no complaints, without mistakes and even called my cell to tell me one of the drop-offs went smoothly when I had to leave early.”

==> Lisa Dulski, Fross Zelnick

“We are so grateful to have you!!!!”

==> Jonathan Cummins, Clermont Cove

“He is welcoming and friendly; he greets everyone warmly and with a smile. He is knowledgeable about events/issues in the building. If he does not know the answer to a question, he finds out what he can and follows up with us or directs us to the person who would know. Jonathan is professional and excels at his job. We enjoy having him here at Clermont Cove, but know that he has a great future ahead of him.”

==> Timothy Jones, Argo

“I wanted to take this opportunity to compliment FSO, specifically Timothy Jones…Timothy quickly stepped in, offered a solution and went personally this morning to get them [the documents] signed. He just dropped them off to me and because of his help we can close this transaction today.”

==> Ben Rydell, Y&R

“Ben was most helpful in tapping into his network of friends. Kudos to Ben again! We might just have to add another service to Ben’s wall!  Thanks again to Ben for going above and beyond his duties. The consummate concierge!”

==> George Roman, Clermont Cove

“Kudos to George for solving the garage drain clog. Through persistence and hard word George broke free the debris that was causing the garage drain to clog and flood.”

==> Eric Singletary, Caplin & Drysdale

“I wanted to let you all to know that Eric Singletary has gone above and beyond and done a fabulous job coordinating the move of FSO from the 10th floor to the 9th floor so their space can be renovated.  He has been one step ahead of the process the entire time and the move would not have been successful without him taking the lead role to make sure it was completed correctly and on time.”

==> David Reiss, Related

”Both you and your entire staff at the desk displayed professional work ethic and were courteous.  People like you and your staff make a person feel comfortable and at ease when entering the building.  The entire security detail should be complemented.”

==> Sonya Verny, FSO Sales

“I would like to take the time to commend one of your excellent employees, Sonya Verny.  I had the pleasure of meeting Sonya at the ALA Regional Conference in Memphis recently.  She is one of those people who has such a pleasing personality that you like her immediately.  And she is certainly the right person for the job. Again, please know that Sonya made such a good impression and that she’s a true asset to your company.”

==> The FSO Team at Univision New Jersey

“Things are much improved at Univision since FSO has been operating our center at 605 Third.  It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on a one year anniversary of the launch.”

==> Tanisha McDaniel, Fross Zelnick 

“Tanisha has been amazing lately. All of my file aways (which have been A LOT) are all up to date. She has been getting them done super fast and she has really been putting in a lot of effort.”

Also, Thank You to the “Wonder Twins” (Shalaine Adams, Corporate Trainer & Chelsea Weiner, People Solutions Specialist) who continue to do a great job delivering trainings to ALL of our staff! Here is what one of our clients had to say about the Twins J

“I just wanted to send you a quick note.  It was a pleasure meeting with you both.  I see why the team speaks so highly of you. I hope that you know how important training is to me and that I really appreciate the work that you have been dong with the team.” – Neuberger Berman

And, CONGRATS to Rafael Mata a.k.a Lynx who was featured on NBCLATINO for his bachata music. His debut signle “Máscara” (“Mask”) is out on iTunes & Amazon. We encourage you to download it!

Finally, here are some photos of last month’s winners – keep smiling! 

Israel Bulter, Sara Lawrence College

Kevin Jackson, ASME

Nitza Plaud, Ray Gonzalez & Aida Hibbert at FSO HQ

Jonathan Viscuna & Guillermo Catano, Univision Miami

Ty Youmans & Angel Negron, NY Times

There’s certainly been a lot happening and to EVEYONE, “Thank You!” We could not attain such great success without you. As I always say, our success is built on great people doing great things for great clients. 

Have a GREAT day as I look forward to seeing all of you soon.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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‎"The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are."
 ~ Carl Jung
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