The Company You Keep

I’m a social creature… an experiential learner. It’s no wonder I wound up in an industry where brands and corporate messaging are brought to life through experiences. Throughout the past 20 years in the event business, I’ve found that the best lessons are the ones I’ve learned from my real life that I’ve been able to translate into running a company. I’m here to share them with you and I hope you find them helpful as well.

The Grateful Said Project offers companies a means to recognize, engage, and thank their employees and colleagues by building a culture of gratitude. To learn more click here...

The Company You Keep
— August 30, 2010 by Jeff Kalpak

I have attended hundreds of meetings. Those that we plan and produce for our clients and those that educate and promote the growth of our industry. I’ve learned a lot at these meetings. But, I have to admit; one of the most inspiring meetings for me is our own BKA Mid-Year Meeting.

Every summer, we gather our entire team for a couple of days outside of the office (and outside of the city) to communicate our strategy and illustrate the big picture on where we are as a company, where we are going, and most importantly– how we are going to get there. The agenda is chock full, but we also make sure there is some time for us to relax and enjoy each other’s company (and check our emails, of course.)

My favorite part of the meeting, by far, is when we announce the recipient of the Dramatically Different Award. The Dramatically Different Award recognizes and honors the BKA employee who has best embodied our values during the past year. It’s our chance to acknowledge the person whose diligence and good humor make the work we do that much easier and that much more enjoyable. They always seem to put others before themselves. Their positive attitude, kind spirit and generous nature shape who we are as a company and who we would like to be as individuals.

The best part is that the staff determines who will win the award. A ballot is sent to everyone with open-ended questions about the candidate of their choice and the winner is kept secret until the presentation.

This year, we invited past winners to help present the award by sharing their thoughts about the current winner. And, with genuine appreciation and grace, Laura Peña, from our design team, accepted the award. Congratulations again, Laura. You help make us who we are.

Life is a series of events, and I’m grateful that I have dramatically different individuals surrounding me for mine.