Wedgewood LLC’s Post

"Hi, I'm Mike and I'm a serial board member...But there could be a break in service soon." I just realized that for the first time in nearly 20 years, this September, I'll term off the only board in which I currently serve (as chair) with no immediate future board requests or commitments in sight. If I've not been on multiple boards over the past 2 decades, I've always had one overlapping with another. Why have I done that and why is my head empty of opportunities today? While the majority of the boards and committees I've served on have been with nonprofits attempting to make positive impact on complex issues that have no real boundaries, their service areas have, making them central to the community in which I lived. Serving in leadership roles with organizations like Leadership Rhode Island, The Avenue Concept, Rhode Island Historical Society, Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England, Veterans Memorial Auditorium Foundation, and the Center for Living & Working were opportunities to contribute my strategic thinking strengths to a place. Now, that I'm physically moving from Rhode Island to DC, shall I serve the place? More recently, and for the past 12 years, national level issues around the military and veterans, though not exclusively, got much of my attention through service to Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve (ESGR) and, currently, The Overwatch Project | FORGE . I have enjoyed the national level impact and the challenge of putting my strategic thinking and influencing strengths to the test at a much different scale around issues that matter to our nation at large and to me personally. In a nod to Simon Sinek, I think I'm going to spend less time focused on the "what" and more on the "why" of my past board service to identify my future public service. One selfish "why" for me has been reinforced by my knowledge of Gallup research that has identified COMMUNITY as one of the Five Essential Elements of Well-Being. Turns out, service is good for me... and good for you. Shall I consider community my physical locale or the connectivity with others who share similar values? Can I find both in our nation's capital? #boardleadership #boardservice #boardmember #community #wellbeing #serialboardmember #fiveessentialelements #publicservice #servantleadership #fulfillment #simonsinek

October is National Learning and Development Month, and at Bridgecrest, learning is a pillar of our environment fueling collaboration and growth. Our monthly rallies at our operation centers give our #differencemakers the time to to discuss important company updates, top performers, and areas of improvement. We are better because of it, and our team members show up every session ready to improve! #LifeatBridgecrest #NationalLearningandDevelopmentMonth

The BPTW recognition event for companies who lead in prioritizing the employee experience in the workplace is off the chain! But there is a real and powerful value to getting feedback from employees to aid in business strategy for recruitment and retention. And because it is minimal time investment at a reasonable cost to get this data, it is well worth taking a look and consider registering.

Celebrating FIESTA - San Antonio's Spirit of Diversity & Strength! 🎉   It’s FIESTA! San Antonio, Texas is a city rich in culture and history, and the place we proudly call home at SideKick Operators.    FIESTA San Antonio began in 1891, rooted in tradition, honoring the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. It has since blossomed into an electrifying festival that spotlights our city's diverse cultures, contributing over $340 million to the local economy. It's not just a party; it's a reflection of the strength and work ethic that fortify the backbone of America. As we enjoy the fiesta, we're reminded of the power of community and the impact of unity in diversity. Sidekick Operators stands in solidarity with the enduring spirit of San Antonio, celebrating the rich cultural history that inspires our commitment to innovation, leadership, and success in essential-services industries. 🛠️💼   We are more than business leaders; we are part of a community that rises early, makes a difference, and embraces the work in teamwork. Let's celebrate FIESTA, where the spirit of San Antonio shines, fueling our mission to grow not only businesses, but legacies of teamwork, impact, and shared values.   Happy FIESTA, San Antonio! 🎈 #FIESTASanAntonio #SidekickOperators #Community #Diversity #BusinessGrowth #SanAntonioPride #EssentialServices Justin Steen Chris Galvan Phil Miner Chris Valletta Scott Odom Shawn Koval Beth Lloyd Lili Gil Valletta Bridgehead IT Summit Companies OWL Services The Miner Corporation

As we don our emerald hues to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, it is a moment not just of cultural celebration but of profound reflection on the tapestry that weaves our professional and personal lives into a vibrant quilt of diversity and innovation. Saint Patrick’s Day transcends its geographical origins, morphing into a global festivity that symbolizes more than just national pride; it represents the resilience, creativity, and collaborative spirit inherent in our global professional community. It’s a day that encourages us to look beyond the superficial and delve into the rich layers of multicultural heritage that shape our corporate landscapes. This occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the strength found in unity and diversity. As professionals, it beckons us to embrace the varied backgrounds and perspectives that enrich our workplaces, fuel innovation, and drive us toward common goals. The symbiotic relationship between diverse thought processes and innovative solutions is akin to the intricate patterns of a Celtic knot, seamlessly interwoven and infinitely complex. Moreover, Saint Patrick’s Day prompts us to reflect on our journey, acknowledge our achievements, and set our sights on future aspirations. It’s a time to celebrate the professional milestones achieved through hard work, perseverance, and the invaluable support of our colleagues and mentors. As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and innovative work environment. Let us continue to champion the ideals of collaboration, respect, and mutual growth. In the spirit of Saint Patrick, may we strive to be leaders who not only envision change but also act as catalysts for positive transformation within our industries and communities. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to all. May the day bring inspiration, unity, and renewed energy as we continue to navigate the complexities of our professional endeavors. #SaintPatricksDay2024 #Leadership #DiversityAndInclusion #Innovation #ProfessionalGrowth #GlobalUnity #CulturalCelebration #Teamwork #BusinessSuccess #SustainableBusiness #Networking #CorporateCulture #Empowerment #ProfessionalDevelopment #CulturalHeritage #InclusiveLeadership #GreenInitiative #IndustryInnovation #CollaborativeCulture #StrategicThinking #CommunityBuilding

This past weekend, I had the privilege of working at Nashville Oktoberfest once again, representing Nashville Soft Pretzel Co., LLC in the NSPC tent. This marks my third (or maybe fourth!) year contributing to this amazing event, and each year brings new opportunities for growth. In 2023, I transitioned to the production side, where I learned to carefully weigh fresh pretzel dough into 3 or 4 oz increments quickly and efficiently. But this year, I made it a point to learn even more. By shadowing the people who typically run other stations, I picked up new skills and became more versatile in helping out where needed. Our fearless leader, Vincent Dreffs, knows exactly where our strengths lie, and I’m grateful for the chance to expand mine. One thing that makes this team special is how dedicated we all are. A handful of Vince’s family members even fly down from Michigan to work the tent every year—that’s how much this means to us (and how wonderful of a leader he is)! We had no new faces this year, which was reassuring, as everyone knew their roles and was ready to dive back in. The experience felt like clockwork, thanks to this seasoned group of hard-working individuals including Abby Harris, Zach Anderson (BS-Guitar) and Ashley Guastella! This event allows me to hone my Process Improvement skills. Whether it’s in an office or at a festival, my ability to spot inefficiencies and step in to make things run smoother is something I take pride in. When I had a moment to rest, I’d check our stock or see if the service area needed anything. If my coworkers needed a hand, or a station was getting behind, I jumped in wherever I could. As one of our leaders pointed out, learning how to assist with other stations was a huge asset this year, and being adaptable helped the whole operation run more efficiently. I’m proud of what we accomplished, and I can’t wait for next year! 🥨🍻 #NashvilleOktoberfest #Teamwork #Leadership #ProcessImprovement #Adaptability #Tradition #ProjectManagement

In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we asked some of our team members to share what they value most about their culture and how it strengthens them both personally and professionally. Gerardo Diaz Gonzales, Field Manager in Wilmington (DE), shares how the values that his parents passed on to him help guide his decisions. Check out the full video on YouTube: https://buff.ly/4eeRmYA

How exciting! Evolving on many levels

Watching this organisation 55/Redefined with increasing interest, loving what they're doing to drive understanding of the need for Intergenerational Organisations, for me that's Multi Generational (often the norm) combined with purposeful intention across all areas of the organisation-NOT just recruitment. 1.27mins in 3 top actions to discover how well your organisation is performing-unmissable.

Kindness, inclusivity, and diversity are essential to the success of Kaufman Rossin. In this video our team members share their unique experiences and the sense of belonging they've found within our company. Our people-first approach allows employees to excel in their careers without losing sight of who they are as individuals. Watch here to learn more: https://okt.to/jmGYxz