Culture Book 2017

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Culture book

Table Of Contents

2016 Kick-Off Event

2

4

Foreword

5

vision

6

Core Values

7

Brand Promise

8

2017 Top Awards

10

InSports

12

Innovative Open House

14

Community Programs

15

What inspires You?

26

Who Inspires You?

37

How Do You Inspire Others?

46

Be Involved

73

Supplier of the Year

74

Retiree Honorees

75

Employees of the Month

80

2018 Catalog Theme 3

2017 Innovative Culture Book Welcome to the third installment of our culture book, the annual

celebration of your contribution to our culture. Each and every one of you shape our organization in your own unique way, creating a culture that attracts employees, customers and suppliers to Innovative.

A unique energy that makes Innovative the talk of the town!

2017 was another fantastic year of growth and opportunity, putting many new things in place for an incredible 2018. It was another year of “Inspiring Smiles” and finding new ways to “Keep it Simple.” It was another year of helping customers become more productive and making a positive impact in the community. It was a year filled with inspiration that can be depicted through the imagery and content of this year’s book.

In 2018, continue to immerse yourself in everything we stand for as an organization. Continue to live out our core values and brand promise. Continue to feel empowered in everything you do, and continue to fulfill our purpose: Inspire People to Love What They Do and Who They Do it With.

I couldn’t be more proud of everyone at Innovative. You inspire me every single day by the way you work together to bring success to our customers, suppliers, the community and so importantly by the way you help each other achieve individual goals. You are all a true inspiration for why we do what we do!

Jennifer Smith CEO 4

vision

INSPIRE LOVE WHAT THEY DO PEOPLE TO

AND WHO

THEY DO IT WITH. 5

core Values

6

Brand Promise

7

2017 top awards Placed #22 on the Fast 50, fastest growing privately held companies in Minnesota by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.

2017

Recognized as 100 Best Companies to Work for in 2017 by the Minnesota Business magazine for the 6th consecutive year.

Innovative named Counselor Magazine Fastest Growing Promo Distributor. Ranked at #2.

Innovative received BOLD and BOLDEST of the BOLD Award

by ACG Minnesota.

8

Innovative CEO, Jennifer Smith recognized as EY Entrepreneur of the Year for the Upper Midwest and a National Finalist.

2017 Inc 5000 list honoree. Recognized for the 9th year of being 5000 Fastest Growing Privately Held Companies in America.

Innovative CEO, Jennifer Smith awarded The (Real) Power 50 Award by the Minnesota Business Magazine.

at e n o very e o t s u u o g y n i k Than ive for help ! t a v rds o a n w a In se e h t e achiev 9

insports $124,285 Donated to teams & individuals throughout Minnesota, Iowa, and North Dakota.

27,925 How many kids we helped get in the game!

$10,500 Distributed in individual athletic scholarships.

10

s d i k g Helpin e game! th n i t e g

#goals

11

Innovative Open HouSE At U.S. Bank Stadium 1,500+ Attendees

12

Xavier Rhodes Insports Day

138

kids participated 13

Community Programs

th n o M e h of t y t i r a h C

ward A e m a G e h t n I

Drive P T l a u n n A h 7t

14

ity r a h C r fo s y a l P e l b u o D

Field Goals for Charity

What inspires you?

15

What inspires you?

“Knowing I have worked as hard as I could for the company and customer.”

- John Kay

“Knowing everyone around me strives to provide the best customer service experience to every customer, potential customer and vendor that we are in contact with on a daily basis.” - Joy Hagberg

“The new challenges that come in each day and the way we resolve them.”

- Tony Betsinger

“My co-workers and managers positive attitudes.”

-Debbie Jones

“Making people smile. There is nothing better than making someone else’s day.” - Laurie Shirk

“Friends, family and people who influence me to become a better person.

Our Innovative family inspires me and the culture that we have in our work place. I look forward to coming to work and seeing the smiling faces and laughter that we share.” - Monivone Lamkhamphoui

“Doing what you love is the cornerstone of having abundance in your life.”

- Kendall Kragenbring

“Helping others!” “Earning the trust of clients as a provider of - Maria Kessler

“Making a positive difference in someone’s day.”

- Kay Edmondson

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valued priced products, as well as providing solutions in a consistent time frame.”

- Christian Donovan

“True Teamwork - Seeing results that you worked hard for.” - Melissa Dreyer

I am inspired by all of the wonderful people at Innovative! People working as a team to make everyone successful.

From my fellow Innovative co-workers to our customers, I am inspired every day with the positive attitudes and willingness to help. To me the employees at Innovative embody the principal that relationships matter.

- Kathy Hovde

I

rs! e k r o w o my c

“Positive people.�

- Brian Howell

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“My Team Inspires Me!” - Jeanne Thompson

“Helpful, honest employees.”

- Tracy Roeder

“Self pride, working with others towards a common goal, reaching milestones and crushing goals.” - Tucker Coborn

“Working for a company that gives back so much to the community is inspiring. It helps to show our customers that we truly care!”

- Alyssa Kriz

“People who take pride in what they do.” - Aaron Rust 18

“Helping others.”

- Michael Callahan

What inspires you?

“Positivity, confidence, adaptabilty and learning!”

- Mitzi Enns “The people I work with :).” - Kristin Huber “Color inspires me. Green, orange, yellow, blue; all colors tend to bring out the creative side of me. They make me want to design cool marketing pieces that inspire others!”

- Barb Kusilek

“Helping others.”

- Kris Winum

“Kindness and humility.” - Michael Brisson

“Donuts.....or just food in general.”

- J.R. Deobald

“Being part of “a-ha moments” when you discover a new way to solve a problem.”

- Julie Owen

a-ha momen ts!

“Having customers that appreciate what we do for them and make sure they let us know when we see them. It makes me feel like I’m doing something important for them and the company.” - Greg Fitterer 19

What inspires you?

Seeing other people happy. It brings me so much joy and sanctification to make others happy. I loved being a part of the VIP Tours at our Open House this year because my group was so excited to take pictures in all of the behind the scenes locations. For some, it was their first time in the stadium, for others they were lifelong Vikings fan and this was a once in a lifetime opportunity- I love being able to give that to people.

- Leah Halvorson

“People happy at work.”

- Brooks Smith

“I’m inspired by kindness. Random acts of kindness and truly treating others as you want to be treated inspires me to try to pay that forward.” - Robin McMullen “Fellow employees sharing success stories and customer satisfaction responses. Having expertise and valuable input from our specialists available for our customers.” - Lois Ackley 20

“Having coffee from our lunchroom in preparation for my drive towards downtown.”

- Todd Swanson “Innovative inspires me - with all of the wonderful and diverse personalities I get to work with on a daily basis. I love our company and our core values. We are a very unique culture!!”

- Debbie Garner “A happy customer.” - Keith Kleinschmidt

“A fun and positive environment.” - Amy Beasley

“Positivity and acknowledgement of successes.”

- Julie Novak

“Seeing people with passion for their job and for their life.”

- Tammy Lee

“Helping people discover their natural gifts and talents and then watching them reach their goals faster and with great ease!”

- Christine Degrammmont “Happy customers and providing them with solutions.” - Pam Sebesta

“I am inspired by the ability to help people. If I can make somebody “I love seeing my team work together and feeling great about accomplishing something happy, it makes my day.”

- Justin Siebenaler that really helps other teams at Innovative.”

- Ann Dalhoff

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s e m o c n o i t a r Inspi in all forms!

“The passion and energy of the people I surround myself with.” - Jason Player “Watching the people around me do selfless acts for others.”

- Jennifer Rosenzweig “Making other people’s lives easier.”

- Jeff Frederickson

“Leaders who lead by example and get things done.”

- Reed Walhof “The support our sales team and customers receive from our specialist categories, particularly from our Furniture Specialists. Laura and Kris work tirelessly to share their expertise and support our reps. I know they work very long hours and they always have a smile on their face.” - Scott Ravenscroft “The determination to be the best office supply company there is. To show customers why we are growing and why we are the best.”

- Tim Moody

“Giving back to the community.”

- Gordy Peltier

“The ability to engage with customers daily and continue to grow our Relationship while helping provide them with exceptional products and service to fulfill their needs!

Making a difference for them and their business.”

- Marie Conway

“A passion for my work inspires me. I love what I do and how I can be impactful with customer projects from start to finish. Nothing is more satisfying than to see the final product knowing all the hard work that takes place behind the scenes.” - Pearlee Coty

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“Bringing creative solutions to my customers and seeing how happy they are with the result.”

- Gary Feichtinger

What inspires you?

“The internal desire to be the best me I can be, at everything I do.”

- Lesa Page

“Being able to be there for a customer in need and making them happy by resolving their issues.” - Brian Betsinger

“I am inspired by being in a role that promotes and encourages me to think creatively, and allows me to find ways to continuously help our company stay Innovative!” - Abbey Hoisington

“Working at Innovative inspires me. The people here genuinely care about others and want to see people succeed and find their personal strengths. If mistakes are made, it is a teachable moment and we all learn from it.” - Tami Adams

“Humility and kindness in people willing to work every day, “Empowered to make a difference. doing the best job they can!!” - Rick Buranen Building relationships.

“Knowing that my role influences the education of our children! Very rewarding!”

Community involvement.

- Bob Nelsen Creative selling.

“Working as a team for a common goal and seeing the Creating amazing new workspaces.” successes that come from months of hard work!”

- Samantha Romero - Karla Gunderson “Finding more efficient ways to handle processes, design/color/texture and creating new spaces.”

- Kristen Moraal

“Working for a company that cares about their employees as well as all the employees that I have met throughout the years.” - Tom Kelly

“THE COMPANY AND THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH INSPIRE ME, LOVE MY JOB!” - Sheryl Smith

“Knowing that I can tell the Innovative Story, and know that whatever I share with my customer or prospect will come true.

In my career I have never had such an amazing team/company to work for.” - John Townsend 23

What inspires you?

“People coming together for a common goal especially in the face of adversity.” - DeAnn Player

“The cohesiveness of our employees is really inspiring...we’re an awesome team.” - Jim Martin

“Large projects to help customers solve problems in their workplace.”

- Max Smith

“Kindness, honesty and compassion - which so many of our employees live every day.”

- Raina Wendt

“Helping people reach their goals, whether customers or co-workers!” - Janie Westbrook

“Humanity. Working with so many different individuals.”- Sue Wentzel “To have great people around me, that are always positive and helpful in whatever is happening at work or on a personnel basis.”

- Debby Krchnavy

“Happy people.”

- Maxine Oelker

“People who are enthusiastic and excited about their life. Positive attitudes and can do attitudes.”

- Bob Galetka

“Anything that can improve peoples lives or experiences!”

- Laura Brunner

“Relationships developed with my customers, and finding solutions.”

- Bill Nelson

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“I get inspired helping companies consolidate their vendors.

This ultimately saves them time, and money, but also allows our team of specialists to really engage and create a lasting partnership in multiple departments.” - Natasha Speake

“The constant determination and drive embodied by every single Innovative employee. The tireless effort to put the best work out is so insipiring, and everyone is so cheerful and genuine! The culture is bar none.” - Rachel Hovde

“Innovative inspires me everyday! We operate with such a different and better undertone when we go to market because of our core values. It’s truly about a partnership, a drive to be better than what we are every day. A spirit to encourage others to enjoy what they do and who they do it with! That’s something to be excited about and share with others!”

- Maria Redman “To be part of a company that creates TEAM work, provides community programs that are effective, challenges you to grow, and cares about your personal health and wellness so we can be at our best.” - Paul Niffenegger

“Seeing people succeed and excel.

Helping sales people find good solutions for their customers.”

- Ken Ledeboer

Working with positive people gives me more energy to do my best.

- Eric Okerson “Always trying to exceed our customer’s expectations and hoping the next time they need supplies they will always call Innovative.”

- Ann Speckman “Music inspires me everyday. It energizes me in the morning and calms me in evening. It gets me through anything that happens day in and out, good or bad.” - Shannon Marek 25

Who inspires you?

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We donated!

d #focuse

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Who inspires you?

Everyone that I work with Inspire me.

They always have each others back.

- Debby Krchnavy

“Customers who say, you all are the best!”

- Lois Ackley

“My family, they inspire me to be the best I can be everyday. They have helped me become who I am this very day.” - Shannon Marek

“People in positions of leadership within our company. I have moved into a leadership role but know that I can learn more every single day to try and improve myself personally and as a leader. There are so many great leaders at Innovative that I know I will continue to learn and grow in my role.” - Tim Moody

“The whole Team at Innovative. I love the passion I see everyday!”

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- Julie Owen

“Innovative Office Solutions’ top leadership has been and continues to be visionary, assuring that we stay at the top of our industry.” - Bill Nelson “Our Customer Care Teams, with the exceptional service they provide our customers, all with a smile the customer can ‘hear.’ They truly do care!!”

- Marie Conway

“Those who go above and beyond the call of duty.”

- Kristin Huber

“My customers and prospects inspire me everyday to be creative, think outside the box and go one step further!”

- Maria Redman

“My father was a big inspiration for me, particularly in business. At 47 years old he started his own company, worked night and day and was very successful in his industry. His work ethic had a powerful affect on me and resonates in my passion for what I do daily for our customers.”

- Pearlee Coty

“The people who do the little things.” - J.R. Deobald “Jen R. with her positivity and warmth. I’ve never had a conversation with her where I haven’t felt like she really

“My Wife.”

- Tom Kallman

“My Dad.” - John Kay

cared and was invested in me.” - Christina Boerigter “Jennifer Smith! No challenge is too great nor a task too small when it comes to Jennifer. She’s involved in everything yet keeps reaching for higher ground, accomplishing feats most wouldn’t deem possible! She’s a bright light of positivity; every time she enters a room she brings a glow. Truly inspirational. So proud to work for such a forward-thinking, fast-paced company!” - Rachel Hovde

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“Our company as a whole inspires me! You can feel the energy and positive attitude of our team: Whether you are in our office/s or even just on the phone with one of our team members, you can tell people really love what they do, and who they do it with!” - Natasha Speake

“Someone who will lead with boots on the ground, not from on a pedestal.” - Aaron Rust

“Bob Galetka.”

- Tracy Roeder

“My teammates inspire me every single day. Their positive attitude, laughter and general happiness makes me want to come to work and be productive!”

- Barb Kusilek

“Brooks Smith.”

- Gayle Zabel

“Ryan and Steiner.”

- Doug Biggin

“I am completely inspired by not only my coworkers, but by my son! The reason for this is that my coworkers have inspired my son to want to work at Innovative one day! His inspiration for what I do motivates me more than anything, and it all circles back to the environment he views when visiting my work :).” - Abbey Hoisington “My niece’s husband has been an inspiration, founding a local charity raising money, collecting food and clothes donations for communities in the Midwest. Through his dedication, have been able to see the difference that a few can make in the lives of many.” - Tom Traetow

“Everyone on the CTQ Team.” - Brian Betsinger “My coworkers and team inspire me.”

- Tami Adams 30

“Jeanne Thompson.”

- Janda Blue

“Family & friends.”

- Tucker Coborn

“My two sons; Collin started his own business at 17 years old and studied business in China for 4 months not knowing a soul. His courage and upbeat attitude is contagious. Lucas was an underdog lefty pitcher his entire high school career until the State tourney when they gave him a chance and he pitched a 5 inning close to win a State Semifinal game. He reached his goal of playing D2 college baseball. His work ethic and focus inspires his entire team.” - Christine Degrammmont

Wh0 inspires you?

“People who go out of their way to help you.” - Maria Kessler “The others that work here at Innovative, they make me want to try harder.” - Keith Kleinschmidt

“My team inspires me to step up every day.”

- Joseph Axmacher “Coworkers with positive can do attitudes.”

- Pam Sebesta

“Jennifer Smith - Seeing all of the accomplishments and awards that she get is amazing. She looks out for each and every one of her employees and makes them feel appreciated.” - Tammy Lee

“The owners of our company Jennifer and Brooks Smith, with their savvy leadership skills, the compassion and caring that they extend toward their employees and their wacky sense of humor!” - Bob Galetka “Soldiers in the Armed Forces.” - Brooks Smith “Anyone who is an underdog.” - Paul Carter

“My Dad.” - Mitzi Enns

“The generosity and caring actions of my coworkers.

Whenever a situation arises in a coworker’s work or personal life, all of my coworkers come together to provide any form of support for this co-worker and his/her family. I’ve been a recipient of this support as well as a giver. I have never seen such genuine support at any other employer.”

- Joy Hagberg 31

Who inspires you?

“The CEO of Innovative inspires me. Hard work and dedication are the recipe for success! I love working for a women owned business!!

Innovative has very strong and inspiring women!!” - Debbie Garner “Tammy Lee INspires me! She is always willing to go above and beyond her normal duties to help others that are in need. Tammy teaches us all what it truly means to be a team player!”

- Ashley Casparis

“Role models.”

- Kris Winum

“Pearlee.”

- Melissa Dreyer

“My Wife :)” - Max Smith

“Superintendents, Teachers, Principals, Secretaries, Custodians, all people that work with children in our schools.” - Bob Nelsen “My parents! They are the kindest, the sweetest and the most thoughtful people I’ve ever known. They love me unconditionally and are always there for me when I need them. They are amazing!” - Monivone Lamkhamphoui “Lesa Page, Lesa has a “can do it attitude” all the time.

Lesa is always there to support you, build you up and work through any issues you might be having....work OR personal!”

- Lisa Lindemann “My Family who supports me. Our employees who support and serve me and my clients. My client and vendor relationships.”

- Karla Gunderson

“There are many at Innovative that inspire me through their hard work and dedication along with the success that brings.” - Ken Ledeboer 32

“I get inspired by people who are uncomplaining and project a positive aura, love what they do, and bring out the best in everyone else. Bridget Smith, Ashley Casparis and Bill Allen are a few of many here at Innovative who pop into my mind!”

- Ann Dalhoff

“My grandson (7) and granddaughter (3).”

- Todd Swanson

“My family!”

- Sarah Johnson

A lot of people do. There are my mentors and role models that inspire me to do better and challenge myself professionaly.

There’s my family- my husband and son that inspire me to be the “best” mom I can be. My son looks up to me with such honesty and love that it makes me want to give him the world. They inspire me to have fun, not take life for granted and to live in the moment.

- Leah Halvorson

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“Julie Owen and Jennifer. I have never worked for a company where the principals are so available to the workforce. No matter how busy they are they will listen and make you feel like you are the most important person in the room. They deeply care about each of their employees and in turn, it inspires me to give 120 percent for them everyday to make this company the best it can be.”

- Laura Brunner “Jennifer Rosenzweig inspires me. She is such a genuinely nice person. She would do anything for anyone without hesitation.

I admire that and am inspired by her.” - Robin McMullen “Aaron Rust and my friend Mac.” - Michael Brisson

“The people that show up at Innovative every single day and live our core values.”

- Jason Player

“My mentors. They inspire me to be better than I was yesterday and encourage me to reach my full potential.”

- Laurie Shirk

“Individuals and teams working together producing positive outcomes and sharing their success with smiles and positive attitudes.” - Christian Donovan

“Everyone on my team who helps get the job done and keep our customers happy.” - Tony Betsinger

“Jennifer Smith and her incredible drive to grow Innovative.” - Melissa Dreyer

“People who work hard and care for everyone around them.” - Amy Beasley “Good leaders who understand issues that come up and are able to help resolve them.” - Janda Blue 34

“Laura Brunner and Kris Winnum.”

- Scott Ravenscroft

“Joleen Davis.”

- Kristen Moraal

Wh0 inspires you?

“The team I am privileged to work with. I saw this somewhere and it is so true TEAM: Together, Everyone, Achieves, More.”

- Becky Goetz

“People I work with that are passionate about their job and the company. I could also say Jennifer too :).” - Sonja McCollum

“My co-workers. No matter the position held, we work together. I couldn’t, wouldn’t let them down.” - Sue Wentzel “Shigeru Ban, Emmett and Eddy Merckx.”

- Andrew Leddick

“Tammy Lee.”

“My Boys inspire me everyday!!” - Jeanne Thompson

- Debbie Jones

“People that are willing to put other people above themselves - willing to go out of their way to help others or do for others.” - DeAnn Player “Friends & family.”

- Maxine Oelker

“Lesa Page.”

- Jim Martin

“My boys, family, friends, customers, and coworkers. Innovative letting us be who we are, celebrate us for who we are and have faith in what we do!”

- Lesa Page

“Jennifer Smith - What she has done with Innovative moves me!” - Raina Wendt

“Those who get up everyday with a positive attitude.” - John Townsend “Every customer, vendor, new prospect, business partner and fellow associate who walks through Innovative’s door!”

- Kay Edmondson “Customers are open to test new technology and take risks.”

- Paul Kaminski

“People with drive and ambition to complete goals they have set. People who look outside the box for solutions.” - Reed Walhof

“All of the employees at Innovative that work so hard to accomplish anything.”- Eric Okerson

“People who are passionate and driven about making a positive impact on others.” - Bridget Smith

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Winners!

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Wear red day!

How do you inspire Others?

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How Do You Inspire Others?

“Make ‘em laugh, make ‘em laugh, don’t you know ev’ry one wants to laugh?” - Bill Allen

“I try to lead by example and make them laugh as often as possible. I love to point out the good in who they are and what they do.” - Lesa “I hope I inspire people to always look for the positive in every situation. At the end of the deal, it’s how you decide to react to the situation you find yourself in.”

- John Townsend

“By greeting them with a smile and an upbeat attitude.”

- Janie Westbrook

“Inspiring Smiles by smiling and having an upbeat outgoing personality!

I always greet folks with a smiling face and focus on making everyone feel at home while here at Innovative!” - Kay Edmondson

“Smile, joke around and work as efficiently as possible.”

- Raina Wendt

“By smiling!”

- Debbie Jones

“From a simple work question to listening and understanding their needs. I like helping any way I can.” - Laurie Shirk

“I try to inspire others by adhering to our core values.” - Jim Martin “Bringing new ideas and fun to technology solutions.” - Paul Kaminski

“I inspire others by working hard, being a team player and leading by example.” - DeAnn Player

“I’m an advocate for trying something “I treat others the way I would like to be treated :).” - Jeanne Thompson outside of my comfort zone. People ask me how I know how to do things and I “I try to inspire others by pushing myself to improve constantly, always say, you just have to do it! It never showing others that self-improvement hurts to try something new. You have to is a constant journey and change is possible.” - Jason Player start somewhere.”- Kristen Moraal 38

“Recognize people for their help and success. Either in person, email or #wow.” - Eric Okerson

Taking care of my customers. I truly believe in our company motto:

I am there for my customers and respond as quickly as I can. My top priority is to ease my customer’s mind by them knowing, ‘Me and my team got this!’

- Crystal Brink 39

“Work ethic.” - Reed Walhof

“By doing the best I can every day!”

- Max Smith

“Getting to know them and thanking them for their work toward helping achieve a common goal.” - Christian Donovan “Being present. Always being willing to assist in making it happen. Being one of the original 20 to start Innovative.”

- Sue Wentzel

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“Having a good attitude. Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.” - Kendall Kragenbring

“Hopefully, through my actions. I try to inspire people to be their genuine selves. I always say, “You do you!” Probably because of the stage in my life and who I am. I’m always running up against moms who put themselves down or say they aren’t the best mom. I feel that way sometimes, but in this world of judgement- “you do you!” whatever you think is best for you and your family THAT’S the RIGHT decision. As long as it’s not endangering anyone, no one else could have made a better one. So hopefully, I inspire people to be themselves. As we say here at IN, “Own It!” Own who you are and Own what you do/decisions made. I also hope that I inspire others to not take life TOO seriously. Life is way to serious; you need to have fun and laugh all the time.”

- Leah Halvorson

How Do You inspire others?

“Always trying to be honest and helpful.” - Maxine Oelker “I’m committed and dedicated and

“I feel like I am a flexible person. If it needs to be done, I will do it. I love a challenge!” - Melissa Dreyer “Good leaders who understand issues that come up and are able to help resolve them.” - Janda Blue

I hope others see that in me.”

- Sonja McCollum

“The customer service experience I provide is typically over the phone. I literally smile while on the phone. I hope this gets my customer to smile and pass it along to their co-workers/customers.”

- Joy Hagberg

“I like to lead by example – and remind people that your best is always good enough. We are not going for perfection, we are going for excellence!” - Christine Degrammmont “I show them how a 59 year old can perform with the younger guys, and I set an example by showing them every day I can.”

- Todd Swanson

“I try keep a positive attitude, and to utilize my experience by helping others as much as possible and teaching/passing on knowledge.” - Ann Dalhoff

“I try to be kind and always available to answer a question, help or mentor a new worker.”

- Laura Brunner

“I always want to go above and beyond for any of our customers.

Not only our external customers but our internal and the people we work with each day. I hope others see and hear what I do and replicate. We have always heard, treat others as you want to be treated. Be Kind, be Positive and do what you can to go ABOVE and BEYOND...” - Lisa Lindemann

“By always doing what I say I will do.”

- Paul Carter

“By taking care of my customers to the best of my abilities.” - Lois Ackley

“I inspire others by always smiling and being encouraging to others.” - Maria Redman 41

How Do You Inspire Others?

I try to bring a positive attitude to every situation. I think positivity is contagious and inspires others.

- Tucker Coborn

“Making sure they know how much they have helped me.”

- Tracy Roeder

“Be Be Be Be Be 42

kind. compassionate. understanding. honest. yourself.”

- Shannon Marek

“I try to show that if I can do something, they can too!”

- Kristin Huber

“Leading by example.” - J.R. Deobald

“By attempting to show my customers and coworkers that honesty and empathy for customers needs and concerns are what instills trust.”

- Bill Nelson

“By showing them they are adding value, they are important and are appreciated.”

- Aaron Rust “By being there to help them when they need it.” - Brian Betsinger

“Inspire/lead by example. Talking through situations and answering questions.”

- Doug Biggin

“Being positive.” - Tom Kallman

“I try to inspire others by always working on and showing others new and more efficient ways to complete day to day tasks.” - Abbey Hoisington “I am one of the people that will go above and beyond to help people and customers.” - Janda Blue

“Being positive and passionate in work and in daily life. Having fun, listening and encouraging young people that the sky’s the limit and working hard and finding your passion is doable and not just a dream!” - Pearlee Coty

“I like to think that I inspire others by being happy and always willing to help.” - Barb Kusilek “Greeting all my collegues and customers with a smile, Inspire Smiles, it is contagious!” - Marie Conway

“Discovering the extraordinary ways each individual can contribute to the company vision.” - Julie Owen

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“Lead by example. I work very hard to have a great attitude and work ethic so others will see that and hopefully follow in my footsteps. Teaching them and coaching them to make each one of us better every single day we come to work.” - Tim Moody

“Helping them with their customer solutions.

Helping them find the rainbow in the storm.”

- Pam Sebesta “By helping other at any time.”

- Keith Kleinschmidt

“Treating everyone with kindness and sharing my knowledge. I take on challenges and am always willing to learn something new.” - Tammy Lee

“I inspire others by doing my best work everyday.

“Brighten someone’s day by greeting them with a smile. Smiles bring a positive vibe and always make your day better.” - Linda Roehl

My team knows they can count on me and I can count on them.” - Tami Adams

“By listening to them and helping them overcome their challenges.” - Brooks Smith

“I try to inspire others by working hard and smiling no matter what - even when the experiences of life are difficult.” - Amy Beasley

“Always showing a good work ethic and wearing a smile.”

- Michael Brisson

“I’m hoping that I inspire people with my smile and positive attitude :).”

- Jennifer Rosenzweig

“I am always willing to help. Whether to lend a hand, a shoulder to cry on or to participate in events that will help others. I do it with a smile. Life is too short! So be happy and be kind! :)” - Monivone Lamkhamphoui

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“I try to inspire others with a positive attitude. If I’m having fun, you are more likely to have fun.”

- Justin Siebenaler

“Being involved, commitment to relationships matter, loving my job, supporting my colleagues, and showing gratitude.”

- Karla Gunderson

How Do You inspire others?

“By working hard everyday to grow our business.”

- Jeff Frederickson

“Keep it simple.”

“I lead by example. I work hard to respond in a timely and complete fashion.” - Joseph Axmacher

“I try to keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude and help in whatever way I can. At - Tony Betsinger the work place and personnel level.”

- Debby Krchnavy

“I try to be as upbeat and positive as possible in the hope that it will inspire others to be the same.”

- Robin McMullen

“Hopefully I inspire others by example and by helping them succeed.”

- Ken Ledeboer

“I try to encourage others to learn more about our furniture and how it makes a difference in educating children.” - Bob Nelsen

“I hope I can put a smile on someone’s face and make them feel good and that they matter!! I hope my hard work and dedication inspire others!!” - Debbie Garner

“By being thoughtful and considerate, with a great sense of humor.”

- Kris Winum

“With my positive “Treating others the way I like to be treated. Trying to be a good role mental attitude model to others, a good citizen with a positive attitude and keeping and a smile.” a sense of humor. After all: “Life is a bowl of cherries” - right?” - Mitzi - Maria Kessler

“Showing I will help as much as I can with a smile on my face.” - John Kay

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Be Involved 46

An engaged culture is a winning culture and we pay extra attention to the importance of ‘Being Involved’. Check out all the fun events we’ve been up to this past year!

2017 KICKOFF | TWINS FIRST PITCH | EMPLOYEE SWEET 16 CELEBRATION | EARTH DAY | INSPORTS GOLF TOURNAMENT | MOVEMBER | BREAKFAST IN BED & PJ DAY | ST PATRICK’S DAY | VALENTINE’S PARTY | FUSION | INNOVATIVE OPEN HOUSE | WEAR RED DAY | NEW YEAR NEW REAR | BLOOD DRIVE | CHILI COOK-OFF | FOOD DRIVE | 7TH ANNUAL TOILET PAPER DRIVE | ARMFUL OF LOVE & ADOPT A FAMILY | HOT DISH COOKOFF | 2017 PHOTO SHOOT | NEW YEAR NEW YOU | MARIO KART TOURNAMENT | BRING YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY | MARCH MADNESS BRACKET | WALKIN TO ORLANDO | MAINTAIN DON’T GAIN | HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST & POTLUCK | SOCK DONATION | APPLE & PUMPKIN BAKE OFF | ICE CREAM TRUCK & KICKBALL | WALKING TACOS | EASTER EGG HUNT | EGG BAKE CONTEST | SHAMROCK SHAKES | CINCO DE MAYO SALSA CONTEST | PRINCE PARTY & PING PONG TOURNAMENT | WINDOW DECORATING | SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGING | BEER & WINE EXCHANGE | TOY DRIVE | CARE COMMITTEE | SECRET SANTA | LTGS | CPR TRAINING | NUTRITION SEMINAR | STRESS MANAGEMENT SEMINAR | ESTATE PLANNING | WORKOUTS

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7th Annual TP Drive

We see you!

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All donations went to:

That’s a lot of TP!

4,107 Rolls of toilet paper collected

=

42

Families in Minnesota received a year supply of toilet paper

That good ’s a look :) 49

Walk To Orlando

145 Participants

145 Finishers

117,503,776 50

Total miles walked

2017

Walking Teams

BEAUTIES AND THE BEASTS | HAIGH HO! | ORLANDWOAH! | ORANGE YOU JEALOUS OF OUR STEP COUNT? | IN IT TO WIN IT | POOH PEDESTRIANS | COVERING MORLANDO | SEE YA LATER GATORS | GOOFY FOOT FUNGUS | IN MOTION TO THE OCEAN | TEAM FLO-WALKA | SUNSHINE STEPPERS | FLAMINGOS | INSOLES | TOO INSPIRED TO BE TIRED | CINDERELLAS | WALKING IN FLIP FLOPS | THE SEMORAN ROAD WALKERS | GATOR BAIT | MINNIE MICE | THE WALKABOUTS | TOM’S DISNEY DARLINGS | FLAMING FLIP FLOPS | WILLY WONKA WALKERS | GROOVIN’ GATORS | INNOGAITOR | AVINGERS | TEAM SEMINOLE | MOUSE-IN-AROUND

ive t a e r C t s o M

Funniest

Winning team:

Haigh Ho!

Scott Felton, Natasha Speake, Gayle Zabel, Scott Ravenscroft & Debbie Lazcano-Stai

Best Group

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Learn. Teach. Grow. Sessions

33+ LTGs offered

FURNITURE: WINNING WITH THE A&D COMMUNITY | FACILITIES: IPC EAGLE EQUIPMENT | TIPS & TRICKS FOR HIGHER COMPUTER EFFICIENCY | SCHOLASTIC DESIGN & SPECIALIST AREAS | GOOGLE DRIVE! | RECEIVING 101 - PO & INVOICE RECEIVING | AV 101 | THIS IS HOW WE ROLL! POS PAPER SUPPLIES | UH OH! I CLICKED ON A PHISHING EMAIL! | ONLINE AND MOBILE ORDERING SITE | CPR AWARENESS CLASS | EATING WELL FOR YOUR BEST HEALTH | DRIVERS: HOLD THE PHONE! | F IS FOR FUN AND FURNITURE!! - FURNITURE SELLING SKILLS | BECOME A MATHLETE - HOW TO CALCULATE MARGIN, MARKUPS, DISCOUNTS, ETC. | POWERPOINT - YOU’VE GOT THE POWER!! | DIGIDECK - WHAT IS THIS THING ANYWAY? | FUNNYTURE FURNITURE - WORK ORDERS & PROCESSES | CRM - MAKING YOUR LIFE EASIER | JNBA - ESTATE PLANNING AND RISK MANAGEMENT | AV: RELAUNCHED! | JUMP FOR JOY WITH JUMPTRACK | SHOW ME THE MONEY!! | SAFETY 101 | BACK TO SCHOOL! THE HOW’S, WHEN’S AND WHY’S OF JOINT PURCHASING CONTRACTS | TEAMIN’ UP! - MICROSOFT TEAMS | FURNITURE PRICING NUTS & BOLTS | RELAAAAXXXX! STRESS MANAGEMENT | NEW PARTNER SETUP FORM | TRAIN THE TRAINER | PROSPECTING FURNITURE | MBSDEV - FOR DRIVERS! | THE SCIENCE & STRATEGY OF GOAL PERFORMANCE | FURNITURE: 2020 TRAINING | LYNDA COURSES 52

#wow Amy Beasley and Bill Allen for a great LTG on Pivot Tables.

I did my first one this week!

Tips & Tricks For Higher Computer Efficiency Most attended Learn. Teach. Grow. Session.

#wow Leah Halvorson for holding an impromptu LTG Outlook 2015 101 with me this morning. Moving from an old version to a new version is somewhat like a puzzle, and having Leah assist with finding pieces and offering tips was not only fun and amazing but so appreciated!

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INSPIRE INSPIRE SMILES SMILES REE !

U’’R D! OU YYO REED R A A E E L L C C

START HERE

Employee INcentive Program 2017 A crime has been committed!

Complete the game board to clear your name from the suspect list and collect swag along the way.

See back for details.

SWAG STOP

BE BE INVOLVED INVOLVED

Name:

OWN IT

SWAG STOP

JUST COMMUNICATE 56

SWAG STOP

KEEP IT IT KEEP SIMPLE SIMPLE

Employe e Incentive Program

2017 Gold Star winners

TOM TRAETOW | ASHLEY SWANSON | TODD SWANSON | SHANNON MAREK | CHRISTINA BOERIGTER

LEARN. LEARN. TEACH. TEACH. GROW. GROW.

| MIKE BRISSON | LISA WEBER | CARMEN CHASTEK | MIKE FALCONER | BILL ALLEN | STEVE CHARLTON | MIKE FERRELL | SHANNON MAREK | KAREN CLABO | MIKE FALCONER | PAM SEBESTA | RACHEL LARSON | STEVE KUSZ | SCOTT FELTON | TIM FREDERICK | KRISTIN HUBER | JANDA BLUE | DIANE VAN SKIKE | ANDREW DETERS | ANGELINA SHONKA | ANN DALHOFF | COLBY HESTON | MIKE FALCONER | BELINDA GILES | SUE WENTZEL | SEE YANG | GARY FEICHTINGER | DENISE CHAPMAN | BARB KUSILEK | DAVE BARBEE | MARK CARLSON | CASEY YORGA | JOY HAGEMEYER | ASHLEY CASPARIS | LAURA BRUNNER | BOB NELSEN | BRIDGET SMITH | SHANNON MACDONALD | TONA MARTINEZ | JOLEEN DAVIS | JUSTIN SIEBENALER | STEPHANIE ROBINSON | MAX SMITH | SARAH PARRISH | SAMANTHA ROMERO | MICKEY ABBETT | ROBERTO GOMEZ | DANA CRUZ | JANDA BLUE | LAURA BURGESS | KARLA GUNDERSON | SAMANTHA COX | MARK

BE HONEST HONEST BE & HUMBLE HUMBLE &

HOGLUND | JAKE MERRICK | RYAN KELLEY | JEANNE THOMPSON | MIKE PITZEN | CAROL ADAMIETZ | SARAH JOHNSON | KATIE BOWELL | BARB KUSILEK | CHAD BLAHA | RON DIXON | NICOLE HOHMANN | AARON RUST | BECKY GOETZ | PEARLEE COYT | MELISSA

24 Boards comlpeted:

HOIBERG | BOB HAMILTON | MELISSA DREYER | KELLY BERRY | LESA PAGE | SUE WENTZEL | TAMMY LEE | MARIA REDMAN | TUCKER COBORN | TOM TRAETOW | TAYLOR WHEELER | ANDREW LYNNE | DEANN PLAYER | JANDA BLUE | KAY EDMONSON | MAXINE OELKER | KERENSA TRACY

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Care Committee 516 Combined volunteer hours

Number of events

27

28 Committee members

Cinco de Mayo S alsa Contest

Ice cream truck!

Kickball 58

Prince Party

Valentine’s Day Party

Beer & Wine Exchange

Mario Kart To urnament 59

60

Twins Roof Deck Event

itch P t s r i F s n i Tw

Tom Johansen

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Halloween

62

e v i t a e r C t s Mo

Funniest

Scariest Best Group

63

Armful of Love Gift Wrapping

37 Gifts donated

=

16

People received gifts for Christmas

Santa’s little helper!

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Food Drive 1,100 Pounds of food donated to Second Harvest Food Bank

e m e h T a t o es Best Minn Best Innovative Theme

Best Overall

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Blood Drive 40 People donated

40 Pints donated

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You guys make a difference!

Movember

e i f l #se

Movember Winner!

We have some funny characters!

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Salvation Army Bell Ringing 40+ Volunteers

$1,840 Raised for Salvation Army

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Bring Your child to work Day The second Bring Your Child to Work Day was a hit! Innovative employees were encouraged to bring their children to experience a day of fun at the office. Innovative was filled with giggles and cheer throughout the day!

25

Volunteers

22 Kids joined IN!

Future !

Innovators

69

Holiday Festivities

oration! c e d w o d in w Best 70

Great Holiday Sw eaters!

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New orleans trip

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Supplier of the year Congrats!!

Congratulations to Kimberly-Clark on being voted Innovative’s Supplier of the Year for 2017!

“It is fantastic how they differentiate themselves from the competition, not only from their top executives, but more importantly their people on the street. They believe in our channel and will do what it takes to help us win!”

- Brooks Smith “Kimberly Clark is always on the forefront of innovation. First to market with new delivery systems and technology.

Along with their wide selection of quality products KC always meets the needs of our diverse customer base.”

- Paul Niffenegger

“They are a fantastic partner and great to work with. Quick to respond to our needs!”

- Mike Pitzen

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Retiree Honorees

Bryan Belisle

Kevin Mckeague

Russ Hansen

Mike Madsen

45 dedicated years as an Account Executive

17 dedicated years as an Account Executive

12 dedicated years as an Account Executive

12 dedicated years as an Accounting Support Coordinator

! k c o r s uy g e s e h T

Thank you to our amazing retirees for 74

their hardwork and dedication!

January

FEBRUary

March

Kristin Huber

Ashley Swanson

Ron Dixon

#wow Kristin Huber We had a customer stop in and need assistance making a payment and checking on a credit and Kristin stepped right in and helped out! Thank you!!

#wow Ashley Swanson I just wanted to take a sec to tell you how thankful I am for Ashley’s assistance on our most recent job. She was so helpful through the whole process. She even caught a big mistake on our end that I had missed, and made sure it was corrected.

#wow Lucho Eckert & Ron Dixon We had an order miss routed this morning. Ron met up with Lucho so that Becky with Old Republic could get her order today and here was her email to us this morning :) We actually got it today :) You all are AMAZING!

#wow Ashley Swanson Thank you so much for your quick turn on the Cloquet Middle School install binders! They turned out wonderful!

#wow Ron Dixon and Kristin Huber! Customer needed an order this morning that was scheduled to deliver this afternoon. The order was not entered on Wed when sent in for a Thurs delivery, therefore a rush for AM delivery today was created. Kristin called Ron who was able to rearrange his deliveries to get the customer binders they needed this morning.

#wow Kristin Huber for your continuous “can do” attitude and willingness to always learn something new. Your efforts have had a huge impact on reducing the number of e-mails into the AR Inbox and the number of calls transferred to accounting - all because you’ve jumped in and learned so many new skills to help with lots of the basic accounting functions!

EMPLoyees of the month

April

May

June

Alyssa Kriz

Tim Moody

Christina Boerigter

#wow Alyssa Kriz You gave exceptional effort in getting a large list of accounts under control and “in sync”. You did it with speed, accuracy and a great attitude! Thanks so much!

#wow Tim Moody For all his hard work in making sure our marketing team is taken care of. From tradeshows to special deliveries, he’s always willing to help out!

#wow Alyssa Kriz was quick , helpful and cheerful - the smiley face was cute too!

#wow Tim Moody for giving up your Sunday morning to deliver MN CPA to the Mpls Convention Center.

#wow Christina Boerigter; Paul Niffenegger; Leah Halvorson; Jason Player for all their work last week in pulling together a large JanSan bid for MPS schools. We have never done one like this before!!

#wow Alyssa Kriz for all of your continued help with accounting functions - over & above your CS duties!!! You rock at helping to get the credit card and Epic (PointNationwide) payments posted everyday, in addition to getting Greenheck and 3M invoices posted to the Portals! You are invaluable!!! Thank you!

#wow Tim Moody Thank you so much for helping us locate the demo printers and getting them down for us. Our customer will have the printer tomorrow thanks to you. You are appreciated!

#wow Big thanks goes out to Christina Boerigter, Tom Traetow, Jason Player, Julie Owen, Scott Ravenscroft for all of your help and diligent work on an RFP that was due today! It was all hands on deck and everyone had a part in this. It was planned out well and it did not become a fire drill at the end. Thank you all for your contribution on this project!

EMPLoyees of the month

July

August

September

Raina Wendt

Laura Brunner

Mark Hoglund

#wow Raina Wendt Exceptional customer service!

#wow Laura Brunner for an amazing NEOCON presentation. The quality of the presentation was top notch - it was almost like being there, without having to visit 300 showrooms!

#wow Mark Hoglund A HUGE thanks to Mark for setting up the Desktop RemoteApp on my computer. All of the recent IT changes have helped me Keep it Simple! Thanks for your hard work!

#wow Raina Wendt for going the extra mile to help Natasha and me with the Partnership Review example we requested yesterday. You definitely delivered on “Expect Response” and “Own it!” #wow Raina Wendt As always... OUTSTANDING #wow Raina Wendt for having the needed information for us to send to new customers!!

Your “How to redeem Paper points” was easy for me to send to a new customer!!

#wow Laura Brunner for being our go to dragon slayer for big furniture bids! Great job! #wow Laura Brunner for helping on so much of my furniture projects. From small to big, wins and losses she is always there to give her best input and suggestions. I have learned so much from her!

#wow Mark Hoglund has been an absolute powerhouse in the last few months on our Office 365 project. What most companies would outsource, Mark has taken on mostly himself. He’s researched, tested, investigated everything along the way in the process of transforming our business to the Microsoft cloud, increase capabilities and reduce expenses. Mark, you rock!

EMPLoyees of the month

October

November

December

Tony Betsinger

Amy Beasley

Janda Blue

#wow Tony Betsinger Congratulations on being recognized by a local non profit customer for going above and beyond to support their efforts to help 20,000 kids in need. Thanks for being unstoppable.

#wow Amy Beasley I needed something attached to a file on MSBdev and couldn’t get it to work, so she called me when she was away from her computer to help me accomplish the attachment :). Thank you, Amy, for your help while you were not even working.

#wow Janda Blue Our team dropped the ball on a special order for the Twins. I asked Janda to help us out and see if we could do a same day with a vendor. She Owned it for us, even though it wasn’t her job. She called and set up the order, set up the courier as well and had it to the customer within 3 hours!!! It would’ve been a bad day if it wasn’t for her :).

#wow Tony Betsinger for going above and beyond with helping to fix a delivery issue in Fargo by going up to meet with the customer and courier the day after the problem without being asked. #wow Tony Betsinger and Kelly Berry for saving the day! Kelly is dropping off a demo chair for me near where he lives. Thank you for giving me three hours of my life back!

#wow Amy Beasley just walked me through on a procedure while she was driving in her car with her kids without using her computer!!!!

She walked me through step by step by step etc.......Very impressive! The best part is that she helped me resolve the issue and thanks to her, Shannon can call back our customer with a solution to his issue. You rock Amy!”

#wow Janda Blue Thank you Janda for always fixing an oops right away. Expect Response, Expect Reduction, Expect Relief!

EMPLoyees of the month

EMPLoyee of the YEAR #wow Mark Hoglund Thanks for being resourceful and coming up with an idea to save us some money on firewalls! #wow Mark Hoglund is always so responsive!! Anytime I need anything, big or small he comes right over to help me figure out what I need, even when I don’t always know what I need! Thank you Mark! #wow Mark Hoglund has been working diligently all summer to upgrade our email platform to the Microsoft cloud so that it is all integrated with our other O356 products AND saves us a BUNCH of money on server equipment and support. Today that project has come to a successful conclusion (we turned the old server off). Way to go Mark! This was a big endeavor and at most times invisible to all the rest of us (which is part of the success). Thank you! #wow Mark Hoglund, you have a big task to convert everyone to the Office 365 platform and I know it’s not easy. I appreciate how you stop by to check on me and the supply studios to see how things are going to make sure everything is working as it should. We really appreciate you and what you have to do! #wow Mark Hoglund Thanks for always smiling when I come over... you always know it is going to be a really easy fix or a really bad one. Nothing in between. But your smile never changes :) thank you so much for being so kind and helpful when I need you. I am so grateful for you! #wow Mark Hoglund Yesterday it was discovered that emails from our web site were not flowing properly to our Customer Care team. Mark put in extra time last night to figure out what was happening and make it work again. Thanks for the extra effort!!

Mark Hoglund

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2018 Catalog theme

Our theme for the year is Gold In Globe Awards. We are rolling out the red carpet in 2018 to recognize the Best in Office Productivity! Each month we will be awarding a “Gold in Globe Award” to a company who demonstrates outstanding office productivity and

Nominate at: goldin.innovativeos.com

fits the mold of our Gold In Globe categories. Along with the Gold in Globe Award winners, we will be uncovering workplace superstars to recognize a “Best Supporting Role” each month.

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Thanks For Being All In!

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