MRK Associates’ Post

Sentimental post incoming. Here's one of my favorite people in the world talking about his insane career (selfishly I have to mention *half* of which I've been extremely fortunate to have been a part of) as he dives into some of the lessons he's learned, mistakes he's made, and brands he's built. (Write a book already, big fella. Can't wait to see that new headshot in the NYTimes' Best Sellers.) Mike is one of my greatest and most pivotal mentors - from early on in my career, he's heavily shaped how I look at my work, how I slot into the industry, and how I can make a difference. Not only through the visual craft but how "creative" and through all its facets, when well-fostered, can shape and elevate great work. How that great work can in turn positively affect both business and culture, and ultimately bring everyone up with it (I swear I listened and learned a few things in the last decade.) I don't often like to talk about creative being the end-all be-all, but hell, I'm a creative and I absolutely believe that creative matters and y'all... it matters-a-fuckin'-lot. We all have people who show us what it means to move forward through life, and Mike's been a north star to me that if you care enough, are always curious, trust your gut, find good people, do good, and shake shit up from time to time... the world just might reward you. And you'll make some great work along the way. If you've ever thought well of me in what I do for a living (first of all thank you) it's largely due to Mike. And if you've ever spoken to me about Kern, you've probably heard me say something along the lines of, "I want to be like Mike... but a better Mike." So here's to spending the next 10 attempting to getting halfway there—jury's still out.

New opportunities

I ❤️ my job I often think back to my first job as a hostess at Texas Roadhouse. Standing at the host stand, I learned invaluable lessons that I still carry with me today. Every job is valuable!!!! You are always learning things that you will take with you to your next job. Here are some of mine from Roadhouse. ➡ Creating a positive environment Whether at work or in personal interactions, Texas Roadhouse taught me the importance of being warm and welcoming to everyone who walked through the doors ➡ Starting conversations with strangers I grew my skills in networking, ensuring that even a brief 5-10 second interaction could brighten someone's day. Still something I am striving to work on and improve to this day. ➡ Upselling There were always fun promotions and competitions. Upselling is definitely a skill that has proven useful in various professional settings. One memory that stands out is the back of our work shirts, with the words, “I love my job.” While I didn’t love every aspect of the job—sweeping mounds of peanut shells at the end of the night wasn’t my favorite—the shirt served as a constant reminder to approach work with positivity. When you show your customers that you love your job, they are more likely to love your company too. And let’s not forget those irresistible Texas Roadhouse rolls! Indulging in them during shifts was a perk, although our waistlines might have a different opinion. #firstjob #customerservice #careerlessons #positivityinwork

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A proper company to work for

A video that highlights your team culture is a powerful tool for any business looking to grow 📈 There's nothing quite like showing and hearing about the brand that you have built through the eyes of your team. Take a look at this video that we created with the team at Avia Homes as part of our Brand Creative work at Brown Fox Media House to represent their business in the online marketplace! #recruitment #recruitmentmarketing #branding #brandvideo #brandcreative

Meet the RESCO Team Steve Monson Warehouse Worker Middleton, WI Question: Tell me about your role at RESCO. Answer: I am a warehouse worker at RESCO’s Middleton location. Q: How long have you been with the company? A: I have just completed my 28th year at the end of January. Q: What do you enjoy most about your job? A: I truly enjoy the people that I work with, as well as the cast of characters I meet on a daily basis. Q: How has RESCO helped in your career development? A: RESCO, for the most part, has been my career. RESCO has made me better at time-management, helped me improve my organizational proficiency, and helped me strengthen my inter-personal skills. Q: What are your hobbies and passions? A: I have several hobbies, which include coin-collecting, antiques, and building-projects. My passions would be outdoor activities, with hunting and fishing being at the top of the list. Q: What is something people don’t know about you? A: Most people would not know that as a young man, I was a very good ball player. I played in high school, home talent, and in the city league. I concluded this run with 10 years of fast-pitch softball. I played competitive ball in Madison from the ages of 16 through 48. Q: What is something you can’t live without? A: My family, of course. However, a couple of nice fishing poles wouldn’t hurt. Q: If you could be any movie character, who would you choose and why? A: Probably Superman, as I always wondered what it would be like to fly on your own.

Great opportunities

This! This is a perfect example of what I spoke to earlier this week, and I couldn't not share when I saw it this morning. The story of Jessica Rioux is a paragon of dedication and loyalty, and she is an exemplary professional with more knowledge than most who are actively in management and human resources departments (IMHO). Jessica started her career as a receptionist, and I would suggest she is way more than what her current title reflects. Her unwavering commitment and hands-on approach are what had her rising through the ranks. She embodies the very essence of growth and adaptability. And today, she stands as a testament to what dedication and continuous learning can achieve. You want to know what truly sets Jessica apart, though? Her story. We all have them. My favorite kind of inspiration are the stories, the achievements, the examples of others. Jessica has many, I am sure, but my favorite... Five years ago, as a single working mother, Jessica demonstrated extraordinary determination by pursuing and obtaining her BBA in Business Management & Human Resources - this is no small feat. And, mind you, I needed a little of that inspiration when I was first deciding whether or not I should go back to school. The hands-on experience she has collected over the last decade provides her with a unique perspective, enabling her to understand and address the nuances of workplace dynamics effectively. That experience makes her invaluable, her person Jessica mentions that Helen Keller once said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." She, and many whose titles don't accurately reflect their contributions to their company, is/are a living embodiment of this philosophy, proving that collective efforts, guided by knowledgeable and dedicated individuals, lead to unparalleled success. Happy 10 years, Jessica, that Southern office is lucky to have you. #ProfessionalGrowth #HumanResources #Leadership #Dedication #CareerJourney #Inspiration #pulpandpaperindustry #chemicalindustry