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The day I started Fresh ID was the day I saw my transvestite neighbor slip and fall on the icy sidewalk, on a cold January day. That morning I woke up early, fresh, focused and ready to start my new challenge, but instead all I could picture in my mind all day was my transvestite neighbor, with her long flowing pink hair and purple-puffy jacket sailing through the frigid air landing with a “thud” on the snow packed sidewalk. I quickly learned at Fresh ID that nothing is “normal”. There wasn’t any “set in stone” processes to follow. Instead its place that encouraged creating your own process that worked for you personally and would be successful at getting the job done right. That was one of the first hard challenges for me. For years of being in school, having people tell you what to study, when to turn something in and then grade you on how well or terrible you did it, being able to explore and create my own professional system was a struggle. I constantly looked to Lisa and Kristi to say “That’s Great” or “You’re wrong”, because I was seeking that feedback, but instead I was given the challenge to invent something that worked for me and the company. Now don’t get me wrong, I did get feedback (A LOT OF FEEDBACK), but it was also teaching me to reach out and learn through trial and error, which has now contributed to my growth because I got to learn by experience. My favorite lesson came, when one day, through my tears of frustration and uncertainty, Lisa looked at me and said “Kid, you need to learn how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable”. This slap in the face was a reality check and made me stop and change how I perceive myself and the real-world. At work, you need challenge and change, but at the end of the day you have to love it or you wouldn’t do it the way it deserves to be done. I know for me, when I’m comfortable I stop trying because I like where I’m at. In order to grow, pushing outside your comfort level is a must. I’ve learned at Fresh ID that the only way I was going to be successful was to push to the next test, even if it was uncomfortable. In order to meet personal expectations of greatness, it’s all about being comfortable with putting yourself out there. Once you reach that comfortable successful peak, it’s time to push harder. Only then can you evolve. There have been some amazing times here at Fresh ID these past 10 months. I have laughed until I cried, or peed my pants, cried and huddled in a corner, and created some really cool things that I’m so proud to be part of. The bond that grew between us all has given me the strength and confidence to move on.There have been many moments of education, but here are a few that I will take with me (and are appropriate to share to the world).   10 things in 10 months

1. When you are arguing or having an in-depth conversation with someone, take time to stop what you are saying and truly listen to their words. You might be arguing the same point, just in a different way.
2. Things don’t always go right, even when the best laid plan is in place. Airplanes could run late, minds can be changed and ideas may be altered. But at the end of the day, if you have cheese, a sweet treat and enjoyable colleagues around you at work, your job is successful and fulfilling.
3. Take time to be around someone you admire and listen to how they do business. But don’t let it make you quiet, your ideas are still valuable and just because you may feel they are always “right”, you may put a new spin on something that could change the course to bigger and better things.
4. Surround yourself with co-workers who have different values, ideas and ways to do things. It will be frustrating at times, but in the long run the “ying and yang” effect is truly remarkable and works in a small business.
5. Be proud of the work you do. Shake hands with confidence and share with anyone and everyone what your job is, you never know where a business deal or future negotiation will be hiding and you don’t want to miss out.
6. A beer and a good idea can go a long way. The best thoughts don’t always happen in the office, take time to step out and let your mind go (and yes, wine can help you there too, we don’t discriminate at Fresh ID!)
7. Express yourself. No matter what you are feeling, excitement, anger or confusion.
8. Having an office that’s an “open door” to friends and other colleagues makes the day better. Filling up the office with these people adds excitement, new ideas, and laughter. It truly helps build a dynamic work place that all enjoy.
9. Take time for yourself. At Fresh ID our minds go 24/7 and that’s what makes us unique and special. But it’s okay to stop and take time out before you burn out. You deserve that time.
10. Be a family. Dysfunctional, determined and deeply committed to each other and the work. Success will come, but at the end of the day you have each other.

  I also feel it’s my duty to share how it is I work with my Fresh ID family, just in case you feel the need to suck up or work with any of them. Sherry: Between drinking Coca-Cola and packing her purse with every random item you may ever need (seriously, ask her for something I bet she has it), she’s a detailed genius at what she does. Give her the specifics, make sure she has all the information and then let her work. Oh yeah, and to show how much she rocks, find something with “Hello Kitty” on it….she has a lot so  get creative. Tom: He likes meat, and being the only male in the office, he’s had to suffer through some pretty girly conversations and food. His sense of humor comes out sporadically so listen for it, because when he says something you want to hear it. He’s the level-headed partner who is always up for a challenge and a Star Trek TV show. Kristi: Yes she loves her ruffles, Eiffel Tower, French Wine and Lil’ Rookie, but deep beneath her sassy blonde exterior, there is no one else who can create and imagine like she can. The way Kristi’s mind works amazes me, but she showed me that no matter where you are in your life, if you truly love something, if it truly moves and inspires you, it deserves your full attention and faith. She may mix things up now and then, but if she never spoke up (which trust me, she’s never held back), creative genius wouldn’t happen and we’d all be stuck un-challenged and like everyone else. Lisa: I hope I can be half as intelligent, funny and giving as she is one day. This time spent with her made me realize that a working woman can have it all, you just have to put the time into it and know that sacrifices will be made. Her words, actions and the way she does business is inspiring. Her dedication to something is beyond compare, as she puts 110% into whatever she is doing. Whether it’s cheering for a KC sports team, being a mother, a CEO, a toe-touch, or being the life of the party, Lisa gives it all she has with a smile on her face.