Sheri, myself and a few special guests attended the “Philanthropists of the year” luncheon at Quail West on Monday. It was an incredibly well organized event and Kelly Burns was our terrific MC. I was amazed at who was in the crowd and how many folks and clients we knew. At our table we had invited longtime clients as well as new clients/friends who have been incredibly supportive of our work. I don’t mind public speaking and Sheri would even say that I love it but, I was not sure how to address the honored crowd who were there to award us with a big “thank-you”. Fortunately, other honorees went first and while their comments were gracious I was still wondering what would come out of my mouth when our turn came. Gulfshore Life had prepared a cool video with the photos I had sent them (not being sure what they were going to do with them) and I was momentarily speechless as I watched the presentation and was simultaneously introduced by our creative PR wizard, Carolyn Rogers. Standing at the microphone and looking out, I felt incredibly proud that my mother was there to share this with us. I began by acknowledging my parents yet, I felt alone, as if there should have been a crowd standing with me and passing our award back and forth. I realised that my staff should have been there as well and I acknowledged them for giving me the opportunity to further our creative vision in a much bigger way than I could do alone. It’s funny how time slows when you are at the podium, not reading from notes and you have to say something that is appropriate and hopefully gracious, while not being pompous. Luckily, my heart took over and the emotion of joy that we experienced from our Mother’s Day event and all the grateful stories we had heard, choked me up and made me pause. I was able to share how special we felt by not being just a “retailer” but by assisting our clients in communicating their love for another with our jewelry designs. I know that coming from that context in what we do, differentiates us from the retailers in our business who think it’s just about the numbers. I’m so proud to be able to work and design with very creative staff who realise what it’s really about.
Tags: charity, community, customer appreciation, ethics, testimonials, win
As a member of the staff at Mark Loren Designs, it is equally an honor to be part of something that, as Mark indicates, is much bigger than business. Mark shared his appreciation of his staff’s involvement in his vision the day after the awards presentation and I know that he means every word. Having been in the jewelry-making business for 25+ years, it is an awesome thing to stop in a grocery store or pharmacy with my Mark Loren Logo shirt on and have people simply start a conversation which invariably leads to some reference to how much Mark has done for the people of SW Florida and Fort Myers. I am grateful and proud to be a member of the team at Mark Loren Designs. Thanks, Mark!
I am not surprised that Mark Loren Designs was awarded the Philanthropic Small Business of the Year. It was a honor to work with Mark and Debra recently in helping me design something special for one of my students at Bishop Verot High School. She has had some serious health issues and I wanted a simple charm for her to wear which might help her get through some difficult times. Mark donated his time and skills and the result was beautiful!
Mark Loren Designs also included a beautiful chain to complete the project.
Thanks to all of you for caring and confirming the real spirit of Christmas!
Sincerely,
Ed Boulton