Welcome to another episode of the C.A. Short Company All-In Employee Podcast with special guest Kim Huffman.  Kim, the Vice President in Human Resources at Dollar General Corporation, has been with the company since 2012, showcasing what it truly means to be All-In. With a background in business management, marketing, accounting, and statistics, Kim's journey includes significant roles in government, nonprofits, and major retailers. Currently, she serves on the board of Recognition Professionals International, holding the position of Vice President and Director of Communications.  In this episode, we delve into Kim's passion for intentional employee experiences. Dollar General, under her leadership, focuses on strategies prioritizing employee development, engagement, and essential business priorities. Kim shares stories from her diverse experiences, emphasizing the critical role of engagement and connection in every sector, from working with Airmen in the military to implementing programs in nonprofits.  We explore the impact of engaged employees on a company's success and the importance of leadership support in fostering a culture of engagement. Kim sheds light on how technology, like the companywide app, facilitates communication and shares positive impacts across Dollar General's 20,000 stores. She stresses the value of feedback through engagement surveys for continuous improvement.  What sets Kim apart is her holistic approach to life. Beyond professional achievements, she prioritizes intentional moments, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Her commitment is reflected not only in her personal life but also in her leadership style, positively influencing those around her.    Kim encourages listeners to take small steps in connecting with others, expressing gratitude, and fostering relationships. The episode concludes with a discussion about Recognition Professionals International (RPI) and the valuable resources it offers for those interested in employee recognition and engagement.

Welcome to a compelling episode of the All-In Employee podcast, where your host, Cheri’ Lucas, engages in a dynamic conversation with Coach of Champions, Cathy Compton Dive into Cathy's extensive experience, not just in the realm of athletics but also as a coach working with Olympic athletes. The dialogue takes an intriguing turn as they dissect a pivotal game where the opposing team, misjudging Cathy's team based on mere appearances, inadvertently sabotaged themselves. This sparks a thought-provoking exploration of the universal challenge of getting in one's own way, a concept that extends beyond the boundaries of sports. Leveraging her rich coaching background, Cathy introduces the notion that "you'll always win the game you're playing." Unpacking this idea, they explore the nuanced yet impactful ways our beliefs shape outcomes, both on an individual and team level. The conversation takes a captivating twist as Cathy shares anecdotes from her coaching journey, shedding light on how mindset can be the determining factor in a game's success, irrespective of skill or ranking. The discussion then delves into the crux of the matter – recognizing and overcoming self-sabotage. Cathy introduces the concept of positive intelligence, a transformative tool that unveils the internal saboteurs running the show. As the episode unfolds, Cathy introduces another game-changing tool – "BANK" from Codebreaker Technologies. This personality-based system pledges to uncover the secrets to connecting with others, deciphering their motivations, and mastering the art of influence. With a unique focus on biology instead of generic psychology, this tool distinguishes itself in a crowded field of personality assessments. Get ready to immerse yourself in insights that will not only inspire but also equip you to navigate the intricate game of life.

Join host Cheri’ Lucas in this episode of C.A. Short Company’s All-In Employee podcast, where she engages in a captivating discussion with Jason Phillips, Director of Information Technology at C.A. Short Company, and Tarek Kamil, CEO and Founder of Cerkl. Delve into the world of innovative AI-driven communication platforms with Tarek as he unveils the fascinating story behind Cerkl. The host, Cheri’, explores the potential impact of Cerkl on employee engagement and dives into its origins, unraveling the challenges it adeptly addresses. The conversation navigates the importance of tailoring communication to individual employees, drawing parallels to personalized experiences on platforms like Netflix. Tarek emphasizes the value of breaking down silos and cultivating a culture devoid of ego for meaningful collaboration within organizations. The discussion culminates in a thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to be "All-In" according to Tarek, highlighting the significance of a people-centric approach and the elimination of ego for a thriving organizational culture. Tune in for an insightful journey into the world of employee engagement and innovation!

Join us for a compelling conversation with the incredible Melinda Doolittle, a renowned artist, author, and now, an ambassador of appreciation. In this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast, Melinda takes us on a journey through her experiences on American Idol, revealing the profound lessons she learned about patience, faith, and the true meaning of success. Melinda shares insights from her book, "Beyond Me," where she explores the importance of dreaming beyond oneself and finding purpose in the journey, not just the destination. Discover the powerful concept of "chewing the hay and spitting out the sticks," a metaphor Melinda uses to navigate criticism and grow from life's challenges. As a board member of Porter Call (an organization providing therapy for artists), Melinda discusses her newfound passion for helping emerging talents cope with the unique pressures of the entertainment industry. Learn how she serves as a mentor, offering guidance on maintaining mental health, managing insecurities, and fostering a harmonious relationship between artists and their teams. Whether you're a fan of Melinda's music, interested in the entertainment industry, or simply seeking inspiration for your own journey, this episode is a must-listen. Melinda's authenticity, wisdom, and humor shine through as she shares valuable life lessons that resonate far "Beyond Me."

In this episode of The All-In Employee podcast, your hosts, Cheri' Lucas and Ashlee Green, invite you to embark on a journey into the realm of virtual assistants and the incredible value they bring to businesses and entrepreneurs. Joining them is the remarkable Amber Gray, the founder of Trusty Oak. Amber shares her journey from humble beginnings to building a successful US-based virtual assistant company. She highlights the importance of trust in virtual assistant relationships. Throughout this engaging conversation, Cheri', Ashlee, and Amber explore the dynamic landscape of goal setting. They candidly discuss the trials and tribulations of setting objectives and the equally essential act of celebrating past achievements. Together, they underscore the significance of embracing discomfort as a crucial element in their respective businesses' evolution and growth. Amber's story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and staying true to one's values. We invite you to join us in this enlightening and motivational dialogue, as you gain invaluable insights into the world of virtual assistance and the inspiring realm of entrepreneurship.

Yasmine Mustafa, CEO & Co-Founder of ⁠ROAR⁠, joins Cheri' Lucas and Ashlee Green on this episode of The All-In Employee podcast. Yasmine draws upon her experience as a refugee, discovering she was undocumented, and working in unsafe conditions to lead ROAR in its mission to empower and protect others. This podcast episode addresses the often-overlooked topic of workplace safety and employee well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive workplace culture and the growing awareness of mental health in corporate settings. It highlights the need for diverse resources and support mechanisms for employees. The discussion also explores the significance of de-escalation training in empowering frontline workers and managing workplace conflicts. The episode concludes with a message of hope, encouraging the planting of seeds for positive change, even if results are not immediate. It serves as a call to action for employers to prioritize employee well-being and safety, making it a must-listen for those dedicated to creating a healthier and safer work environment.

On this episode of the C.A. Short Company All-In Employee Podcast, Cheri' Lucas has the privilege of hosting special guests Lynn Boucher and Cathi Furlani from Baystate Health, along with Jimmy Spencer, an account director from C.A. Short. Lynn and Cathi share their heartwarming story of collaboration and recognition, where Baystate Health partnered with C.A. Short to create a truly exceptional holiday gift program for their 13,000 employees. The program's success, which boasted a remarkable 90% participation rate, was driven by meticulous planning, seamless execution, and heartfelt appreciation for their employees. Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes details of this incredible employee recognition initiative, from personalized cards to customized swag; and discover how effective communication, reminders, and a responsive admin portal made this program a resounding success. But that's not all! Tune in to hear the heartwarming stories of gratitude and connection that emerged from this program, as employees experienced the joy of recognition, even during a challenging year. And to add a touch of surprise and celebration, C.A. Short honors Baystate Health with the "2023 Best Performing Holiday Program" award, a testament to the dedication and teamwork that made this initiative shine. If you're curious about the power of recognition, the ripple effect of employee engagement, and the value of a true partnership, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we celebrate the incredible impact of recognition at Baystate Health.

Ashlee Green joins C.A. Short Company as our Director of Sales! She also joins Cheri' Lucas & R. Scott Russell on this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast.   In this podcast episode, the importance of the employee experience is highlighted. Historically, employee well-being and engagement were often overlooked, similar to how workers building the Pyramids weren't considered for their thoughts and feelings.   However, in recent years, companies have realized that improving the employee experience leads to better business performance. Engaging employees at a higher level positively impacts customer engagement and overall business success.   The discussion covers the entire employee journey, from onboarding to departure, emphasizing the value of creating a consistent and positive experience.   The conversation touches on the significance of communication, recognition, and creating a culture of appreciation within organizations to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.   The podcast also reflects on how CA Short, a recognition company, has evolved over its 86-year history, embracing technology to adapt to changing business needs.

C.A. Short Company Account Director, Cheri' Lucas joins VP of Engagement Strategies, R. Scott Russell as the new host of The All-In Employee Podcast! Highlights from this episode include: How employee engagement and recognition affects employee wellbeing Corporate holiday gifting End of year celebrations to show appreciation for your employees PS. Our Product Manager, Addie Hutchins teases our new mobile APP and our newest functionality, Amplify!

Jimmy Spencer, Account Director for C.A. Short Company and Tawny Kesser, Chief Experience Officer for Armorous join R. Scott Russell and Kevin Gergel for this episode of the All-In Employee Podcast.   Recognition for Armorous starts at the top. Eric Hanson, CEO for Armorous, puts focus on his employees. As a former security guard, he wanted to do things differently for his own organization – putting people over profit to create a culture that people loved to work for. The security industry isn’t known for this.   Employees typically churn within the first 30-90 days. Armorous wanted a recognition program that recognized and engaged employees on the day they’re hired. Early recognition throughout the first 90 days of employment has made a huge difference for Armorous’ retention.   The orientation and onboarding process for Armorous focuses on culture and the instrumental role each employee plays in the success of the company.   Traditional methods of recognition are not enough anymore. You cannot affect retention as an organization if you wait until an employee’s one year milestone to begin recognition. C.A. Short Company’s recognition programs allow the flexibility to start recognizing employees on day one.   In today’s world, it’s rare for an employee to show up for orientation, so employees are recognized the second they walk through the door. The tone is set immediately for our core values.   Flexibility is key to the success of Armorous’ recognition program. Recognition is done in the following ways for their program:  New hire  Milestone recognition, starting at one month   Birthdays   Employee of the month   Attendance   Instant award cards for positive reviews, uniform inspection, reporting, safety, as well as going above and beyond   As part of their culture, Armorous also has 1:1 check ins with their employees that focuses on three key questions:  What can we stop doing?  What can we start doing?  What can we keep doing?   The recognition program is consistently an answer to keep doing.   And the results speak for themselves – the average tenure of an Armorous employee has increased from 4 months to 8 months as the average tenure.

In today's episode Kevin and Chase have a sit-down with one of our close friends and clients, Teresa Eigle, with Designer Brands to discuss her role within the world of recognition.  1. They dive into Teresa’s background and how she has stepped into the world of recognition. 2. Teresa's relationship with Designer Brands which include DSW, Lucky, etc. and her role within the company. 3. How Designer Brands' recognition program with CA Short has helped the transition of working from home, really turning into a formal hybrid company. How it has solidified a new culture with working from home. 4. The differences between previous roles and her current recognition role. 5. Discussing certain initiatives within the retail space to execute their recognition programs.

Chase Corry, C.A. Short Company Account Manager and Sarah TaylorMudd, FirstBank Benefits Sr. Representative join Scott Russell and Kevin Gergel in this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast.  This episode discusses:  FirstBank's service milestone and performance recognition programsHow FirstBank uses their annual employee engagement survey to improve their recognition programsHow recognition programs create tangible proof that your company sees and hears you as well as memories to look back on even on your hardest daysHow engagement combats turnover Why as an employee you should take advantage of every benefit your company offersAnd more!

C.A. Short Company's CEO & CFO Jeff Ross unexpectedly passed in October. In remembrance, we've brought back his guest episode from Season 1.  In this episode, Jeff discusses how service award programs are the tipping point for employee recognition. While it's important to recognize and show appreciation to employees for their tenure. But it's also important to recognize employees for their performance.  During this episode,  the tax benefits of tangible gifts for service milestone programs are also discussed.

Shelley Lubick, Senior People & Culture Specialist, and Caitlin Trever, Employee Relations Manager, at Adams County Government join R. Scott Russel and Kevin Gergel on this episode of the All-In Employee Podcast.  This episode discusses The importance of executive buy-in for a successful programThe significance of a successful employee recognition program launch Why you should directly connect your company mission and values to your recognition program How as a leader, recognition is the easiest tool in your toolbelt Adams County Government recently won a C.A. Short Company All-In Award for most successful recognition program launch.

Special guests Alec Taylor, Market Activation Manager for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, & Brent Lee, National Account Manager for C.A. Short Company, join R. Scott Russell & Kevin Gergel on this episode of The All-In Employee Podcast! In this episode, Alec & Brent discuss Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED's sales incentive program, which was recently shortlisted for an Excellence in Sales Incentives 2022 IMA Award.

Erica Schulman, National Recruiter for Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. (a recent C.A. Short Company All-In Awards Winner), joins R. Scott Russell & Kevin Gergel on this week's episode of the All-In Employee Podcast! This episode covers the important work Spectrum Health does in life-long recovery. Erica also shares her career journey and the importance of recognition and engagement, both personally and professionally. As an added bonus, Kevin Gergel drops a few dad jokes.

In this episode Kevin and Scott talk about the "I can't believe this guy is eating my doughnuts" story and it's recent history and meaning...we will give you a hint...it's all about perception. Then the guys go into some discussion of Employee Engagement surveys and why it is important to gather insights from your employees. Scott provides some personal thoughts and tips as you consider a survey in your future.

C.A. Short Company presents season three of the All-In Employee Podcast! VP of Sales Kevin Gergel joins R Scott Russell as our new co-host. Episode one discusses a recent article that puts a positive spin on the Great Resignation, relabeling it as the Great Recognition. Recognizing and engaging your employees is imperative for retainment. Today's employees want more than a paycheck. They want flexibility and choice. They also want to make an impact and feel connected to their company. Listen for more tips to retain your top talent.

R Scott and Nelsa reflect on the recent excitement surrounding Sara Blakely and SPANX...her very generous employee gift upon selling the majority stake in SPANX to an investor group. They also chat about the changes coming to the show in 2022 for Season 3.

R Scott and Nelsa spend some time chatting with Christopher Cheney, COO of CA Short Company about his journey in the recognition industry. Christopher came to CAS with more than 30 years in the business and shares his insights and thoughts.