My Reflections on 2015

It feels very strange to be writing my final column of the year. Not only has this year flown by, but it’s also an unseasonably warm December. It certainly isn’t beginning to look a lot like Christmas, or the start of a new year, but here we are, heading into the last two weeks of 2015.

 

I’m not one to create New Year’s resolutions—and not only because I have no willpower (damn you, junk food!). I find myself setting unrealistic or super easy resolutions that defeat the purpose of setting them. I far prefer to look back on the year behind me and pat myself on the back on what I’ve accomplished.

 

This year, I saw our agency grow by leaps and bounds. We’ve been lucky enough to add several signature brands to our PR roster. We celebrated a huge win for Buffalo Wings & Rings in getting CEO Nader Masadeh to go undercover on the premiere episode of “Undercover Boss.” We moved into Prudential Plaza and now call the heart of the city our home. The size and layout of our space have improved productivity and injected our team with energy and excitement. I got to watch the city’s tree-lighting ceremony (followed by a fireworks display!) with my co-workers from the 11th floor roof deck. What a way to kick off the holiday season.

 

We hired many talented individuals in 2015. From development experts to TV news producers to magazine editors to digital dynamos, I am so proud of our staff this year. I am inspired and amazed every day at what we are able to accomplish for our clients.

 

I also learned a lot about the franchising industry this year. I went to IFA for the first time in February and got to meet a ton of new people, hear from a bunch of franchising veterans in panels and breakout sessions and visit with some familiar faces. During this trip, I got pranked by Nick and dove into the dunk tank (full of plastic balls, thankfully) to try to find Sean’s “lost phone” only to have Nick gleefully wave it in my face. Good times!

 

I went to many client conventions and got to experience their culture and learn about their plans for growth. To name a few, I went to TWO MEN AND A TRUCK*’s annual meeting in New Orleans, Buffalo Wings and Rings*’ convention in Las Vegas, Toppers Pizza*’s convention in the Wisconsin Dells (NEVER SETTLE!), and Right at Home*’s “Home Improvement” in Scottsdale. I met many franchisees that told us how No Limit Agency*’s efforts had an impact on their business—the ultimate validation.

 

I also got to experience my first Discovery Day at Advantaclean. This is something I hope we continue to do as it gave us such a good perspective—through the eyes of a prospective franchisee—that has helped us shape the positioning of the brand.

 

On top of all the exciting work milestones, I also managed to accomplish three huge steps in my personal life this year. In March, we adopted a puppy named Norman Moorman, my sweet precious angel, who threw our life into chaos in the best way possible.

 

In June, I got engaged to Adam Moorman (see why Norman was the perfect name?), my boyfriend of almost four years. We bought a condo in August. We got married on Dec. 19 (which is why this column is now being written by Lauren Moorman!). And in 2016, we both plan on relaxing and sleeping a lot. 

 

“New year, new you” has never been so true. Looking forward to an equally exciting and productive 2016!