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One of the things we at Barefoot are very proud of is that we are able to create a place where people like to work. I had a final interview with a candidate last week and asked her why she decided to accept our offer (versus the others she had). She said, “Every person I spoke to, both current Barefoot employees and past Barefoot employees, all agreed on one thing: it’s an amazing place to work.” We try very hard to make it that kind of place, so it’s extremely gratifying to hear it. We hope all of our employees are pursuing their own happiness by being here.
Interested in joining us? Check out our jobs listing and see how you could become the next Toe at the ‘foot.

Before you start reading this, I already realize there are many people who think of Procter & Gamble as a strange cult-like environment. That’s still up for debate. But, there’s one thing about the place that no one can deny…it’s a place that you build life-long friendships even after you leave to pursue your dreams.

Last month, the P&G Alumni Network held another P&G reunion in Cincinnati and it was done right. An opening cocktail reception at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, a full day of enlightening presentations by current and former P&G executives and then a wonderful dinner hosted by A.G. Lafley, the current CEO at P&G. Oh yes, did I mention that while this is a P&G Alumni event, Procter & Gamble actually sponsors it and senior managment attend the 2 1/2 days of activities. Now that’s an interesting concept…support those who leave the company in the same way you’d support current employees.

Now, why might someone waste a precious weekend to spend it with people you may have worked with 10 years ago. You might actually run into an old boss who fired you. Or, even someone who you compete with now as you’ve both moved on to different companies. I’d argue that no matter what the situation, you actually miss some part of the place where you might have started your career. You may have been closer to many of the people there than you thought at the time. Life-long friendships were created in those P&G days for me and a reunion is an easy way to keep in touch.

There’s also a bit of intrigue in this whole reunion concept. What is everyone else doing today in pursuit of their dream? Are they happy? Are they passionate about what they are working on? Think about it, these are people who started their careers making and marketing soap, diapers, drugs and anti-aging creams. Can you get any more exciting than that?

Well, during the weekend, I spoke with old friends who are now working to build very different businesses. They are now marketing purses made by Louis Vuitton, TAG Heuer watches, Naked Juices, Moet & Chandon and Ray Ban sunglasses. They’ve come a long way from diapers. There is no question that their consumers have chosen these amazing brands as their own personal brand to rocket for.

We all must pursue our own dreams and passions. But along the way, we make friends. And when those friends become lifelong friends, all the hard work purusing thoses dreams become worth it. I’m glad I attended the reunion this year. If you were there, let me know what you thought too.

It’s April 2nd, and again this year, I’m amazed at the sacrifice so many Cincinnati people make in order to participate in the ritual called Opening Day for America’s longest living Major League Baseball franchise…our own Cincinnnati Reds.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a baseball fan (sort of). I attend a few games each year. I’ve been to Boston, Denver, New York and Pittsburgh to see games. But, I guess I just don’t rocket for baseball since some of what I see just surprises me.

In Cincinnati, today is a day of wearing red. You’re supposed to take the day off to go to the Opening Day parade, do some tailgaiting, watch batting practice and then spend the afternoon watching baseball for 4 hours. In the end, it’s at least 9 hours of living and breathing baseball. Since it’s Monday, it’s a vacation day for us working stiffs that want to experience a true Opening Day.

That’s the kind of power athletics can have over some of us. Sports can get woven throughout our lives and even become the things we trade up for. On Saturday, I attended a beautiful wedding with a magnificant and exlcusive reception location overlooking all of Cincinnati. It was breathtaking. But what made it truly special was that the family who hosted it was considerate enough to ensure there was a special flat screen television with satellite reception avaialbe so that we could watch the Final Four. What’s a wedding between a 6′ bride and 6′ 6″ groom without a little basketball?

And then for Opening Day in Cincinnati there are thousands of people buying new Cincinnati Reds’ gear, choosing to use one of those precious vacation days to spend the day at the park. And finally, a late night sacrifice tonight to watch the NCAA Men’s Basketball Finals until midnight. It may actually be the longest sports day of thousands of people’s lives in our area given The Ohio State is in the finals.

So, how does sports and Opening Day impact Barefoot? Well, it’s pretty quiet around here. Not just because a dozen or so people are at the game, but also, several of our clients are there too. And, you really can’t hold any meetings in downtown Cincinnati since all the parking spaces are filled with fans and workers alike as an additional 30,000-40,000 people enter downtown for the festivities.

I’ll pass on the baseball today. I guess sports just isn’t a passion for me. But, while I’m thinking about it, anybody know when Tiger tees up at the Masters on Thursday?