10 Things I’m Thankful For
No matter what is going on in my life, I know I can always choose a posture of gratitude. This Thanksgiving, here are 10 things I’m thankful for:
1. A complete Season 1
Not that long ago, the thought of creating Escape Mail wasn’t even on the table. Now, a year and a half later, it fills a table! I love that we pivoted to this wonder awakening product and having finally reached the finish line, where there’s a real sense of gratitude and accomplishment.
2. International Partners
Simon, Ingrid and Peter have joined us on this wild journey and are pretty much caught up to us at Episode 12. Bravo! It hasn’t been easy with language and timezone differences, not to mention production methods and a variety of differences have meant they need to think on their feet. They’ve made us better every step of the way. Thank you guys!
3. Canada Post Tales of Triumph Award
While we don’t do what we do for the awards, it is nice to be recognized, which is why winning the 2021 Tales of Triumph meant a lot. Out of 750 companies in Canada that applied, we placed first in the Offline to Online category. Yahoo!
4. Our team of precise packers
A slightly misleading photo… Paul and I DO pack envelopes, but it’s more rare these days. Huge props to Kristina especially!
In order for you - the Escape Mail player - to have a great time, you need to have all the items in your envelope! That’s why I’m super grateful for Kristina, Maddy, Brian and others who have diligently ensured that our hand-packed envelopes are complete… so few issues thanks to them! There have been significant quality control upgrades which has made this possible, which brings me to…
5. Vlad
This guy is remarkable. Vlad is phenomenally talented, has an impeccable attention to detail, and is a team player. Vlad has improved our quality, efficiency, and overall business performance in a wide variety of ways. You’ll now see his handiwork all over our website and social media as he begins to take on even more responsibilities.
6. Carolyn
If you’ve ever written in to Mobile Escape with a question or comment, you’ll have met the personable and professional Carolyn. She brings a healthy dose of humanity into our start-up with her warmth, candour and care. She’s organized and dependable and the perfect person to help an Escape Mailer in need!
7. Paul
We wouldn’t have gotten past Week 3 in this business if it wasn’t for Paul. And we wouldn’t have survived the pandemic either. Paul works tirelessly in the background of this business to ensure the not-so-fun things get done, so that everyone else can enjoy the OH-SO-FUN things. He’s a straight-shooting, clear-thinking, soldier who will do what it takes to help others succeed. Bravo Pauly.
8. Roy
You might not know this, but since the beginning of Escape Mail, Paul’s dad Roy (also my father-in-law) secretly packs Episode 1s… for free. Which, as you can imagine, helps our business immensely. I don’t like to think of us as a charity, and I don’t like depending on others, but Roy refuses to budge. It’s his way of loving his adult kids, and I’m incredibly grateful for the hundreds of hours of work he’s put in to help us.
9. The Magic Pantry
Recently, I’ve been able to work on a really fun passion project with a local business in our neighbourhood. I’m turning their retail experience into an escape game! It involves wands and secret compartments and mystical mirrors… but I won’t spoil it. I’m just grateful that they’ve taken the time and trusted me to make this fun project to delight their customers.
10. My Family
Work is important, but before work begins - before this business ever began - and when the work day is over, I return to my family. To my amazing wife and two kids, who are the brightest light in my life. I do what I do for a lot of reasons, but they are a massive one, and I love them so much.
What are some things you’re thankful for?