Creative methods for community and employee engagement

Josh Stearns, a local writer for South Sound Business Magazine based in Tacoma, Washington, contacted us in early 2021 as he was researching what local businesses were doing to maintain workplace culture. We are honored that he found portions of our conversation to be of value and included us in an article with local business leaders who are being intentional in these areas as well. 

Josh also interviewed: 

• Adam West, Tacoma Comedy Club and Grit City Breakfast, whom we had on South Sound Connection XXX
• Brian Forth, Site Crafting, Inc. 
• Don Morrison, TractionSpace
• Tolena Thorburn, Milgard Windows & Doors
• Nancy Johnson, Metro Parks Tacoma

In a segment of the article Josh titled, "Creating a Positive Impact Internally, Externally," he said:

• Socktember

Jon Isaacson, vice president of operations for All American Restoration Services in Tacoma, which repairs homes and businesses after fire or water damage, said he and fellow employees are fortunate to work in an essential business and take pride helping people recover in the safest way possible. They’re dedicated to that mission, and that’s rewarding. They’ve also tried to be involved in positive community efforts, including a sock drive in September to help people in the community who are less fortunate. The business reached out to companies it works with, plus some competitors, to see who could collect the most new socks, part of a drive called “Socktember.” Collectively, the teams — including The Contents Specialists, Merit Construction, 3 Kings Environmental, and Home with Kelsey Isaacson — collected more than 5,500 pairs, he said. Socks were delivered to the Tacoma Rescue Mission and other organizations, and recipients’ gratitude was rewarding for teams who collaborated, he said. “
We did something good, and it made an impact, a very positive impact,” Isaacson said. More broadly, he noted Pierce County’s community efforts to unite during hard times and noted hashtags like #supportlocal and #lovelocal to support local businesses and keep people working. Isaacson tries to promote that through his The DYOJO podcast at thedyojo.com. Socktember represented the idea that, “It only takes a small spark to get a fire going,” Isaacson said.

• South Sound Connection

Similarly, Isaacson has a podcast called South Sound Connection to highlight local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community efforts, and serves as a sounding board for other positive efforts in the community that people can rally around.  “We want Tacoma to thrive; if Tacoma does well, I think all of our businesses will do well, collectively, and as we continue to support local companies,” he said.

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, we will be discussing "Made in the South Sound" Premier Media Group, with president Josh Dunn. You can participate LIVE via YouTube at 9am PST.