Posts Tagged ‘Kevin Carty’
2014 “State of the Company” Letter by Kevin Carty
January 21st, 2015
1 COMMENT
10 Things Bosses Never Tell Employees, But Should: Word on the Street — September 1st thru September 5th
September 6th, 2014
COMMENTS
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits
So, it’s Friday, September 5. The end of the first week of what is often one of the craziest months for orders and quotes. And it’s BUSY! And we thank you for that.
I have been thinking all week about what to write. Several thoughts came to mind, usually influenced by “in the moment circumstances,” but none seemed to hit me just right. Then, a LinkedIn Pulse hit my inbox, one I felt compelled to share.
So forgive me if it seems like I am just passing along an article, which I am. In doing so, I am not positive I agree 100%, but I can relate to 100% of his points. Give it a read and share your thoughts and comments. My thanks to Jeff Haden, the author, for the article and the inspiration.
10 Things Bosses Never Tell Employees, But Should
1. “I really do care whether you like me.”
5. “I hope you work here forever.”
6. “We sell what we can sell.”
8. “I do notice when others don’t pull their weight.”
10. “I worry — about everything.”
For the full article, click here.
As a boss of sorts, I hope my style negates the need for many of the statements he makes, meaning I hope that, if polled, our employees would say that I do much of this already or express many of the feelings that come with Jeff’s statements. But, it did make me question if that is really the case.
Regardless, it was a sound reminder on this Friday to be conscious of what I share. And hopefully of how I am perceived.
One thing is for sure. The Team at Classic will agree when I say, “I don’t know everything.” 🙂
Have a great weekend with your families. I would love to hear from you.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits
So, it’s Friday, September 5. The end of the first week of what is often one of the craziest months for orders and quotes. And it’s BUSY! And we thank you for that.
I have been thinking all week about what to write. Several thoughts came to mind, usually influenced by “in the moment circumstances,” but none seemed to hit me just right. Then, a LinkedIn Pulse hit my inbox, one I felt compelled to share.
So forgive me if it seems like I am just passing along an article, which I am. In doing so, I am not positive I agree 100%, but I can relate to 100% of his points. Give it a read and share your thoughts and comments. My thanks to Jeff Haden, the author, for the article and the inspiration.
10 Things Bosses Never Tell Employees, But Should
1. “I really do care whether you like me.”
5. “I hope you work here forever.”
6. “We sell what we can sell.”
8. “I do notice when others don’t pull their weight.”
10. “I worry — about everything.”
For the full article, click here.
As a boss of sorts, I hope my style negates the need for many of the statements he makes, meaning I hope that, if polled, our employees would say that I do much of this already or express many of the feelings that come with Jeff’s statements. But, it did make me question if that is really the case.
Regardless, it was a sound reminder on this Friday to be conscious of what I share. And hopefully of how I am perceived.
One thing is for sure. The Team at Classic will agree when I say, “I don’t know everything.” 🙂
Have a great weekend with your families. I would love to hear from you.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
20 Short and Impactful Years: Word on the Street — July 21st thru July 25th
July 25th, 2014
5 COMMENTS
Back in 1994, specifically in July 1994, I was working the 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. shift throwing overnight freight at a grocery store in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A co-worker/friend of mine had been telling me about this other job working for his dad’s business. One day, seeing that I was growing weary of the job, he asked if I was interested in coming to talk to his father about an opening. I jumped at the opportunity, if for no other reason than I wanted to see the light of day rather than sleep through it.
After a quick meeting with Lowell Nickens, the founder of Classic Exhibits, I accepted his job offer. July 8, 1994 was my start date at Classic Exhibits.
So this month is my 20th anniversary with Classic. 20 years still seems to boggle my mind, so I had to go back and think about what was going on in 1994.
In 1994, the Sony Playstation (first edition) was released. Netscape released the first real consumer web browser, the Mosiac 0.9., which allowed us to begin surfing the web at turtle-like speeds. The TV show Friends first aired in 1994. The long awaited Chunnel in Europe was opened, and Pearl Jam released their much acclaimed 3rd studio release album Vitalogy (one of their finest).
Thinking about that really makes me feel old. And I suppose I have aged a bit. But more than anything, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on my professional experience at Classic Exhibits. One that I am very grateful for and one that could not have happened if my now brother-in-law hadn’t introduced me to my now father in-law (Lowell Nickens), and he in turn gave me an opportunity to see the light of day.
Life is Truly an Interesting Thing
And I am a person who believes that our lives, in large part, follow a pre-written script. One that is filled with choices, but choices that ultimately lead us down a given path. And this “opportunity” that I was given some 20 years ago is directly responsible for darn near every GREAT thing that has happened to me since.
You see, my friend Eric led me to this job. In doing so, he and I became closer friends. Which led to me meeting his sister. Who is now my beautiful wife. And she in turn gave me two amazing children. Which makes me go back and think . . . Had I not listened to his offer to meet his father in the first place, I likely would not have ever been blessed with my wife and my children.
And this job has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of my best friends and mentors. Ironically, just this morning I was speaking to Rob Cohen from Display Supply and Lighting, someone I consider a great friend in life and business. In that conversation, I happened to share with him the names of some people that I consider to be more than work friends in our industry. And it made me think once again that without this job, I would never have had the opportunity to benefit from their guidance and friendship.
In the many congratulations I’ve received, people have made comments about how Classic Exhibits has really grown and flourish in part to my contributions. And while I appreciate that, my response has been simple. A good friend once said to me, “The key to building a successful business is to work with as many friends as you can.” And he was/is right. I look around each day at the shop or at any of our other offices and I see people who I genuinely enjoy working side-by-side with each day. People who I appreciate knowing and knowing their families and their life stories.
I Can’t Imagine Anything Else
The idea of coming to a place every day where I just punch a time clock and work beside people who I have no interest in knowing or who have no interest in knowing me seems like Hell on Earth.
So, to our family here at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, Classic Rental Solutions, ClassicMODUL, Eco-Systems Sustainable and to all our vendor partners, I want to thank you for giving me a place, filled with great people, to come to each and every day. One that feels like family and allows me to work with people who I am proud to call friends.
Specifically, I want to thank Lowell Nickens (my father-in-law) for giving me an opportunity 20 years ago. And for showing/teaching me so many of the foundational “ism’s” that I have been able to apply in my work and personal life over the past 20 years.
And lastly to Mel White. Thanks for embracing the “Odd-Couple” nature of our partnership. I am pretty sure we have Oscar and Felix beat in many ways my friend. And I appreciate them all as well as your friendship and partnership.
Well, how is that for a sappy Word on the Street? 🙂
Off to vacation I go. I hope you all have a great finish to your July. And I look forward to working with you the remainder of 2014.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
Back in 1994, specifically in July 1994, I was working the 11 p.m. – 7 a.m. shift throwing overnight freight at a grocery store in Lake Oswego, Oregon. A co-worker/friend of mine had been telling me about this other job working for his dad’s business. One day, seeing that I was growing weary of the job, he asked if I was interested in coming to talk to his father about an opening. I jumped at the opportunity, if for no other reason than I wanted to see the light of day rather than sleep through it.
After a quick meeting with Lowell Nickens, the founder of Classic Exhibits, I accepted his job offer. July 8, 1994 was my start date at Classic Exhibits.
So this month is my 20th anniversary with Classic. 20 years still seems to boggle my mind, so I had to go back and think about what was going on in 1994.
In 1994, the Sony Playstation (first edition) was released. Netscape released the first real consumer web browser, the Mosiac 0.9., which allowed us to begin surfing the web at turtle-like speeds. The TV show Friends first aired in 1994. The long awaited Chunnel in Europe was opened, and Pearl Jam released their much acclaimed 3rd studio release album Vitalogy (one of their finest).
Thinking about that really makes me feel old. And I suppose I have aged a bit. But more than anything, it has given me the opportunity to reflect on my professional experience at Classic Exhibits. One that I am very grateful for and one that could not have happened if my now brother-in-law hadn’t introduced me to my now father in-law (Lowell Nickens), and he in turn gave me an opportunity to see the light of day.
Life is Truly an Interesting Thing
And I am a person who believes that our lives, in large part, follow a pre-written script. One that is filled with choices, but choices that ultimately lead us down a given path. And this “opportunity” that I was given some 20 years ago is directly responsible for darn near every GREAT thing that has happened to me since.
You see, my friend Eric led me to this job. In doing so, he and I became closer friends. Which led to me meeting his sister. Who is now my beautiful wife. And she in turn gave me two amazing children. Which makes me go back and think . . . Had I not listened to his offer to meet his father in the first place, I likely would not have ever been blessed with my wife and my children.
And this job has afforded me the opportunity to meet some of my best friends and mentors. Ironically, just this morning I was speaking to Rob Cohen from Display Supply and Lighting, someone I consider a great friend in life and business. In that conversation, I happened to share with him the names of some people that I consider to be more than work friends in our industry. And it made me think once again that without this job, I would never have had the opportunity to benefit from their guidance and friendship.
In the many congratulations I’ve received, people have made comments about how Classic Exhibits has really grown and flourish in part to my contributions. And while I appreciate that, my response has been simple. A good friend once said to me, “The key to building a successful business is to work with as many friends as you can.” And he was/is right. I look around each day at the shop or at any of our other offices and I see people who I genuinely enjoy working side-by-side with each day. People who I appreciate knowing and knowing their families and their life stories.
I Can’t Imagine Anything Else
The idea of coming to a place every day where I just punch a time clock and work beside people who I have no interest in knowing or who have no interest in knowing me seems like Hell on Earth.
So, to our family here at Classic Exhibits, Exhibits Northwest, Classic Rental Solutions, ClassicMODUL, Eco-Systems Sustainable and to all our vendor partners, I want to thank you for giving me a place, filled with great people, to come to each and every day. One that feels like family and allows me to work with people who I am proud to call friends.
Specifically, I want to thank Lowell Nickens (my father-in-law) for giving me an opportunity 20 years ago. And for showing/teaching me so many of the foundational “ism’s” that I have been able to apply in my work and personal life over the past 20 years.
And lastly to Mel White. Thanks for embracing the “Odd-Couple” nature of our partnership. I am pretty sure we have Oscar and Felix beat in many ways my friend. And I appreciate them all as well as your friendship and partnership.
Well, how is that for a sappy Word on the Street? 🙂
Off to vacation I go. I hope you all have a great finish to your July. And I look forward to working with you the remainder of 2014.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
The Experts at the Table: Word on the Street — March 31st thru April 4th
April 5th, 2014
1 COMMENT
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits
So, forgive me if you’ve seen this video after Seth Godin posted it. It quickly went viral. But, it’s just too good not to share in my weekly WOTS.
Have you ever been in this meeting before? And if you have, should I ask, “Have you ever been any of the ‘non-engineers’ depicted in this video?”
I HAVE! More than I like to admit. Our Designers, Project Managers, and Production Manager all are nodding their heads right now and yelling, “Yes He Has!”
Anyway, it’s a bit long. But it’s hilarious. And it points out the need to sometimes take a step back from those brilliant 2 am, sleep-deprived epiphanies and join the real world. 🙂
Hope you enjoy.
FYI — I have dreams that one day a red line can be drawn with a blue pen. Is that so wrong?
Be well.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
Kevin Carty, VP Classic Exhibits
So, forgive me if you’ve seen this video after Seth Godin posted it. It quickly went viral. But, it’s just too good not to share in my weekly WOTS.
Have you ever been in this meeting before? And if you have, should I ask, “Have you ever been any of the ‘non-engineers’ depicted in this video?”
I HAVE! More than I like to admit. Our Designers, Project Managers, and Production Manager all are nodding their heads right now and yelling, “Yes He Has!”
Anyway, it’s a bit long. But it’s hilarious. And it points out the need to sometimes take a step back from those brilliant 2 am, sleep-deprived epiphanies and join the real world. 🙂
Hope you enjoy.
FYI — I have dreams that one day a red line can be drawn with a blue pen. Is that so wrong?
Be well.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
Reuse, Recycle, Re-post | Favorite Blog Posts: Word on the Street — Jan. 20th thru Jan. 24th
January 29th, 2014
COMMENTS
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty
This week, we’re re-posting a smattering of popular blogs from the past six years. Kind of like a marathon weekend of your favorite television show. Scan through the selections and sample the ones that tickle your fancy.
Next week, we’ll give you a peek into our design process for EXHIBITOR2014. EXHIBITOR is only two months away, and we are in the midst of finalizing our booth design, graphics, and theme. We are fortunate to be working with several trade show suppliers on their EXHIBITOR booths as well. Which is always fun.
There will also be a SUPER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. But, I won’t spoil the fun by giving it away now. 🙂 Patience is a virtue (or so I’m told).
Enjoy . . .
- What’s the Difference Between a Shopping Mall and a Trade Show
- Mixed Messages about Distribution
- The Basics of Business Entertaining and Building Friendships
- 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Hybrid Display
- Imports are the Problem
- How to Build Superfans for Your Brand
- Other Places to Eat in Las Vegas (Tips from a Local)
- 10 Quick Tips for Any Trade Show Newbie
- Looking for a Deal is Easy
- What Did We Learn from the Recession?
- 10 Basic Rules in a Broken Economy
- 10 “Guaranteed” Techniques to Get Traffic to Your Booth
- 10 Tips for a Successful Installation and Dismantle
- What’s Your Corporate Culture?
- Teaser Video for EXHIBITOR2012
- What Sasquatch Can Teach Us about Trade Show Marketing
- What You Should Expect from a Manufacturer’s Rep
- Amnesia or Arrogance
- Exhibit Designs That Sell — Every. Single. Time.
- The 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Trade Show Graphics
- Trade Shows as First Dates
- Delight and Surprise
Be well and have a great weekend.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]
Word on the Street by Kevin Carty
This week, we’re re-posting a smattering of popular blogs from the past six years. Kind of like a marathon weekend of your favorite television show. Scan through the selections and sample the ones that tickle your fancy.
Next week, we’ll give you a peek into our design process for EXHIBITOR2014. EXHIBITOR is only two months away, and we are in the midst of finalizing our booth design, graphics, and theme. We are fortunate to be working with several trade show suppliers on their EXHIBITOR booths as well. Which is always fun.
There will also be a SUPER BIG ANNOUNCEMENT. But, I won’t spoil the fun by giving it away now. 🙂 Patience is a virtue (or so I’m told).
Enjoy . . .
- What’s the Difference Between a Shopping Mall and a Trade Show
- Mixed Messages about Distribution
- The Basics of Business Entertaining and Building Friendships
- 10 Things to Consider Before Buying a Portable Hybrid Display
- Imports are the Problem
- How to Build Superfans for Your Brand
- Other Places to Eat in Las Vegas (Tips from a Local)
- 10 Quick Tips for Any Trade Show Newbie
- Looking for a Deal is Easy
- What Did We Learn from the Recession?
- 10 Basic Rules in a Broken Economy
- 10 “Guaranteed” Techniques to Get Traffic to Your Booth
- 10 Tips for a Successful Installation and Dismantle
- What’s Your Corporate Culture?
- Teaser Video for EXHIBITOR2012
- What Sasquatch Can Teach Us about Trade Show Marketing
- What You Should Expect from a Manufacturer’s Rep
- Amnesia or Arrogance
- Exhibit Designs That Sell — Every. Single. Time.
- The 10 Do’s and Don’ts of Trade Show Graphics
- Trade Shows as First Dates
- Delight and Surprise
Be well and have a great weekend.
–Kevin
http://twitter.com/kevin_carty
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-carty/3/800/32a
[subscribe2]