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As the leaves turn, and the crispness of fall settles in, we find ourselves reflecting on what Thanksgiving means to us and how we celebrate Thanksgiving at FriendsOffice. For years, it has been a special time to gather, break bread, and express gratitude for the year that’s passed. Some of our favorite memories include the warmth of folding tables brought together in our warehouse, where coworkers would share potluck dishes—each person bringing something unique to the table, just like they do in their daily work. There was always plenty of laughter, storytelling, and heartfelt thanks.
Over the years, our company has grown tremendously, expanding beyond state borders, and while that growth has brought new opportunities and successes, it’s also made it more challenging to bring everyone together in one place. It’s bittersweet, really. We are incredibly grateful for how far we’ve come, yet we find ourselves feeling especially nostalgic this year.
Before the pandemic, when we first started feeling the strain of not being able to gather everyone together in person, we tried something new: we used Zoom to connect across what were then five locations. It wasn’t the same as sitting around a table, but it worked, and we were grateful for the technology that made it possible. That year, our COO, Dale Alt, gave a heartfelt speech that brought tears to the eyes of everyone on the call—a reminder that even though we were apart, we were still connected by our shared purpose and gratitude.
Then, the pandemic hit, and life became even more strained. As an essential business providing paper products, face masks, and cleaning supplies to other essential workers, we were working harder than ever but asked not to gather at all in order to protect one another. It was a difficult time for all of us, but the spirit of Thanksgiving never left! We found other ways to show our gratitude—to each other, our customers, and the communities we served.
Now, as we reflect on where we are today, we find ourselves in a familiar place—growing, expanding, and grateful for it, but unable to easily bring all of us together like we used to. While we may not be able to gather around the same table, we continue to press on, carrying the memories and fondness we have for one another into our daily work. Those memories remind us that the heart of Thanksgiving isn’t about the physical table, but the connections we share.
Perhaps this year, we’ll once again lean on technology to spread the spirit of the season, sharing our gratitude with our teams and customers in new ways. And while it may not replace the warmth of being face-to-face, the essence of Thanksgiving—gratitude, community, and togetherness—will still be felt, no matter the distance. We’ll always find ways to give thanks and to appreciate the journey we’re on together.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at FriendsOffice. May your season be filled with gratitude, connection, and joy.