Denise Stoppleworth – President – IRONCLAD Marketing

Denise Stoppleworth

Last year, I “suggested” everyone write a Thanksgiving blog. (Those of you who know me, know that suggest may be a “mild” term for it.) Everyone – even the designers traditionally opposed to copy – found a way to communicate those things for which they are thankful. If you recall, Mitch’s blog entry was quite clever. Check it out. This year however, Mitch put his foot down and said, “No Thanksgiving mandate.” Every once in a while, Mitch has to win a battle, so I gave him this one. No suggestion. No prompting. Not even a polite request was made. But you see what happened? They (the Thanksgiving blog entries) still appeared. They came without mandate, begging or prompting. Perhaps because none of us can let this time of year pass by without being grateful.

I too can’t help but express my gratitude. I know I’m truly blessed – with a wonderful husband, three great kids, good health, strong faith and a myriad of personal blessings that leave me filled with gratitude no matter what challenges arise. But it’s even more than that. I feel blessed not only in my personal life but in business too. Richly blessed.

You see, I come to work every day loving my job. Not many can make that same claim. Yes, it’s filled with stress, chaos and occasionally conflict, but I love it nonetheless. Recently, a visitor to our office told me he could see just that – in the laughter he heard in my office, the sound of my voice when I spoke with clients and business associates on the phone and the smile on my face as I went about my daily tasks. The best part is it’s heartfelt. I come to work with a smile and lots of pep – so much so that Mitch, our resident Eeyore responds to my peppy good morning with, “Okay, what do you want from me? What crisis are you going to put on me today?”

The reason I love my job and live is a state of gratitude is really quite simple. It’s because of all of you. The clients, editors, prospects, ad reps and industry associates who become friends, and through my interactions with you, broaden my view of business, the world and myself. You all make each day a new adventure and each project a thrilling new roller coaster ride. I learn so much from you and grow so much because of you and for that I am filled with gratitude.

I’m also eternally grateful for those a bit closer to home – my IRONCLAD team. As much as I like to tease my crew, I think the world of each and every one of them. They’re the ones that keep me sane when the chaos surrounding us is about to break me, and the ones that I can count on to get the job done no matter what. They show up early and stay late and put their heart and soul into every project right along with me. And they’re the best group of people to laugh with, cry with, and crack a beer with! It’s been said that a team is only as strong as it’s weakest link. Thankfully we have no weak link – our team is IRONCLAD!

Thank you to each and every one of you. As I count my blessings this year, know that the opportunity to work and interact with each of you will be one of the many blessings I mark.

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