resonate plattform culture book 2012

Dedication

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To Michael Platt, for taking an idea for education marketing from basement to boardroom while changing a few million lives along the way – we thank you for always thinking big!

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Welcome to Resonance, our book of culture. The following pages tell a story about life at PlattForm Advertising as experienced by … PlattFormers.

Resonance i s the pr o longing o f sound by synchronous vibration. It happens when one frequency responds to an external stimulus of the same frequency. Beyond the world of physics, when we say something resonates with us, it usually means we are excited about it or we connect with it at our core. You might say that resonance is when something strikes us right in the heart and either validates our beliefs and course of action or causes us to shift and realign our beliefs/actions.

So how does resonance relate to the culture at PlattForm? First, cultural resonance is positive. Just a quick read through the testimonials in this book shows we have something exceptional here at PlattForm. We are talking about good vibrations – think Amy Brown and Josh Canady harmonizing together at First Fridays. This is in contrast to dissonance, which describes an unpleasant, harsh sound or a lack of harmony – think Brad Gibbs singing karaoke at our Christmas party.

Second, cultural resonance is infectious. Like the smile that fills your face when you see a baby laugh, good vibrations spread from one person to the next, meaning we are both receivers as well as broadcasters of our culture. Our culture is something we experience as well as create every day, even

f r o m s o m e t h i n g a s s imple as a f r iendly “ h e l l o ” i n p a s s i n g through the halls.

T h i r d , c u l t u r a l r e s o n a n c e i s multifaceted. As you read through the testimonials, you will notice that our culture means different things to different people, depending on what

is most important to them. So there is not just one singular “note” that resonates through the company and defines our culture. Rather, there are multiple notes – a resonating chord – that define our culture.

Fourth, cultural resonance is representative. Those things that resonate with us reveal something about who we are and what’s important to us. It’s our collective values manifested at the office by our attitudes, our behavior and our relationships that create the personality of our company and the emotional climate of our work environment. While our company values are displayed on the walls, our true values resonate through our company culture.

Why do we emphasize culture at PlattForm? Because we believe it is vitally important. It is important for our happiness and job satisfaction. We are most happy when working in a positive work environment that resonates with us. It is also important for our success. Happy employees are the most productive employees, meaning that everyone wins from a positive company culture.

So who is responsible for our winning culture? We all are … just as we all benefit from it. Thanks for making our culture what it is today, and as you read through these pages, we hope you feel both energized and empowered to make PlattForm an even better place to work tomorrow.

I’m pickin’ up good vibrations.

– Steve Booth

PlattForm has a unique culture. The People are friendly and easy

to get along with. They also embrace and get to know their fellow

coworkers. Because of this, Laughter is a common sound that

lightens the atmosphere and welcomes smiles, making the days

more enjoyable. As if this isn’t enough, there is always some sort

of Action going on, whether it is food days, games of ping-pong or

things never heard of before. All of this encourages Togetherness,

which in turn promotes effective Teamwork. Mix these with the

inFormal dress code, and Originality abounds. With Employee

and Innovator of the Month, departmental, and holiday Service

awards, Recognition is commonplace. These things and More make

PlattForm a place like none other. – Anonymous

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When I think of culture at PlattForm, one word comes to mind: family. From day one at this company, I felt completely comfortable and at home. PlattForm exudes friendliness incomparable to any place I have ever worked. Through the fun activities and involvement of the entire company, PlattForm exudes a type of culture you cannot find any place else. In the good times and in the bad, the company rallies together. We are a team, a community, and together we work hard and play hard to provide our clients the best experience we have to offer.

Lindsay Barnett

C u l t u r e i s a b i g p a r t o f P l a t t F o r m Advertising! I would describe it as fun and evolving. Fun because of the various act iv i t ies we get to do to ce lebrate everything. Evolving in the new ways we do them and the desire to do something new and creative. Just walking in the main doors and seeing pictures of our events and employee photos makes it welcoming and shows we are proud of what we have done. I like that we are always trying to make things better, and our feedback is always requested. That’s something that makes our culture dif ferent than other companies; PlattForm shows that they truly care about their employees!

Tracy Young

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M y f a v o r i t e p a r t o f PlattForm’s culture is how wel l the company takes care of its employees. From providing heal thcare at no cost to employees to the holiday party, from having games in the break room to the amazing 401(k) plan, candy cart, the company picnic, the third floor gym … I could go on and on. PlattForm really tries to ease the l ives of hardworking PlattFormers. I’ve worked at companies that didn’t put any thought into culture and didn’t seem to care much about employees after they left the office. Realizing that PlattForm went above and beyond to take care of its employees was one of the main reasons why I wanted to work here.

From providing healthcare at no cost to employees to the holiday party, from having games in the break room to the amazing 401(k) plan, candy cart, the company picnic, the third floor gym … I could go on and on.

– Christina Martin

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I’ve worked at small local a g e n c i e s . I ’ v e w o r k e d alone. I’ve worked at huge international firms. And then there’s PlattForm. PlattForm’s culture is unique in that it actually has culture. Some f ir ms thrive on quashing fun and destroying work/life balance for employees. Some companies are simply los t on how to c r eate a culture within their walls. At PlattForm, though, we just get it.

Heather Physioc

The culture at PlattForm is young and fun, regardless of age. The teams are smart, ambitious and constantly learning. Our leaders expect

the best out of us, and they trust us to do our jobs well. They know that when we love to

come to the of fice and we are happy as employees, the great work practically does itself. We care about making each others’ days and working together to give back to the community. The relationships we build with our colleagues at PlattForm last for a lifetime.

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P l a t t F o r m ’ s culture can be d e s c r i b e d b y me as one that d e m o n s t r a t e s “ fami ly , ” “ fun” and “competition.” PlattForm as a whole, while being one of the largest advertising agencies in Kansas City, has this very prevalent feeling of being a tight-knit “family.” It could be the close relationships I have with my

teammates, the numerous philanthropies PlattForm sponsors or even just the yearly Thanksgiving potluck lunch my department throws – I always feel like I am in a place that encourages family and family values. These family values create an atmosphere that al lows for h igh communicat ion between coworkers and makes me feel good knowing that the company I work for employs such high-class people.

PlattForm culture and “fun” are almost one and the same. Having “fun” is instilled in every PlattFormer on day one as you read the book Fish and carry this feeling forward

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t o w a r d y o u r f i rs t company m e e t i n g a n d f lex Fr iday. I f jus t having a laugh with your t e a m m a t e s , taking a break i n t h e g a m e r o o m a f t e r a long client call

or discussing the latest trends in internet marketing (it’s fun for us SEMers), PlattForm’s encouragement of having fun makes it easy to come into work every day energized.

The last proponent I feel which t ies “family” and “fun” together is “competition.” Competition is what drives me at PlattForm, and the culture as a whole demonstrates this with the numerous companywide competitions and trivia games we perform as a company. However, the competition of always trying to be the best you can be is what I feel PlattForm culture is all about. Being a “family” and encouraging a “fun” atmosphere bring out the competitors in all of us. Competing to grow into a better professional, friend, coworker and person is what PlattForm’s culture means to me.

… this very prevalent feeling of being a tight-knit ‘family’ …

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”– Jared Levy

Working at PlattForm has been a true blessing for me. As a fresh graduate out of college, I wasn’t sure what to expect after accepting my first “real job” at PlattForm Advertising. Fortunately, it only took me a short while to realize how lucky I was. For me, the culture at PlattForm represents a true sense of family, and while, no, I’m not actually related to anyone working at PlattForm, I feel like I have made a new family for l i fe. The way

Megan Roth

everyone just embraces each other and truly cares about one another is something you just don’t find other places. The people here are all on the same team and care so much about not only what we are doing for others but truly care for each other. The constant encouragement to grow professionally, express my creativeness, take r i sks and be innovat ive i s jus t among the many things that make every day a challenging, exciting and, most importantly, a rewarding day.

So, to me, being part of this culture means many di f ferent things, and with the awesome events and perks that the culture here allows, I feel the most important part for me is truly feeling like you belong to a place that always has your back and will always stand for what they believe in: helping others.

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If I had to define PlattForm’s culture in one word, I would use “family.” From my very first day, I got a sense

of automatic belonging and being challenged much like when your

parents would challenge you as a little tyke to

always do your best and were there to support you when you failed.

Kyle Regier

To sum up PlattForm’s company culture in one

word, I would say “family.” The extent to which everyone

cares about their fellow coworker is truly admirable and unlike anything I have

been a part of before. A person’s work environment should be one they want to continue to come back to. PlattForm makes sure of this by creating a fun

environment to work in and a great support system as well.

– Anonymous

To sum it up, sense of community describes our culture. When things get

rough or people are in need, or a local community for

that matter, PF steps up with all available resources. You can always depend on the

PlattForm family for support. On the flip side, we always come together for the good times, too. We are always up for a good party or a

celebration!

Ashley Chitwood

The PlattForm culture is welcoming. From the moment you step in the door, you are

greeted with a smile and people who are happy to

have you join the team. With a company this large, there

are plenty of people you don’t personally know, but every

person you walk past will nod and say hello. At PlattForm

everyone is welcome.

Stephanie Hagmeier 15

Merriam-Webster.com states culture is the “set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterizes an institution or organization.” A very tangible definition, PlattForm strives to create a culture that empowers its employees, connects with its clients while inspiring its students. Culture isn’t solely about where you came from, what your beliefs are – it’s about where you are now and where you dream and yearn to go. Whether it be through the annual meeting, Christmas party, 12-hour videos, etc., I have found the sense of teamwork emanates through employees. PlattForm is engaged in a recently shaken

up industry. Keeping morale and confidence on the forefront of communication allows trust and relationships to stay strong, raising the bar on all avenues. Culture is about laughing with (and, yes, sometimes at) coworkers. Culture is about late nights for clients. Culture is about being proud of where and who you are. Culture is about stepping up to challenges and, thus, building and stretching your character.

Kyle Thorpe

Culture isn’t solely about where you came from, what your beliefs are – it’s about

where you are now and where you dream and yearn to go. – Kyle Thorpe

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In a word, I would describe the PlattForm culture as APPRECIATIVE. We work hard at PlattForm, and the company goes a long way to make sure employees feel valued. Just to name a few examples, we are given extremely generous benefits, holiday events, employee recognition awards and surprise fun at the office, like appreciation breakfasts, office Olympics and pod contests.

However, what really stands out to me are the small acts that help shape our culture. We lead by example here, beginning with our CEO who certainly embodies the culture. He makes a point to recognize all of us by walking the halls every day to say “good morning” to each and every person. This small gesture lets us all know that he is approachable and genuinely cares about each person individually. We’re not just employees; we are family and treat each other with respect and kindness while pushing each other to do our best. These are the values of our leaders and become the shared values of all who work here. – Anonymous

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Culture and community are so similar. A community is defined by its culture, because a community becomes united by their culture, in a sense. That being said, here’s how I define PlattForm and how I define our culture.

P l a t t F o r m i s a b o u t a f r i e n d l y partnership between all parts of the company. Ther e ’ s a sense of brotherhood/sis terhood with everyone here. Whether it is Media, Programming, Proofing, Accounting

or Client Services, there always seems to be a smile on everyone’s face when we see each other. Everyone always seems to lend a hand when in need.

PlattForm is about learning and constantly changing environments and tasks. When approached by a new task, everyone seems to have their own way to do it, and everyone seems to always work together throughout.

PlattForm’s culture is more than candy cart and more than media Mondays – the culture we experience every day is the result of that. Never have I had a bad day working here, and I’m sure I never will.

Mic

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I can honestly say that when I wake up in the morning, I am never upset that I have to go to work here at PlattForm. PlattForm encourages and demands a great culture for their employees. We participate in many company/department events for team building consistently. It truly is a great feeling knowing that upper-level management cares about the happiness of their employees. With the great environment here at PlattForm, I think that it sets not only

the employee up for success but the entire company. All of upper-level management has proven that what they are doing around here with the culture has worked because there is a reason why we are the No. 1 ad agency in KC. It takes a great product and a great culture to be the No. 1 ad agency. I am very grateful to be an employee for PlattForm Advertising. I challenge any company around that they don’t have a better culture than PlattForm.

Stephen Kent

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Mackenzie Thorpe

I have never worked for a company that genuinely cares about their employees

and places us at the top of their priorities as much as

PlattFor m does. When it comes to creating a fun and supportive work environment, PlattForm not only talks the talk but walks the walk.

I believe the culture at PlattForm starts at the top, and our board exemplifies these values, especially within our CEO. He has said before that he thinks of us as

his extended family, and I truly believe him. I also believe in the work he is doing and the decisions being made for the betterment of the company.

B e t w e e n t h e b r e a k r o o m s a n d chalkboard walls , summer hours, company carnivals, and all the other activities led by Culture Club, where else would you find another company that has created a group of people dedicated to making their employees happy? Not only does the company

insist we have fun at work, but they also care that we are happy and that our job satisfaction is high. Having an employee recognized on a monthly basis in front of the entire company is awesome, but creating another award for innovation is amazing. PlattForm works really hard to make sure their employees are in the correct department and job positions, and if not, then they take the time to figure out where that is.

PlattForm is a large company that continues to grow but always has done a superb job of staying connected and grounded with all employees, whether you have been here for weeks, months or years. Employees are so well taken care of through our benefits. I don’t know any other company that pays for my healthcare, adds 8 percent to my 401(k), and has an amazing board and management staff that listens to the needs of their employees and then implements these ideas.

These are just some of the reasons why I really do love working for this company!

PlattForm’s culture is something that sets it apart from other companies.

Never have I worked at a company that places such an

emphasis on employees. Employees getting along, being happy, taking t ime away f r om work , be ing healthy, having great benefits, having fun at work, everyone recognizing the hard work of others, a l l -company picnics , monthly breakfasts, holiday celebrations, all while encouraging growth through PFU classes. There is a group of people with a budget dedicated to providing ideas for ways to create that unique atmosphere where employees come first.

To me, that means that when the CEO says he really believes this is his “family,” he is not just saying that. I have heard before how important employees are at other companies, but have never seen other companies go to the lengths that PlattForm goes to, to achieve that.

Josh Legato

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PlattForm culture to me feels like being part of something that is more than a job. It feels different – it feels like you’re part of a family. When you drive to work every day and get excited about it, you know it’s something special. That’s what our culture creates.

Our culture is different because people are actually bought into it. It’s not something in a handbook – it’s part of who we are as a company and how we treat each other. It’s contagious, and you can feel it. Our culture is really our people – who we are, how we interact and our beliefs. It’s what makes PlattForm great.

Aaron Edwards

A s P l a t t F o r m h a s m a t u r e d – f r o m a two-person, one-dog operation in Michael P lat t ’ s basement to having mult ip le employees nearing or in their 30s who started here in their early 20s, and a recent explosion of young families – our culture, in more ways than ever, resembles a microcosm of America. Our strengths and challenges are a reflection of a diversity that spans cultures, generations, and life and professional experiences. This expanding cross section of spirits is the foundation of resourcefulness and creativity that fuels our dynamic vision and industry thought leadership; it drives our innovation and catalyzes the PlattForm – our work and play. And within our culture, there are dif ferences in work personas and perspectives influenced by generational background and work experience. For example, there are those whose in-house personas could be generally characterized

as slightly more intense in focus and direct in their communication/relational style – those who by nature ask “why?” There are others who value more familial office relationships and communication tone and may be less comfortable with direct discourse or issue resolution. Both examples have good hearts, dedication and make valuable contributions. But recognizing and appreciating these differences sometimes takes a little extra ef fort – and is often facilitated by not being shy in seeking one-on-one clarification. Regardless of our various personas, those who stay on at PlattForm and strive to better themselves daily come to share a bond of unrelenting passion for what we do for our clients and those they serve and develop a genuinely suppor t ive r espect fo r one another. – Anonymous

… come to share a bond of unrelenting passion for what we do …

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PlattForm has a culture that brings the humanity back into the workplace. The leadership of the company has found a way to focus on the bottom line while never forgetting the importance of making their employees feel cared for and relevant. I have never worked anywhere where I found people that were willing to spend so much time focusing on my personal growth and professional success while then allowing me the opportunity to provide that same support to those around me. Hard work, lots of fun and true heart all in the same place.

Sheri Hart

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I n m y o p i n i o n , w h a t makes PlattFor m culture dif ferent is the overriding f o c u s o n c r e a t i n g a h e a l t h y , c h a l l e n g i n g , fun envi r onment wher e employees can thrive and gr ow. Employee gr owth is just as important to the c o m p a n y a s e c o n o m i c growth. Unl ike so many other companies, PlattForm doesn’t just offer employees a job – it of fers them real opportunity … to learn, to grow and advance, and to create lasting friendships with like-minded individuals.

For me, PlattForm culture e q u a t e s t o f a m i l y . I t happens every day in our pods – people to support you, care about you, and challenge you personally and professionally. It’s that ne twork o f peop le tha t makes our jobs a little bit easier and our days a little more fun.

Justin Gill

Rebecca Guerra

I’m really lucky to work at PlattForm.

– Brendon O’Neill

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You hear so often these days that you’re lucky to have a job – much less one you truly enjoy. That’s why sometimes it’s hard to believe that I actually look forward to coming to work every day. Sure, it can be stressful and disappointing at times – but that’s the nature of advertising. So, to work in a culture that lets individuals express themselves, it helps remind everyone that we are people, not numbers or unemotional robots. When people are allowed to feel comfortable at work, they are less likely to take themselves too seriously. And when I get upset or stressed out – the next thing I know, the candy cart rolls by, or some other awesome aspect of our culture reminds me that I’m really lucky to work at PlattForm.

The culture at PlattForm is one of a kind. There is the obvious fun factor, which we all love and appreciate, but it is so much more than that to me.

I enjoy feeling supported and challenged every day I come to work. I feel that people believe in me and want me to do my best and will provide the tools and resources I need in order to do so. And I want to do the same for others. I see this happening in so many relationships at all levels throughout the company. It is contagious.

Kate Edwards

Brendon O’Neill

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PlattForm sets the culture bar preTTy high! For me, enjoying the culture here goes beyond some of the obvious, way cool perks, like a break room pool table and free soda Fridays – it’s the people that make the PlattFor m culture! I have made great friends here, and I think it stems from a culture that brings together talented, hardworking and Totally Terrific people! – Anonymous

The PlattForm culture is dif ferent from anywhere I’ve worked. The positive energy alone is reason to love your job here. We all know that attitudes are incredibly contagious and that one Debbie Downer can really ruin work for all of us. When you work here, you get the overwhelming sense that everyone is content with their jobs, something I haven’t even come close to witnessing before. People don’t mind waking up in the morning and spending the day at the office. My coworkers are down to earth and friendly to everyone, not meeting the common stereotype of those who work in the agency world.

PlattForm allows employees to make their job what they want it to be, providing endless opportunities to become more involved with the company and culture if we choose to do so. This place continues to push me to be successful and be the best at my job that I can be. It allows me to apply my strengths to my position and my team. It has pushed me to become a better employee and person, promoting growth in my opportunity areas. It is a place where I can learn something new every single day, if I’m open and eager to do so. It’s a place where I can come and work and also enjoy my surroundings and the people I’m with. That’s all I can really ask for in a career.

Toni Griffin

Everything is unique about the PlattForm culture. At PlattForm there are endless opportunities to grow professionally and personally. Employees have a vo ice and believe strong, happy individuals cultivate the most successful work environment. PlattForm is truly a one-of-a-kind company, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.

I’ve worked in other agencies, but PlattForm is definitely a step above. Most places you walk into you feel that it is a “job” – a job where you watch the clock, feeling stress and pressure daily. PlattForm is a family that promotes the individual employee’s success and happiness not only at work but in their personal lives. The culture allows not only enjoyment in your day-to-day business but also recognizes individual growth and accomplishment. We are a team, a well-structured and supportive force which grows daily due to the culture that provides opportunities to get to know your fellow employees and build strong bonds. After working here almost 11 years, I can’t imagine not being part of this family. – Anonymous

Melissa McCabe

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I worked for a different company for almost four years after I graduated college, and I was ready to make change in my life. I came to PlattForm as an intern, and right away I saw the difference in culture from my previous company. At PlattForm employees don’t dread coming to work. Employees have fun and are still able to complete tasks. Coworkers genuinely care about each other, become friends, laugh together and help each other. I even like my boss – who knew that was possible?

How would I define our culture? Passionate. Passionate about people. Passionate about education. Everyone is invested in the success of not only their own personal careers but the careers of others, the success of the company and the clients we work with.

I am proud to work at PlattForm Advertising, and I realize how lucky I am that I can say that about where I work.

Amber Garrett

Plat tFor m def in i te ly has a work har d/play har d culture. The bottom line is that we get the work done, but we make sure to step back and have fun with each other. Whether it is a weekly bingo challenge, an of fice scavenger hunt or a contest for who has the best dip recipe, there is always something in which to get involved.

The culture at PlattForm is unique and empowering throughout the company’s internal structure. The culture is living and ever evolving. It conveniently fills any and all voids left behind by the continuation of the hour hand. The culture is a simple yet intricate catalyst, fiercely propelling PlattForm past the present and into the future. The solidified foundation that the established culture has laid allows the company and all personnel to excel to great heights, free from the burden of failure and oppression.

The culture that I have experienced so far at PlattForm surpasses any past organization I have worked for. The culture is just one of the few beneficial instruments utilized within the company. However, it may very well be the most powerful.

Alex AyreBrent Gill

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What stands out to me most about the culture at PlattFor m Advert is ing is a commitment to success at every level. This includes success for the business as well as success for individual employees.

On a business level, the culture of success fuels innovation, ownership in our work and a willingness to help out others. From my first day, everyone I met was committed to doing everything they could to earn “wins” on a daily basis – both for themselves

and for fellow coworkers. This attitude is contagious and helps the company to reach new heights every day.

On a personal level, PlattForm provides ample opportunities to explore success in a variety of ways. This includes a generous PTO policy to spend time with family, opportunities for charity work and contributions, and various fun activities we participate in on a weekly basis.

I am a firm believer that the culture of success instilled in PlattForm employees is a strong factor contributing to the success the company has seen. This is definitely a big part of the reason we are the No. 1 ad agency in Kansas City.

Steve Franklin

Working for PlattForm is amazing. Since my first day here, I have always been impressed with how much the company truly cares about their employees and the environment they work in. We feel cared for, appreciated and a part of something great. And because of that, I think many of us want to give those same feelings back to the company. You can always count on a bit of humor, fun and creativity in the halls of PlattForm, and I think it really shows in the positive attitudes and work ethic of our employees.

Sasha Roe

I would describe our culture as very “ invit ing.” Being that I am a recent college graduate (spring ’10), this is my first real-world job, and therefore, I’m not really able to compare our company’s culture to others’. I will say, though, that I could not be more appreciative of the people I have come across at PlattForm and how I’ve always felt that the people I w o r k w i t h t r u l y c a r e about me. The culture at PlattForm is exceptional and original. We take pride in recognizing others for their accomplishments, even for something small/minor. Our willingness to go the extra mile in order to ensure a sense of contentment is felt by all within our workplace. I ’ve been here almost a year, and I look forward to many more!

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Culture, by definition of my own mind, breaks down to three simple truths. Culture is built on passion, composed of experts and sustained by attitude. All three of those elements fill the walls of PlattForm daily. My favorite of the three is attitude. Attitude builds character, and at PlattForm we strive every day to help build the character of others and help change lives by the work that we do. Without attitude you lose the passion, and where there is no passion, you can’t truly be an expert. – Anonymous

In my opinion, our company culture is based on opportunity because we are surrounded by it all the time and encouraged to take advantage of it. We have the opportunity to grow and improve as employees as well as the opportunity for advancement. Working with different teams provides us the opportunity to build relationships with other people we might not normally get the chance to know. The opportunity to have fun is always present and makes the workday enjoyable. Last, but certainly not least, we provide others the opportunity to improve their lives through the work that we do.

Zach Plost

PlattForm Advertising – to me – has always exuded a culture of constant learning and growth, where we tap into our employees’ natural strengths and help them build and gain knowledge in any and all areas. We diligently work with our team members to figure out what is important to them and place them in roles where they can flourish and succeed.

I define our culture often as an embodiment of the cliché of work hard, play hard. Working in a direct-response business, the idea of accountability, results and deadlines permeates the company and how we operate. At the same time, we have a balance of having fun while we work that keeps things light and refreshing. I am not sure how we could deal with the daily pressures we have without having a laid-back atmosphere to rely on.

Nickie Gibbs

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When I first started talking to existing PlattForm employees about the potent ial of working for the company, one of the first questions I asked concerned the culture at the company. I place a lot of value on culture. It can make or break a company and can certainly af fect the happiness of employees. I was happy to learn that PlattForm’s culture was in line with what I looked for in an organization. Ideas like the candy cart, Culture Club, casual dress code and all of the opportunities for innovation a r e th ings tha t made me exc i t ed abou t joining the team. After receiving my of fer and starting to work here, I learned about other things that really showed how well PlattForm “gets” it.

The items I mentioned earlier are items on the surface that everyone can see, but you have to work here to understand all of the coaching and growth opportunities PlattForm provides. From PFU learning opportunities to Brown Bag lunches, it’s apparent PlattForm wants you to succeed. As an employee, no amount of candy and fun can compare to the feeling that there are loads of people in your organization supporting you, with a genuine interest in your professional and personal growth. In the short three and half months at PlattForm, I have become increasingly confident that I have found a home. I love this place.

Kris Saim

What PlattForm’s culture means to me: I am grateful to be in an environment where we are not only encouraged to try various approaches to a solution but also continue to receive support and encouragement if our first attempt doesn’t produce expected results. These experiences present opportunities to grow professionally and personally. This is the first organization I have encountered where coaching and mentoring have had such a large emphasis. Love how we are encouraged to build relationships in an effort to foster an open, transparent and trusting environment.

With recent growth, PlattForm is redefining ourselves every day. I am excited to be on this journey at this point in time. I love knowing that I am one ingredient in helping to enrich the culture for myself and those around me. PlattForm leaders not only talk about the environment they want to build – they demonstrate their vision by their actions and commitment to the employees. PlattForm invests a great deal of resources in creating our environment, and we are obviously doing something right. We just need to continue our journey, making sure every employee and client know they are what make PlattForm a great place to be.

Cindy Jackson

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Carolyn Benson

PlattForm’s culture to me, I feel, is defined by our SERVICE acronym. These va lues a r e d i sp layed by everything that we do and stand for – the leadership teams work to make sure they are a part of our day-to-day routine. The environment of PlattForm is very important. Ever since my first day, I knew this was the case. Your coworkers become your friends – people genuinely care about you and your well-being. Therefore, two things that I like most about our culture are the environment as well as our coaching structure. We are in the advertising industry and all know that this can be taxing, but instead we are surrounded by positive energy to help you enjoy what you are doing each day, as well as a group that is dedicated to coming up with ways to make PlattForm a fun place to be! The coaching system is so beneficial because it helps you become better at your position, and you are allowed to help determine your career by what you make of it.

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PlattForm operates along like a well-oiled machine, coasting along with exceptional execution. Why? This can be attributed to the amazing culture you experience here. From the first day I walked through the door, you could feel the sincere employee pride and enthusiasm for the company and the work per for med here. Great company culture is hard to come by these days. PlattForm shapes its employees to be innovative and diverse in their thinking. The lack of micromanagement, yet the strong communication with all the employees regarding policies and company topics, leads to a very high employee morale. Everyone at PlattForm has the shared attitude about working for this company. We all have a great love for what we do and the schools we advertise for. We truly have the competitive edge, leading to us being the No. 1 ad agency in Kansas City.

From the first day I walked through the door, you could feel the sincere employee pride and enthusiasm for the company and the work performed here.

– Carolyn Benson

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Corporate culture is a company’s beliefs and behavior that help shape how employees and management interact with the out s ide bus iness c o m m u n i t y a n d clients. PlattForm’s culture breeds teamwork, creativity and innovation to get the most out of its employees. By utilizing a relaxed, playful atmosphere, you can almost see the creativity come out in meetings. I feel PlattForm does a fantastic job of clearly defining its culture to its employees and clients. It is truly refreshing to come to a company that expresses its creative side and drive to do the best for its clients. I previously worked for a

large multinational corporation, and the culture was much different. Outwardly it had the perception that it had the best interest of the consumer at heart, but inwardly it was about how to gain additional marke t sha r e by any means necessary. Although a company’s goal to increase market share is good, by any means necessary is not. That corporate culture causes its employees to be overworked, stressed out, breeding a negative corporate culture. Thus, not getting the best out of the employee.

Bob Barickman

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When I walked in the door here for my initial interview eight years ago, I thought, “I want to work here!” The energy and the excitement of the employees was palpable. Not only did everyone have a spring in their step, but a smile on their face. I thought, “What are these people ON?!” Turns out, there’s just good juju at this place. Six years ago I approached upper management about starting an in-house philanthropic organization. They let me run with it. Now PlattForm and (the aptly named) Team Phil collectively do more charity work as a company than a lot of the other ad agencies combined. It’s the most non-corporate corporate environment I’ve ever experienced – and I say that while typing from my computer wearing shorts and flip-flops. Doesn’t get much better than that.

I would consider our culture free-spirited. We are not restrained by our values, goals and best practices but encouraged to see beyond them. Each employee is a source of enjoyment, amusement and pleasure. When I walk into the of fice every day, I think to myself, ”What does the company have in store for their employees today?” Seriously, we have a team dedicated to the company’s culture and several departments have their own group! I am proud to be a PlattForm employee. – Anonymous

Michael Mackie

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Three weeks into my new posi t ion at P lat tFor m, a few things are evident . PlattFor m employees are valued and appreciated. This is evident by the Raving Fans notes of appreciation, departments going out of their way to show appreciation for other departments, and the numerous training opportunities of fered to invest in employees.

PlattForm has a fun and laid-back culture that inspires employees, and in turn, they provide excellent service to their clients – both internally and externally.

P lat tFor m cul ture to me is about innovat ion. The

fact that most of the jobs we employ people to do didn’t even exist 10 years ago contributes to a forward-thinking culture where innovation is encouraged

– one that wants to ask “why not?” instead of “why bother?” This is not

the advertising agency of the Mad Men era. No, we are an agency that cares, that tries, that has the strength to maintain a unique identity through our collective efforts.

Tammy Kucharski

Nate McGinnis

If I had to choose three words to define PlattForm’s culture, I would use motivating, empowering and creativity. PlattForm cultivates a motivating yet fun environment, with just the right balance between work and play. PlattForm shows appreciation for its employees in unique ways, such as the candy cart and flex Fridays. A strong sense of employee empowerment allows PlattFormers to be creative and to make the most out of our time within these walls. I appreciate and value the culture of our company, and it is evident that the culture continues to grow stronger year over year!

I would define PlattForm’s culture as an atmosphere of work hard/play hard mentalit ies with a focus on

continued learning and a desire/drive to provide our clients with a commitment of over 110 percent. I like that our culture seemingly spawns individuals who are willing to hit the ground running and are not faint of heart. You definitely have to be willing to put in the requested effort with a faith that your hard work will be rewarded in return. Our culture differs from others that I have been a part of in the fact that employees are not always presented with opportunities. If you want to succeed, it may be up to you to reach out for feedback, take calculated risks to showcase your skills, and even just having a solid understanding of all the tools at your disposal for continued achievement. One might say that working at PlattForm is an honor, but the honor does not lie solely in being employed here. The honor lies in the respect one can gain from being a true member amongst their peers.

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The PlattForm culture is what drew me to the company. I enjoyed walking into the building and seeing so many young people who enjoy their jobs. Now that I’ve started to work at PlattForm, the culture is even better than I expected! My department has had Olympics, game days and many other fun activities. Overall, the culture makes PlattForm stand out above any other place I’ve worked. The culture not only allows for fun but also has PFU, which is a fun way to learn about different aspects of the advertising world without being dull, and it’s taught by other PlattFormers. Not a lot beats tailgates, pizza parties, PFU, flex Fridays or chalkboard drawing contests! – Anonymous

As a new employee, I could not have enjoyed a better culture to come into. Ever since day one, everyone has been extremely friendly and willing to answer the million questions I had. The All Access Service Pass allowed me to go around and meet many new people. The atmosphere is very relaxed but, at the same time, very productive and efficient. The fact that I can comfortably ask a person in a different department about what they do allows me to learn that much quicker about all the services we can provide our clients.

The WIP program brings unity to each team, which is always important to feel like you belong in your workplace. In the past companies I have worked at, everyone was friendly but nowhere near the level that PlattForm is at. I look forward to growing in this company as the culture makes that task that much easier to accomplish. – Anonymous

PlattForm’s culture is unique, fun and laid-back. There are not too many companies that have a team dedicated to keeping the culture alive because they feel it is that important, or at least I have never worked at one of those companies.

I love all the random fun events/contests that the Culture Club puts on to break up the work week. PlattForm’s culture is not just about fun – it is about employee growth through our coaching, Fish philosophy and PFU classes.

One of the accounts that I work on visited PlattForm and immediately noticed our culture and wanted to learn everything about it so they could take some tips back to implement in their of f ice. – Anonymous

PlattForm is an exciting and wonderful place to work and not like any other company I have ever worked for or know about! We are an energetic, fun-loving and friendly company dedicated to helping our clients’ lives and their futures through education! We are a company that works very hard for our clients but also strives to incorporate fun into our daily schedule. Whether it be with Culture Club events, within your own pod or within your own department, there is always something fun going on. Whenever I mention to friends/family the things going on at work – flex Fridays, our Wellness Incentive Plan or just how much fun we have – they are all jealous and remind me just how lucky I am to be working here at PlattForm! PlattForm ROCKS!

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As a new member of PlattForm Advertising, I am learning that culture is an integral and very important part of the company. Companies profess that culture

is important to them, but in my experience, many do not continually and actively work to develop and maintain a positive culture. They may craft core company

values but only dust them off and bring them out once a year, instead of defining, promoting and living their culture in active ways throughout the year.

To me, PlattForm’s culture is all about engagement. The company is first and foremost engaged in defining and, when necessary, refining its culture through core documents such as its SERVICE values. PlattForm drives its culture though means such as the Culture Club and works at making its culture ever present in the minds of its employees. The benefits of investing time and energy in PlattForm’s culture are many fold. It helps new hires become engaged with the company, to understand the company, and buy into the company and what it stands for. Culture helps drive employee loyalty and engagement, helps to gain a sense of alignment with the company, a sense of inclusion and overall work-life happiness.

PlattForm’s culture means a lot to me because we are free to be ourselves and to enjoy each other’s company as both friends and coworkers. We have the space to be creative, to explore our interests and our passions as employees. It’s also great that the Culture Club proactively looks for ways to make our work lives more enjoyable, from flex Fridays to free soda. It’s not the tangible benefit that matters so much as the thought behind it. It really helps us feel valued and appreciated.

Anne Bowden

Gabriele Udell

I’ve been with PlattForm for a long time, and one thing I truly appreciate is the culture. We went from being a small family-type company to a good-sized company. It would have been easy for us to lose sight of the people and the environment, but I don’t think we did. I think the creation of the Culture Club is one of the best ideas ever implemented. They bring us great events, they remind us PlattForm is a fun place to work, and the elections each year just get better and better. I’ve worked a lot of places over the course of my career, and PlattForm is by far the best place I have ever worked. I appreciate everything from the candy carts to soda Fridays and feel privileged to work for a company that truly cares about its employees and strives to make it a place people want to be.

I love the culture at PlattForm. Here you are encouraged to be creative, and fresh ideas are always welcomed. Thinking outside the box IS our culture.

The casual atmosphere and friendly nature of the people that work here make coming to work a pleasant experience.

PlattForm’s culture is unique in a way that is beneficial to every employee. Constant improvements to continually make their employees happy is a top goal and frequently achieved. They do not take the “a healthy employee is a happy employee” quote lightly. – Anonymous

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PlattForm is a place to achieve excellence. The employees here are quality individuals with extremely high standards, and we take the time to help each other get better and better. We take employees of all sorts, on many levels, and push them toward excellence, and our work speaks volumes of this mindset.

But more importantly, PlattForm is a place to call home. Dave Admire, our CEO, has described PlattForm as a family, and it’s true: The employees are really there for each other, and the managers really care about their employees well beyond the requirements of a professional relationship. Where else would managers meet with their employees outside of work to talk through personal issues? It’s no surprise that many PlattFormers say their best friends are other PlattFormers.

So I would sum up the culture here as demanding but extremely supportive. We never let the burden of work become too much, but we never let the burden of complacency overwhelm us either.

Brandon Gregory

Culture is PlattForm. When I think about the things I enjoy most about working here, I always start with the people and the culture that we have here. From day one, I felt like I was a part of the PlattForm family, and I was not just a number on a sheet and another employee sitting at their desk putting in their time each and every day. This is a place where we are encouraged as employees to not only enjoy the culture but to help enrich it every day with the different activities we have available for us. We are able to hang out with our friends and enjoy a quick game of ping-pong or Mario Kart and get away from the daily

grind, and the best part is, management encourages this! It’s just how we do things here at PlattForm. We work hard, and we sure do play hard.

The driving force behind our culture here is definitely the Culture Club. This is a club that I have been a part of for three years now, and I am reminded every day why I enjoy it so much, because you get to interact with your fellow employees and provide them an environment that puts a smile on their face. I am honored to be the director of this group, and I am proud to uphold our mission statement: We strive to preserve and further PlattForm’s culture by embracing diversity, motivating our fellow employees, and treating one another like family.

There are not many companies out there with a culture like we have. This is a great place to work, and in my five years, I have not had a day where I dreaded coming to the office. I owe that to our culture and my fellow employees.

For me, PlattFor m’s culture is cri t ical to my per for mance on a daily basis. How, you ask? Fostering and blooming innovation through collaboration. In the PPC department, I come across problems on a regular basis, and PlattForm’s culture and environment give me the freedom to vocalize the issue to multiple teams/people – then collaborate with the brightest minds in the company to attack my issue head-on. The company actually invites you to get out of your cube and interact with employees who you nor mal ly wouldn’ t , so th i s collaboration is vital to solving the problems that I face on a daily basis. – Anonymous

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To me, PlattForm’s culture is the reason why I look forward to going to work every day. While I like my job and what I do, it’s the people I’m around and the experiences I have here that make me LOVE what I do. No request is too large and no employee is too small to make a dif ference here, and I truly feel welcomed and a part of the PF community. Before I even arrived as a new employee, I was hearing about the fun events and activities that seem to take place on a daily basis, and I know from experience that is just not the way it works in other offices. The company makes me excited about the work we do, and I am around it every day, so no wonder the community has taken note and voted us top agency in the city! – Anonymous

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Culture to me is an integral part of my daily PlattForm life and my job satisfaction. It takes a job from mundane to fun, which is awesome when you consider how much of our week is spent within these walls. We’re encouraged to be creative, laugh, play games, have competitions … in fact, these activities are usually being sponsored by and paid for by PlattForm! By offering and supporting a Culture Club made up of employees, we’re ensured to have our voice heard by management. And don’t even get me started on the flex Fridays, early dismissal before holidays, week off at Christmas and WIP days! Together, these aspects make me proud to work for the No. 1 advertising agency in Kansas City.

Culture – [kuhl-cher]: the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group. That being the true dictionary definition of the word, PlattForm has a distinct and unique culture, unlike any other company or organization. It’s distinctive in the sense that the people who work here are genuine, truly care about each other’s well-being and become a family unit. There are constant fun activities to bring everyone together to promote enthusiasm, which triggers creativity and stress relief in the workplace. Whether it be company- or client-related, people go out of their way to make other people’s day, whether it be with a surprise coffee or thoroughly engaging with their clients and including them in their fun. – Anonymous

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PlattForm’s culture is KEY to our success as a company. It’s vibrant, fun and easy to

become a part of.

Lindsay Ballweg

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This company really cares about me.

– Paula Vinzant

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I knew from the first day that I interviewed at PlattForm that this was going to be a fun place to work. When I showed up for my first interview, half of the employees were outside throwing pies at our upper management. The culture here at PlattForm is one of the main things that sets us apart from other companies. Whether it’s a pie throwing contest, the candy cart, flex Fridays, or a company picnic or party, it’s always a good time! In addition, all of the people are great to work with. Each and every employee contributes to the amazingly pleasant work environment that we encounter every day! PlattForm should be defined for our great, hardworking employees, as well as our unique culture. – Anonymous

The first thing I say when someone from my old employer asks how I like my job is, “I LOVE it! It is so dif ferent than ____. This company really cares about me.” I think culture can be as big or as small as an individual makes it . In my case, i t is huge. PlattForm has become such a family for me. Even though I have a family of my own, I spend more time with this family than mine. It is nice to know that the people I work with and spend a majority of my time with care about me as an individual. They make me feel like I truly matter and I belong. Culture is a big part of PlattForm and for good reason!

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PlattForm’s culture is one full of innovation and creativity. The atmosphere of PlattForm was one of the things that really stood out to me during my job search out of college. I can’t really compare PlattForm’s culture to any other company’s because this is my first job. But I can say the reason I chose this place over my other offer was because the culture seemed to be a much better fit – and I can say confidently that has held true.

In my short time here, I have been able to participate in a companywide carnival, picnic and a Media department Olympics competition, and on top of all that, I’ve witnessed the installation of a soda fountain. Now let’s be real – where else does that all happen under one roof – besides Worlds of Fun – and they don’t have a roof.

In summary, PlattForm is a company whose culture is defined by hard work, fun, creativity and innovation! PlattForm rocks! (Go Chiefs ! … Yes, even AFTER the embarrassing loss.)

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The culture here at PlattForm is exceptional and brilliant! Within these PF walls, there are people here who play as hard as they work. This company is growing and developing its employees with an ever-expounding range of culture, from decorative pods to friendly pranks … from fun and games to fierce injury-ensuing competition. There is a variety of individual experiences here at this company that makes PlattForm special.

The culture of this company is probably one of its definitive and strongest suits, making it ever more appealing to individuals outside of our organization. We have a designated Culture Club with the sole duty of keeping the spirit alive and the morale high for all who enter. Unlike T.G.I. Friday’s, where I frequented as a server in the summer of ’08, PlattForm’s culture does not smack of effort. The flare is in the air and not plastered shamelessly on our clothing. It comes to life seamlessly, as if the employees here were selected with the intent of adding more value to PF culture. I, for one, am delighted to be a contributor!

Kerry Ann Kellerman

The flare is in the air and not plastered shamelessly on our clothing. – Kerry Ann Kellerman

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From the CEO on down, you can feel the passion everyone has for culture.

– Brett Suddreth

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PlattForm has a homegrown culture that has been around since the beginning. In fact, I believe employee No.1, Michael Platt, has been one of the biggest champions of fostering culture within the organization, and that philosophy has been carried on by other executives here. I love the fact that our company culture is a big part of the fabric of PlattForm and continues to be so year in and year out and that management is a huge proponent of growing the culture.

I feel l ike a mil l ion bucks when I see employees in d i f fe r ent depar tments interacting at the events we put on. Whether it is ping-pong, Nintendo Wii, appreciation breakfasts, flex Friday snack carts, Tournament of Champions, etc., there really is something for everyone at PlattForm. Culture Club is a huge asset in helping foster culture. Other agencies that I’ve worked at have really good culture, but it was mostly all facilitated by management. At PlattForm most of the events are executed by the employees themselves, which to me makes it more authentic and makes me love working at PlattForm that much more.

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The culture here at PlattForm is one of the company’s greatest strengths. The culture stems from management and makes even new hires feel immediately comfortable. It encourages people to work hard and continually learn, while also making time to enjoy themselves. It creates an atmosphere of positivity, and I really enjoy the relaxed environment here at PlattForm. I appreciate the flexibility we are given and all of the events planned just to make sure we are happy.

Andrea DiMiceli

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PlattForm’s culture is just awesome!

– Derek Plymire”

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What I love about PlattForm’s culture … simple:

•Supportiveenvironment.•Relaxeddresscode.•Funactivitiesweplanthroughouttheyear.•AlotofPTOdays!•FlexFridays.•Ourweekoffduringthewinterholidayseason.•Lastbutdefinitelynotleast,thefactthatwe

change people’s lives every day!

Ana Triandafillias

Culture: The set of shared attitudes,

values, goals and practices

that characterizes an institution,

organization or group. PlattForm Culture: A company

attitude focused on trying to

provide a place where individuals

actually enjoy coming to work,

value their contribution as much

as it is valued, and where the

everyday goal is to do your

best for yourself and for the

organization. – Anonymous

PlattForm is the first company I’ve worked for where I actually enjoy going to work. I love not having to dress business casual for work every day and enjoying a soda on Fridays. Being able to play a game of pool or ping-pong while at work is a cool feeling. And getting half a Friday off for flex Fridays while making friends and family jealous is pretty sweet!

So to sum it all up, PlattForm’s culture is just awesome!

Derek Plymire

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It ’s an experience and a very pivotal moment when you get your first job out of college. It was very intimidating walking into a very well-known KC advertising agency for my first day at work, but I remember something about this place made it a lot easier. When I think back on other jobs I have had, I always learned a lot, but what always made my experience easier was being around good people. PlattForm has always distinguished itself by hard work and constantly striving to be innovative. However, that is not how people should define us. I think it’s the people here and

Ashley Keenerthe culture that set us apart. I think it’s really amazing to see a company fostering growth and creativity among their employees but also encouraging a unique culture. From the moment you walk in, everyone is so welcoming; there is so much going on and so much to be a part of. It really makes me proud to call this place my second home. And I can’t lie – it makes my friends kind of jealous that we have a fountain drink machine at work.

Lorena GregoryI knew PlattForm was different as soon as I walked through the door. I’ve never worked in an environment like this, and I enjoy telling other people I know about all of the wacky things that go on here.

I love the energy that’s here, and mind you a lot of that energy is provided by all of the young people here, but I sincerely appreciate all of the enthusiasm about making work not always feel like “work.” We do have stressful jobs, and going through the extra effort of doing special things for the staff makes it really nice.

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Beth Neely

The part of the culture I value most is that I know many people here care about me on a personal level. I know that if I run into any difficulties, either professional

or personal, my PlattForm family will

be there for me.

PlattForm is the first place I’ve ever

worked where I don’t have the urge to call in

“sick” every now and then – I love coming to work.

Jonathan Gaikwad

Melissa Cowan

I didn’t know what to expect before starting

at PlattForm. After that first week, I knew

I was going to love coming into work because everyone else loves coming

into work – it’s a fun, positive place, and

you can feel always that energy.

Every week there is some sort of activity to look

forward to: ping-pong tournament, following clues to

discover well-hidden Royals tickets, and

on and on.

Kyle Harbaugh

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PlattForm has always done a wonderful job genuinely making the company a fun place to work. By providing continuous activities and ongoing fun events, PlattForm has succeeded in keeping the moral in the office on a positive note and making sure it’s not 100 percent about work each day. The company really does make a constant effort to ensure all employees are happy and that their needs are being met. Whether it’s free afternoons of f or social clubs, PlattForm strives to be a well-rounded company where people enjoy coming to work. As an agency, these things separate us from the competition and make us the absolute best place to work!

Sarah Kleinmann

When I think about PlattForm’s culture, I think of passionate people who really care about what they do. I’ve worked at other companies, and I’ve never seen employees invest so much energy into making our clients and the company successful. Not only do people care about the actual work that we do, but they also really care about each other here. It’s like a huge family. It’s the “work hard, play hard” culture that PlattForm has developed that makes it an outstanding, enjoyable place to work.

Melissa Modersohn

PlattForm’s culture can’t be beat!

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Taking time to have fun – Wii tournaments. Candy cart. Ping-pong. Being encouraged to get involved – 12-hour video. Culture Club. Perks – Flex Fridays. Snow days in the middle of summer because of a power outage. Remembering to appreciate and recognize others – Employee and Innovator of the Month. Raving Fans. Holiday cash. Making a difference in our community – Team Phil. SAVE Inc. Della Lamb. Caring people – A birthday email from your CEO. Family away from home. Being a part of something bigger, more important – Helping people change their lives through education.

Chris Williams

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Why is PlattForm culture so special? When I wake up, I don’t need to fret over high-heeled shoes, hosiery, lipstick or other uncomfortable accoutrements. When I get home, I don’t need to change. Comfort is key. PlattForm culture makes me more comfortable than I have been at other places of employment. And I’m not just talking about dress code. Our break rooms, candy cart days, flex Fridays in the summer, soda machines, furniture, companywide events, food and blood drives, chalkboard walls, themed meeting rooms, nearby lakes and walking trails, gymnasium, and friendly coworkers (among other things!) make my time spent at work much more fun and make me feel at home – make me feel comfortable and at ease. Our culture brings us closer together and provides ways for us to exchange ideas, laughs and high-fives.

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PlattForm provides an environment that is much more open and honest than any other company I have ever worked for. This culture and environment offer everyone a voice in the room, while respecting diversity and difference of opinions of individuals. Culture is no doubt PlattForm’s greatest asset.

The culture that exists is one that does not allow egos, as one could be in a meeting with Dave, Tracy, the account executive, the account coordinator, and the media buyer and analyst, and Jason from Creative, but everyone’s input is valued and considered. In other companies I have worked for in the past, whatever the person with the highest title in the room says, goes. Granted, there are probably situations still at PlattForm where Dave’s answer may be final, but when it comes to clients and how we operate as an agency, everyone truly has a voice and is empowered to actually follow through with an idea (from start to finish).

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I would have to say the thing I love about PlattForm is the culture and the people that make up our unique company culture. From the candy cart to the new soda machine, there are tons of little things that make working at PlattForm great. The management is also great at surprises like letting us leave a couple hours early or bringing around kolaches. I actually like coming to work, which is something I haven’t been able to say about most of my previous jobs.

There are two words (among many) that come to mind when thinking about PlattForm’s culture: positive and fun! It seems as though there is always something going on that you can get involved in – be it volunteering, attending a PFU class, a game of ping-pong or a pod dip-off. I don’t dread getting out of bed in the morning because I have to go to work. How many people can honestly say that?

Kristin Klauser

Julie Spielhagen

There are tons of little things that make working at PlattForm great.

– Julie Spielhagen

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My job itself is a little mundane at t imes, but with al l the l i t t le extra things PlattForm does to get you through the day, I could not be happier or more thankful to have been given this opportunity! P lattFor m values relat ionships in all aspects of l i fe, including family, coworkers, f r iends and a c q u a i n t a n c e s . I n s i d e a n d outside of work, they all matter. They also value personal and professional growth and want you to be successful in whatever you do. Some of the aspects I cherish about P la t tFor m’s cu l tur e ar e the relationships I have with my coworkers, the Tuesday candy cart, bingo, PlattForm University classes, Culture Club activities, Team Phil, casual dress code, the free gym, and the permission to be human, i.e., the ability to talk, laugh and joke around just as long as your work gets done! PlattForm’s culture is what I have always hoped to find, and now I am here. I couldn’t be happier!

Lauren Barber

What does the culture at PlattForm mean to me? Everything! I am not one to settle and then go on to complain about my horrible work life. I have always believed if you aren’t happy, you better darn well seek out opportunit ies to make yourself happy instead of being a Debbie Downer. We have choices in l i fe, and my choice is to be happy. I knew that to be able to achieve that, I was going to have to find a job that could fulfill me in many ways considering 40+ hours out of the week are given to your employer. I have worked at several types of places, and absolutely none have come close to having the type of culture PlattForm has! Once I realized this was the place for me after researching advertising companies and following PlattForm on Facebook, I gave it my all to make it into this fabulous place! Well, it’s true – hard work pays off!

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Tiffany BidneI appreciate working for a company that focuses on making their employees happy by providing a casual and fun atmosphere. I enjoy being able to chat with coworkers while getting my work done, and being able to wear jeans every day is a huge plus! My non-PlattForm friends are always jealous when I tell them about the game room on the second floor and all the different activities that get planned throughout the year (BBQs, Wii bowling competitions, carnivals, etc.). One of my favorite things about working at PlattForm is being a part of the culture that they have created, and this is why I look forward to coming to work each day!

Meg

an

Sch

ult

e PlattForm encourages its employees to be innovative and express themselves – and not just from a scenic poster that is supposed to inspire creativity. For instance, I work in the department known as “proofing,” but what we’re really known for (aside from being able to discern when colons and semicolons should be used) is our obsession with sad balloons. Though surrounding departments don’t see the correlation between the glum balloon caricatures and the faces of our rather jolly team, our department gets a huge kick out of the balloon obsession. It even instigated an idea to help relevant departments proof things better. We decided to send out clever (in our own quasi-humble opinion) proofing tips that play on the “proofing balloon” tool in Microsoft Word and our sad balloon obsession. So far, the weekly tips seem to be both helpful and enjoyed by their recipients, and our department enjoys expressing a facet of its quirky personality. Without PlattForm’s unique company culture, the Proofing department’s balloon obsession would be as useful and appreciated as … well, a deflated balloon.

I appreciate working for a company that focuses on making their employees happy …

– Tiffany Bidne

“

”

79

PlattForm’s culture is one of its biggest strengths. Being fully aware that flip-flops and T-shirts are allowed dress on a daily basis is enough for me, but that’s just scratching the surface. The employees here respect each other and the individual talents that each can bring to the table. That’s something not typically seen in such a young company.

Not to mention all the other amenities that help provide that little bit of extra fun during a long workday. For that we can thank the pool table, ping-pong table, pinball machine, Wii, hall artwork, creative conference room themes, soda machine and, of course, all the employees themselves. Culture is here, and i t ’ s everywhere. – Anonymous

PlattForm’s company culture is kind of a spoiling one. I mean that for people who aren’t used to working for a company that has company picnics, Christmas part ies, f lex Fridays, a dedicated Culture Club, sporting event ticket giveaways, chalkboard walls , candy cart , in-of fice tailgating events and a myriad of other events, this kind of ruins every other job experience you will have. The fact that you can get up, come to work in comfortable clothing, chitchat with your friends (your coworkers will become your friends, promise you that) and have an enjoyable work experience is rare to find in some career fields. There is one big thing that I enjoy about the company culture. It’s LOLCATS!

Nic

k

Gu

zma

n

81

PlattForm culture! Wow, where to start? Basically, and in the most simple terms, PlattForm culture rocks! We truly are a family. A family that understands the value of a hard day’s work but also realizes the merits of taking time to have fun. We get to come to work every day and find ways to help change people’s lives, and it is rewarding on so many levels. I had some other jobs after graduation that had an entirely different culture. During my first interview, I was asked how I would feel going from a world of khakis and collars to T-shirts and jeans. All I could say is that I was glad that there was a company that cared more about my contributions than whether or not my shirt was tucked in. As you can tell, I was destined to be a PlattFormer!

Brian Blancho

Mel

issa

D

av

is PlattForm’s culture is in everything we do. It’s in the jeans we wear to work that allow us to be comfortable and be ourselves. It’s in the sports teams that we play on with our coworkers that keep us in shape and allow us to have fun outside of work together. It’s in the candy cart that makes my day every Tuesday at 2 p.m. PlattForm’s culture shows that it’s not just about what you do but how you do it that makes a difference to your employees and your clients. We do everything with a little something extra.

83

This is really tough because I can think of so many ways to describe our culture!

Overall, I feel our culture is rewarding in so many ways. If you do a good job, you have opportunities to be recognized. If you work hard, you have the opportunity to play harder. If you are having a bad day, you have team members and managers here to make your day better. If you like to laugh, there is good chance of that happening throughout the day. If you want to advance your career, you always have someone pushing and coaching you to be better. The reason I started each sentence with “if” is because it really is what you make of it. It starts with the individual employee!

Dawn Billinger

If you work hard, you have the opportunity to play harder.

– Dawn Billinger”

“

85

Culture is described by some as a way to better align the company toward achieving its vision, mission and goals. No other company I have worked for does this better than PlattForm. Whether it is being able to dress casual for work every day, hosting a PlattForm anniversary carnival, surprising the company by letting us out an hour early or the annual holiday party, the list goes on. My favorite is the holiday cash. I love having the opportunity to show my appreciation for other PlattForm employees. You only have a certain number of holiday cash to distribute, and the hardest part is narrowing down who I feel exemplifies the PlattForm SERVICE acronym the best. There are always so many options! I am so proud to be working for a company that makes their culture a priority.

Lei

gh

An

ne

Gra

y

PlattForm’s culture is not easily describable but very easy to see. It can be summed up by individuals’ antics: Jeremy Schoen’s Kramer-esque meeting entries, Brian Sumner “misplacing” his shirt at the holiday party or Lee White’s photoshopped out-of-office emails. And if you catch Bruce Hartwick dancing to “Hey Ya” in a woman’s bikini T-shirt or Allen Harkleroad (as Dee Snider) and Jan Dittemore rocking out, no worries, it’s par for the course. We work hard and play hard. Whether that means stopping at the soda fountain before your afternoon meeting, crushing your coworker at ping-pong after the client call, or sorting through the morning emails after checking the Chief Lolcat Specialist’s “Happy Cat of the Day” message, we find time for fun (and charity!) between delivering beyond clients’ expectations.

Tony Toubia

It can be summed up by individuals’ antics … Brian Sumner ‘misplacing’ his shirt at the holiday party … – Tony Toubia

“

”

What DID impress me when I arrived? A smiling receptionist, laughter rising

over the sounds of ping-pong, a passing conversation between two

seriously engaged SEO specialists, and a wall of silly portraits.

“

”

I have worked in publishing, PR and communication management for a range of companies – from small and private to large and publicly held – as well as for nonprofits and government agencies. Comparatively, the culture of PlattForm Advertising stands out as utterly special. Not only is it uniquely horizontal – meaning the organizational flow of ideas is across and equal, not upward and limited – it is outstanding in an even more meaningful way.

Though what we say we do is marketing and advertising, what we are really in the business of doing is saving lives.

That may sound dramatic, but it is how we function every day, in the most practical of ways. We help thousands make decisions about education that will salvage them, their families and their futures. We assist hundreds of our clients in formulating economically sound approaches to growing their businesses. We work in multiple teams that strive to think rationally and compose creatively, as one.

And when it comes down to the No. 1, each of us at PlattForm Advertising is a singular evangelist for the family spirit this company is renowned for practicing, as individuals engaged in a greater cause.

What started as a casual conversation became a profound af firmation of this recently when a new employee told me, “In my previous job, I hated going to work so much that one day I pulled over in rush-hour traf fic thinking I was having heart failure. Come to find out, it was just a full-blown panic attack. Here, I can’t wait to get to work. There’s a new challenge every day,

but I feel empowered, not depressed and overwhelmed. PlattForm has saved me.”

I smiled, recalling my introduction to P lat tFor m. At the t ime, adapt ing to unsettling changes that included the death of my husband, moving from another state, breaking off a promising relationship and switching jobs, I was more of an emotional refugee than I knew. PlattForm was the third of back-to-back interviews with three prominent Kansas City ad agencies, and I nearly skipped it – the website simply didn’t impress me.

What DID impress me when I arrived? A smiling receptionist, laughter rising over the sounds of ping-pong, a passing conversat ion between two ser ious ly engaged SEO specialists, and a wall of silly portraits. Those photos stopped me in my tracks. I thought, “THIS is the place – I wish I’d prepared for this interview better. Where’s my laptop? I need go back to that darn website and study it!”

I’d like to say that the saving grace was nailing the interview and discovering a place that serves my abilities even as I serve others. The truth of the matter? I didn’t find PlattForm Advertising. PlattForm Advertising found me. – Anonymous

91

”

“PlattForm’s culture is completely one of a kind. It makes me look forward to coming to work on a daily basis …

– Tara Schmidt

PlattForm’s culture is completely one of a kind. It makes me look forward to coming to work on a daily basis, which is something that most of my friends and family cannot say. It is also something that gives PlattForm the extra 1 percent over their competitors for not only their clients but their employees as well. The culture at PlattForm creates an atmosphere of copious creativity that allows for all employees to not only enjoy their work but exceed at it.

Our culture is very innovative and fun, and it allows us to be creative and work hard. I love our culture because I fit in well with it. I like to work hard and get my stuff done but also be able to relax and play a quick game just to take a break. There is always something going on in our company to participate in as well to always keep me on the move, which I like. In other companies that I have worked in, it is not as competitive or as laid-back at times. I like being able to compete and work hard but then sit back and have a few laughs with my close friends. PlattForm’s atmosphere is one of the best that I have worked in. I think it is something that other companies could learn from.

Ta

ra

Sch

mid

t

Lesley Falter

93

I have several things I love about PlattForm’s culture. Narrowing it down to one thing is pretty hard for me. The casual dress ranks very highly for me, but the things I appreciate the most are the friendships I’ve made over the years and the fact that, no matter what department I have worked in, my bosses, managers and coworkers all care about me as a person, not just an employee.

Julie Pankiewicz

PlattForm’s culture is fun, supportive and challenging. I love that our CEO will stop you in the hall or send you an email asking how you and your family are doing. It starts at the top and trickles down. Coworkers genuinely care about each other. I have worked at other companies where people just punch the clock and are there only for a paycheck. We are changing lives every day, internally and externally.

Sh

erri Ra

zer

The quality of the people [PlattForm]

hires is second to none.– Lee White

“

”

95

Culture within a company is something many people take for granted. I believe what sets PlattForm apart from other companies is our culture. Think about what your typical workweek at PlattForm would be like without the culture we have established here: no funny emails popping up in your inbox, no soda fountain, no random trivia

t o send peop le r u n n i n g a b o u t the halls to land a pair of t ickets,

and overall, no fun. Without all this, PlattForm would just be another building with cubicles, with people feverishly typing away or talking to clients on the phone. People wouldn’t be excited to come to work each day – they wouldn’t be motivated to work as hard as they do, knowing that on Friday they have their flex and will be rewarded for that work!

Overall, the culture at PlattForm is not only what entices people to come to work at PlattForm – it is what keeps them here working hard year over year!

Lindsay Bowen

I ’ve worked for nine other companies in my l i fet ime, and none of them compare to the experience I’ve had here at PlattForm. Not even close. Does PlattForm do a great job of promoting an enjoyable workplace? Sure, but it’s much more than just that. I don’t know how they do it, but the quality of the people they hire is second to none. I’ve made some lifelong friends here, and those friendships are what have kept me here for so long. Soda machines, picnics, flex Fridays, St. Platty’s Day and haunted houses are all fine and dandy, but it’s the day-to-day interactions with PlattFormers that I truly cherish.

Lee W

hite

PlattForm fosters an environment that motivates their employees like no other. The positive atmosphere is infectious, making it next to impossible for PlattFormers to be anything but. As individuals, they strive to excel for their clients, collectively making the agency one of the city’s best. Most of all, the company demonstrates genuine care and appreciation for the employees, and in return the employees genuinely care about the work they do.

Mallory Curry

I’ve held a pretty eclectic range

of jobs over the last few years.

Cold-cal ler. Daycar e worker.

Proofreader. Intern. Tutor. Hotel

laundry assistant.

And they all had a selling point.

Wear jeans to work. Laugh all

day. Read all day. Try a little bit

of everything. Impart knowledge.

Ride up and down in the elevator.

But that’s all those jobs had: one

selling point. At PlattForm I get to

do all those things – and more –

and it makes me actually look

forward to being at work

instead of dreading it.

Mallory Ragon

PlattForm fosters an environment that motivates their employees like no other.

– Mallory Curry

“

”

99

cul•ture noun \’k l-ch r\e e

“ The characteristic features of everyday existence”

(SOURCE: http://www.merriam-webster.com)

A specific part of the definition of “culture” highlights how PlattForm is dif ferent from other companies: “the characteristic features of everyday existence.” What makes PlattForm’s culture stand apart is its consistency. The striving for excellence in each employee’s respective field, the eagerness to serve clients and coworkers alike, and the overall attitude of fun and cheerfulness are evident in the office every single day. Any company can have a good culture some days, but what truly sets one company apart from another is when culture is so prevalent it becomes a daily expectation. I am glad I work for PlattForm, whose consistency of culture puts it in the latter category. –Anonymous

The culture is what you really want to know about an employer before you decide to accept a position. For example, is XYZ company a good place to work? Are the employees treated fairly? Do people hate working there? I have had the fortunate opportunity to work for some employers in the Kansas City area with a great culture, and

PlattForm has a great culture. You are treated fairly. The work is challenging, a n d m a n a g e m e n t h a s r e a l i s t i c expectations of what can be done. The people you work with enjoy their jobs. PlattForm is an employer you want your friends to submit their resumes to when they are looking for jobs. – Anonymous

101

Throughout my working history, I have always wanted to work at one of those out-of-the-box companies. I had heard the rumors of those places where employees worked hard but also had a quirky, let loose side as well. It wasn’t until I began at PlattForm that I realized that these places actually exist, and I began to understand the value in having a work culture vs. just a workforce.

From the cubicle competitions to the upcoming concert series, there is always something to look forward to and always opportunities for us to collaborate with our coworkers on something a bit dif ferent than our normal everyday work. The end result is something that does not take away from the workflow but instead adds to the energy, communication and morale of the company as a whole. I have experienced a comradeship and family atmosphere I have not been a part of previously in my work history.

Josh

Ca

na

dy

I believe PlattForm’s culture is unique and one that is often sought by many employee applicants as well as one that is enjoyed by all PlattForm employees. From the daily casual attire of flip-flops and shorts to the plethora of awesome peers and leaders, PlattForm has to be one of the most enjoyable places to work in the KC metro area, if not the entire country.

I can’t speak to the culture of other companies simply due to the fact that the culture of PlattForm has kept me from wanting to explore professional opportunities outside of PlattForm. I have spoken with PlattForm employees in the past that have departed to see what life outside of PlattForm was like. Typically this conversation would occur once they returned to PlattForm to once again enjoy the desirable culture that PlattForm employment has to offer.

PlattForm has to be one of the most enjoyable places to work in the KC metro area, if not the entire country.

“

”– Clint Meade

Clint Meade

103

Workreation. Not necessarily a word, but a PlattForm word.

I just recently became an employee here at PlattForm, and I ’m starting to fully understand what the word “workreation” means not only to the company but to me.

Before I came to PlattForm, I was looking for a workplace that offered a healthy balance between hard work, growth and fun. Those three aspects were very important to me in a career and workplace. I wanted to go home every night feeling accomplished, knowing more and having enjoyed the day.

I sure am lucky I came across PlattForm during my job search! I failed to hear one negative comment about PlattForm from anyone I talked to. I then jumped on the website and immediately read PlattForm’s culture section. It fit every aspect I was looking for.

Now, here I am today reveling in the culture that makes PlattForm PlattForm. Not only have I pushed myself harder and harder and learned more than I ever thought I would in the first three months, but I have had an absolute great time doing it! I can’t wait to see what the future brings here at PlattForm. – Anonymous

“

”

To me PlattForm’s culture is “home.” Every day I look forward to coming into the of fice because I know it’s going to be a great day. Some of my best friendships and memories over the last four years have come from this place. To me this PlattForm is more than a “job” or “career.” This is family to me. In any job I’ve ever had, I have always worked to build friendships, and that has not necessarily been nurtured as i t has been here. Here you are encouraged to be yourself and to make it your PlattForm. I knew after a month working here this was a place I was going to spend a lot of time. As a father of three, there was no chance I would invest my time (which I deem pretty valuable when it comes to my children) in a place that I didn’t feel was investing itself in me as well. PlattForm has truly been the most wonderful place I’ve ever had the opportunity to be, and I am thankful for that every day. – Anonymous

“Here you are encouraged to be yourself and to make it your PlattForm.”

105

I joined the PlattForm family about 12 to 13 years ago. Something I believe sets us apart is the culture – I truly appreciate what it is and how rare it is to find in a company our size. We have grown from a very small family-owned company to a good-sized company. There are many things we do to create a fun and rewarding culture. We not only work hard – we play hard. A few of the items we do to make this a great place to work are as follows. We have great events; they remind us PlattForm is a fun place to work. We have elections each year to elect the new Culture Club, that is the right people who not only work hard in their daily job – they commit their time to make sure the culture is fun and rewarding. And the elections themselves just get better every year. I’ve worked many places over my life, and PlattForm is by far the best place I have ever worked. I appreciate everything from the candy carts to soda Fridays, but most of all, it is the people and the belief PlattForm has in its people and what we do to continue to grow and challenge them. I think it is a great honor, and I would not want to work anywhere else. I love this company and all the people in it. Thanks to all who believe in what we do and work so hard to keep the culture front and center.

Dave Admire

Joy D. Booth

The culture at PlattForm is a culture that truly cares for its employees, a culture that cultivates their growth. I have seen our company go above and beyond for our people, not with the mentality of what they can do for us but with the mentality of what we can do for them. This is a company with heart, depth and a whole lot of fun!

It is a privilege to work for this company. It is a privilege to have been part of the growth. I am beyond excited to see where we go from here and what the new leaders to PlattForm will add to the culture.

107

Steve Booth Chief Culture Officer

for suggesting this book and shepherding its progress

Jack Swearengin VP of Creative Services

for his eye for excellence

Linda Smith Associate Creative Director

for project management, photos and illustrations

Laura Jackson Associate Creative Director

for layouts

Rick Kitchell Print Director

for layouts, photos and delicious donuts

Linda Evans Davis Senior Art Director

for layouts, design coordination and suggesting we drill a hole

in the book to hold a pencil

Danielle Hendrickson Senior Graphic Designer

for layouts, collecting contributions and organizing photos

Matt Thomas Senior Graphic Designer

for layouts and corralling print bids

Julie Spielhagen Graphic Designer

for scans of drawings and unending motivation

with excellent Russian humor

Dustin Steller Web Design Manager for photographs and

digital versioning

Jason Kerschner Video Production Director

for finding great video clips for inclusion in the online version

Erin Cockman Senior Proofreader

for her expert proofreading of this document

Brendon O’Neill Content Developer for contributions to

brainstorming sessions

—————————————————————

Hammerpress – Letterpress and Design Studio,

Kansas City, MO for letterpress debossing and printing of

cover on .050 chipboard stock

Henry Wurst Inc., Kansas City, MO for printing of book on 100# Cougar

White Opaque Text

Many thanks – for the idea, creation and production of Resonance – go to these people:

Acknowledgements

109

SCAN ME for relevant videos, desktop/phone wallpaper downloads, or to view a digital version of ((Resonance)). Share this with a friend!

© 2012 PlattForm Advertising

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