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Closed July 24 for Employee Appreciation Day
13 Comments · Posted by Rebeca in B3 General News, Behind the Scenes
Blue Buddha will be closed on Tuesday, July 24 for our first ever Employee Appreciation Day!
One of my philosophies as a business owner is that is is important to not only take care of customers, but also employees— actually, especially employees! When I backpacked and hitchhiked around western Europe a dozen years ago, I was impressed with the generous attitude toward holidays. I vowed to incorporate this culture in my business, should I ever own one. OK, so truth be told, Blue Buddha is a long way from offering 6-week vacations and 52-weeks of maternity leave. *cough* But I do like to make sure our team has time to rest and recover, and that they can spend holidays with loved ones. Everyone even gets a paid day off for their birthday. 
The B3 Team (well, almost the whole team!) Counterclockwise from top right: Rebeca, Jason, Lisa, Jenna, Jen, Nadja, Aimee, Erik, Emily, Dan, Max & Samm.
 
Our other team members: Artie (left, celebrating B3′s 9th Birthday with our jump rings) and Matt (right, serving his guests as his Titanic recreation dinner.)
Kat doesn’t like having her picture taken so our mascot Zed will stand in for her (he loves the camera *wink*.)
I know that closing store doors is not typical in the retail world, and especially in the Internet world (somehow having a website gives many people the impression that we are here 24/7 working to fill orders nonstop!). But we’re not a typical business, and I’m proud of that. People really matter to me, and if employees wind up getting burned out or frustrated, that’s going to be a lose/lose situation all around.
We’ve never officially taken a day to fully acknowledge how much the employees mean to the success of Blue Buddha. So we created our first Employee Appreciation Day next week, Tuesday July 24. This means that we won’t be answering phones, shipping orders nor checking email from close of work Monday evening through Wednesday the 25th when we re-open. Some of us are heading up to Six Flags to ride some crazy roller coasters, while others are simply taking a day to rest solo or with loved ones.
I’m lucky enough to have great experiences on a daily basis with the folks at B3. I’m sure you’ve had some great moments with them too, or with the company as a whole. Feel free to share your favorite anecdotes, or send kudos to the team (I know they’d appreciate it) in the comments field below.
Thanks for supporting us as we take a day to celebrate us! We’ll be back to business as usual on Wednesday the 25th!
13 comments
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Pam Schrode · July 19, 2012 at 10:07 AM
It’s always a pleasure working with everyone at B3! With so little customer service these days, I can be sure that won’t be a problem when I place an order with you, have questions or need help. Your high standards are not lost on me! Enjoy your well-deserved appreciation day, and thanks for leading the way in customer service!
Pam
Audra Perks · July 19, 2012 at 11:32 AM
Thank you so much to everyone at Blue Buddha! I have always been thrilled with the customer service and products I receive, and I hope you all know just how much it is appreciated! Enjoy your day off – you deserve it! Thanks for everything!
Audra
Kate Striepen · July 19, 2012 at 11:58 AM
This is why I buy my rings at B3! You and your team are outstanding
Have a great day on Tuesday!
Kate
Patt Word · July 19, 2012 at 12:54 PM
What a wonderful gesture. Hope you ALL have a fun and relaxing day.
Angel · July 20, 2012 at 1:24 AM
I can not sing the praises of your team enough. Luckily I’ve only had a couple of issues (totally minor) but they were followed up on in a way that is above and beyond what you see in many internet stores. Anytime someone asks where I shop I point them straight to B3! Stay awesome
April Linville · July 20, 2012 at 7:17 AM
This is the exact attitude that makes employees love their job. Bravo to you!! I always pampered my employees and they, in turn, pampered the customers. I wish more companies and managers realized this.
dorie · July 20, 2012 at 7:26 AM
Rebecca ~ Thank you for thinking of the staff. They are a deserving group.
To the Staff of B3 ~ Thank you for all you knowledge, help and speeding shipping of a great product. You are the backbone of B3 and we appreciate you.
Marge · July 20, 2012 at 5:30 PM
That is absolutely FABULOUS!!! I love to see that!! My day job just wrote me up for taking off 6.5 hours this YEAR! …..I need to move to Chicago!
I especially love the pictures of you all – I adore being able to put a face to the names. You all are amazing and you make me smile just thinking of you. Thank you!
wjohn · July 22, 2012 at 9:33 PM
As someone who buys most of my B3 supplies at the Bead & Button show each year, I can say that the B3 team is just as professional, friendly, and knowledgable in person as online.
Thanks for all of your good work. Hope everyone has a great day!
Ann · July 23, 2012 at 3:54 PM
I have just started doing maille about 2 months ago (has it been that short a time?) and you all have made the experience so much better. The first time I ordered from you I had asked for a rush shipment (too excited needed more rings now!) and someone called me, I wish I could remember who and she said she wanted to let me know that the order would be shipped out as soon as it was packed and sent to me as soon as possible. I knew it had to be packed first and it would be sent as soon as it was ready (I do read the notes) so I was just suprised she called but it was such a great thing to do and I really appreciated the effort. You have the best rings and the best people!! Thanks to everyone!
Diane · July 23, 2012 at 4:16 PM
Enjoy your special day! You guys deserve it! I always get amazing service, and top notch quality. Can’t say enough good things about you guys! (and girls!)
Cletus · July 24, 2012 at 6:34 AM
Now this a great way to honor your team! The B3 staff is quite dedicated to customer service and exacting support.
Bravo Rebeca!
Admin comment by Rebeca · July 26, 2012 at 7:40 AM
Thanks everyone for your comments! The team had a great day off, and they were thrilled to feel your support!