Clickstop Sabbaticals: Investing in Renewal for Our People

A month away gave Jeremy Meyer, VP of Employee Engagement, the chance to reconnect with faith, family, and life’s most meaningful moments.

At Clickstop, sabbaticals are more than an extended vacation—they’re an intentional investment in our people. We believe growth comes when individuals have the space to step away, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most. Jeremy’s story illustrates how sabbaticals strengthen not just our employees but our business, as they return with renewed energy, clarity, and purpose. It’s a benefit rooted in our commitment to sustainable success: when our people thrive, so does Clickstop.

Here is Jeremy’s story:

When I stepped away from Clickstop for my four-week sabbatical, I knew it would be valuable, but I didn’t realize just how meaningful it would become. The time gave me space to strip away my “at work” identity and reconnect with what matters most—my faith, my family, and the experiences that shape who I am at my core.

Spiritually, it was one of the most impactful seasons of my life. I had the time and focus to lean deeper into the disciplines of prayer, fasting, reading Scripture, and evangelism. Even more special, four of my children were baptized during this time, and as a family, we began building rhythms at home to carry those disciplines forward together.

Our adventures made the sabbatical meaningful, too. We traveled to Decorah, where we hiked, explored the fish hatchery, and soaked in the beauty of the river. We explored the Maquoketa Caves for the first time—something we hadn’t made the time to do until now. We also made the trip to Knoxville for the Knoxville Nationals. I spent the first 12 years of my life residing in Knoxville and loved how the town would transform as Sprint Car Drivers and fans from all over the country gathered for the event.  My oldest son has joined me in the past, but this was the first time my wife and my six other kids experienced it together.

And then there was Pella. I grew up going to Jaarsma Bakery, and I’ll never pass up the chance to stop by. The pastries are just as incredible now as they were when I was a kid, and going back always brings a sense of nostalgia and joy.

Of course, there were meaningful moments at home, too. I added steps to my deck, my wife knocked out painting projects, our kids played around at Spare Time, and I enjoyed a canoeing and fishing date with my wife that ended with lunch by the lake. These quieter experiences were just as rewarding as the bigger trips because they reminded me how rich life can be when you slow down and stay present.

In the end, my sabbatical wasn’t just about rest—it was about renewal. I came back to Clickstop more grounded in my faith, more connected to my family, and clearer and more decisive as a leader. Sabbaticals like this are more than a benefit—they’re an investment in people, and I’m grateful for how deeply mine has shaped me.

Jeremy’s experience is a great illustration of how sabbaticals at Clickstop are designed to create renewal not just for the individual, but for the business as well. The time away gives employees a chance to reset, reflect, and return with a fresh perspective on their role and impact. At the same time, the business grows stronger by cross-training others, redistributing work, and assessing what’s most essential.

When leaders like Jeremy step back, it challenges us to build greater ownership, sustainability, and resilience into our teams. And when they return, they bring sharper clarity, new ideas, and a critical eye for what should be different and better—fueling growth for both our people and our business.