As a child, I enjoyed watching The Jetsons.  Flying cars, a robot maid and vacuum chutes were a part of the experiences within each episode.  The creativity of the writers and was brought to life through the work of the animators.  The result, for me, was enjoyable entertainment.  It was fun to imagine life with such amenities.

At Clickstop, we hold the value of “Think Big and Make It Happen.”  Does that mean we’re creating flying cars, vacuum chutes and robot maids?  No, although a maid to clean my desk space would be exceptional.  I may someday have that robot maid, but it’s going to be the result of a much longer process.  A series of ideas that are put into action; each one building off the other until the idea has been realized.  This is the case with Clickstop.

Making It Happen

The creation of a business that is sustainable, enjoyable and provides opportunity for those who seek it is an idea that we pursue every day.  We are curious, ask questions and act.  How can I improve the work that I’m doing today?  How can my team more positively affect the success of the business?  Do I know my strengths?  Are my strengths being fully utilized?  Are the strengths of my co-workers being fully utilized?  If I could change something about my job, what would it be? 

You don’t have to design a flying car to live out this value.  But, it does require flexibility, curiosity, courage, optimism, ownership, feedback and risk.  In Q3, we have chosen to recognize three individuals who have demonstrated this value in their work.  The first recipient is Alex Ledger.

Change & Adapt

Alex is attentive to the needs of the business and the customer.  He is agile in his approach, initiates change when necessary and adapts when change occurs.  During this quarter, Alex has worked on deploying strategic marketing campaigns, was accepted to the SC & RA Leadership Forum, led the charge in tariff related conversations with customers and helped cultivate a relationship that resulted in unique opportunity for our sales and operations teams.

Alex’s ability to identify opportunity and move towards it has helped Clickstop, and our US Cargo Control team, reach new heights of success.  Thank-you, Alex, for your continued investment into yourself and your team.  Congratulations!

The Interview

What is your role at Clickstop?

Business Development Consultant

How long have you worked here? 

4.5 years

What is your Clickstop story? If it were a book, what would the title be and why?

“Right Place, Right Time”

I just feel like I came to Clickstop at the perfect time, when Clickstop needed me at the same time I needed Clickstop.

How do you relate to this core value?

I really like the freedom we have at Clickstop to create and think big.  A lot of people here are in positions that didn’t exist before them.  It’s because they took ownership and action on an idea, and it led to something even bigger.  Thinking big is important, but making it happen is even more important.

What advice would you give to others who want to embrace this core value?

Start with asking a lot of questions.  The questions will help you find opportunity, and then let people know what you want to do.  There are a lot of people in this building that want to help others succeed.

What are you most excited for or proud of on your team? 

We have a very strong team with great people.  It takes quite a while on the phones here to get a firm grasp on what we sell, and how to price things based on the opportunity and market price.  Our team is as experienced as we’ve ever been, and we’ve added some great people this year.

What was the best compliment you’ve ever received at work? 

There isn’t one that stands out from the others, but it feels really good when someone thanks me for helping them.  A genuine “thank you” is very meaningful.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far? 

You control how you react or respond to something.  It’s a choice you get to make, and it’s something you can practice and get better at.  Your response or reaction is the key to your own happiness and peace of mind.

What can we find you doing when you’re not at work?

I like golf, basketball, reading, grilling, and spending time with my wife and son.

Last movie or book you watched/read? 

I’m currently reading The Universe in a Single Atom by the Dalai Lama, and listening to a pod cast called The Invisible Network from NASA.  I’m also mixing in some of the Hardcore History podcast that Tom A. recommended and I’m really liking that one.  I just got done watching a show on Netflix with my wife called the Haunting of Hill House.  I love scary movies, and this was a great series!

Dogs or Cats?

Dogs.

What brought you to Clickstop and why is it such a good fit for you?

I came to work at Clickstop because I went to a Blue Zones meeting with my wife and decided I wanted to take control of how I spent the best days and years of my life.  After reading about Clickstop in the CBJ, I thought it would be a great place to work.  It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  I love working at Clickstop.

When do you feel truly “alive” at work? 

When the phones are ringing off the hook and everyone seems to be working on really good stuff.  I love days like that when it’s crazy busy and everyone is buzzing with great opportunities and sales.

What small gesture from a coworker has made a big impact on you? 

Receiving a hand-written birthday card from the people on my team.  Hand written cards may seem like a small thing, but they mean a lot.