Freedom Retreat Spotlight: Jamie Noe’s Summer of Connection
At Clickstop, we believe in investing in our employee-owners not only professionally, but personally. One of the ways we do this is through our unique Freedom Retreat benefit—a sabbatical that allows employees with five or more years of service to take up to 12 weeks off to fully disconnect, recharge, and focus on what matters most. This summer, Jamie Noe, one of our Manufacturing Team Leaders, took full advantage of this benefit, spending the summer with her two young daughters and making memories that will last a lifetime.
The Decision to Take a Sabbatical
For Jamie, the idea of taking a Freedom Retreat was a no-brainer. With two daughters, ages 6 and 7, she recognized that time was flying by, and she wanted to be fully present for a summer of fun and adventure. As she put it, “I knew it was the time I needed to not only reset from work but also get to enjoy all the things with my family. It was the perfect timing to be able to relax and enjoy the summer basking in the sunshine!”
With summer being Jamie’s favorite season, this break wasn’t just about relaxation—it was about creating an unforgettable experience for her family. Jamie’s excitement was palpable, and she prepared well in advance, coordinating with her team to ensure her responsibilities were covered. “I started planning about a year in advance,” she shared. “It all ended up being very beneficial to the entire team as we were able to create standard work for other areas as well.”
Sabbaticals may seem to strictly benefit the employee, but at Clickstop they also benefit our business and teams. Planning for a freedom retreat creates a new perspective to view the work through, leading to documentation of processes or improvements to how we execute our work. It also gives team members additional opportunities to learn new skills or use their strengths in new ways. As a result, how we work and the work we do can greatly benefit while providing employees with new opportunities to grow.
A Summer of Memories
Jamie’s time off was filled with fun and laughter as she and her daughters soaked up every moment. “We spent a lot of time at the pool, discovering splash pads, playgrounds, sleepovers with friends, and all things nature,” she recalled. From animal encounters at Fontana to snow cones at the fair, each day was a new adventure. One of their most memorable experiences was a butterfly release, which Jamie’s daughters adored.
Their summer finale took them to Waukon, IA, where they explored a giant wooden playground and visited nature centers in Osborne and Elgin. For Jamie, this time wasn’t just about the big moments but also about appreciating the small ones. “The Freedom Retreat allowed me to be a better parent and focus on family time rather than everything always being a rush. It made me appreciate all the little things.”
Personal Growth and Family Connection
One of the biggest realizations Jamie had during her Freedom Retreat was how much she had missed while juggling work and family life. This sabbatical allowed her to slow down, be present, and strengthen her connection with her daughters. “I didn’t have any specific goals I wanted to accomplish during this time, but I believe I set a high standard for what our summers should look like every year!” she laughed. Jamie also noted that the experience helped her gain new insights into work-life balance, making her more mindful of how she spends her time.
Returning to Work with Fresh Perspective
When Jamie returned to work, the transition wasn’t without its challenges—particularly as our Manufacturing Team’s cargo net production had ramped up significantly in her absence. But with the support of her team, Jamie was able to hit the ground running. “I came back with a more refreshed can-do attitude,” she shared. Her time off gave her a new perspective on how others value their time and how she could better approach her work.
Reflecting on Clickstop’s benefits, Jamie said, “I’ve always had a positive perspective on the benefits at Clickstop, but when I learned of the Freedom Retreat, I was like, WOW, Clickstop just continues to go over the top to take care of us as employee-owners!”
Advice for Future Freedom Retreat Takers
For those considering the Freedom Retreat, Jamie has one piece of advice: “Take the time to relax, refresh, and disconnect.” Whether you take the full 12 weeks or just a portion, the experience is invaluable. For Jamie, the most valuable part of the retreat was getting to enjoy the summer with her daughters, creating memories without the pressure of work.
Looking ahead, Jamie is already thinking about her next sabbatical. “I plan to take another Freedom Retreat when I’m eligible again,” she said. “Maybe next time it’ll be time for me to take a trip to Ireland or England!”
Investing in Employee-Owners
Jamie’s story is a powerful reminder of the unique opportunities that Clickstop provides its team members. By offering benefits like the Freedom Retreat, we’re investing in our employee-owners while also helping them strengthen the bonds that matter most. At Clickstop, we believe that making time for fun and family isn’t just an idea—it’s a value we live by.