NOVEMBER 2020, ISSUE 9
Inside this issue: Team Spotlight Holiday Gift Guide Merry Christmas
Lighting The Way BY BRAD CATES, CEO
The turning of the year is traditionally a time of celebration, one that actually dates back millennia when early man lit bonfires in the winter darkness to entice the sun to return. Thousands of years later, many still gather around hearths (even if we’re burning gas or electric logs) with family and friends during our holiday celebrations. Year’s end is always a good time to take stock, both of where we’ve been and where we intend to go. While we may have to work a bit to find joy in the small things as 2020 draws to close, and to rethink how we celebrate for the safety of all, I’m really proud of the countless ways our team has pulled together over the past nine months, and all that they have accomplished. Looking back, despite all the disruptions brought on by the pandemic, Sarreid has remained a bright spot in a dark landscape. We’ve made strides with major improvements to our website and printed catalog, but most important, we’ve been able to light the way for dealers and designers by maintaining a steady flow of fresh designs and in-stock product. Indeed, we’re closing out the year strong because this month alone, one dozen more containers full of extraordinary things are arriving at the warehouse. This would be a feat for any company right now, but particularly one of our size and it demonstrates our commitment to ensuring you’ll be able to delight your customers right through to the start of 2021 and beyond. And that’s really cause for celebration!
TEAM SPOTLIGHT SARREID IT + GRAPHICS Pictured: Larry Sandwick, Chris Barnes, Brenda Ramirez, Nathan Godwin
MEET THE REAL ELVES Santa seems to get all the credit, but we all know the big man in the suit is backed by one heckuva crew behind the scenes all year long. Without them hammering diligently away in the workshop every day, well, let’s just say there wouldn’t be so many fabulous goodies packing the sleigh.
While we don’t insist anybody wear silly hats, there are lots of hardworking elves at Sarreid that we’d like to thank. But there are a few deserving of a special shout-out for the spirit they’ve shown and their ability to rise to the occasion in a year when the only constant was constant change. Just like the gang at the North Pole, you may never see our IT and Graphics team, but we depend on them to keep operations running smoothly, and well, to make us look good. Larry Sandwick, aka OZ (yes, we know that’s a character from a different story, but bear with us here), heads up our IT department and has truly earned his nickname over the past two decades with the Sarreid family. Suffice it to say the man behind our curtain has got brains, heart, and courage to spare. Nathan Godwin, on board for four years in IT, is all about problem solving and mining data, while Chris Barnes heads up graphics. You’ve no doubt seen his work here in the newsletter, as well as the re-imagining of the Sarreid catalog among the many projects bearing his creative stamp in the past five years. Finally, if you’ve noticed an upgrade in our photography and video this past year (and who hasn’t?), all kudos go to Brenda Ramirez, our resident photographer and videographer who spends most of her time in the studio taking detailed product shots and editing.
2020 Wins!
NEW WEBSITE
NEW CATALOG
Designers know when it comes to the holidays, you just can’t beat home, sweet home. They also know there’s nothing like keeping it simple at the busiest time of the year. Skip the brown paper packages and fussing with string and head straight for the Sarreid Gift Guide of our favorite things. We promise you’ll be singing along in no time.
Our Favorite Things
Gifts that make memories
Gifts for the glamorous
Gifts for the entertainer
Gifts that fit under the tree
Through the years we all will be together If the fates allow...
1979
hang a shining star upon the highest bough...
1988
and have yourself a merry little Christmas now.
2008
2020 With Love,
Your Sarreid Family 2019