Culture is the driving force behind Fahlgren Mortine (FM), and theirs could best be described as fun, with a generous dose of quirkiness. FM is an award-winning firm because its programs consistently deliver results for clients to help them better meet their business objectives.
To reward its associates for a job well done, FM holds several slightly-off-the-wall celebrations throughout the year, including pancake flipping for Groundhog’s Day, a field day afternoon full of relay races that they like to call the Garage Games, a day-long Halloween celebration, frequent movie nights and happy hours.
FM has an established tradition of hosting associates and their family members at a Columbus Clippers (minor league baseball) game in the summer each year, and its holiday celebration takes a page from the “Seinfeld” Festivus party. FM believes these opportunities allow colleagues to interact in a fun and meaningful way.
During semi-annual performance reviews, associates have the opportunity to discuss with their supervisor goals or interests. Managers value performance review learnings and turn them into actionable steps to make associates’ goals attainable.
In addition to placing the right people on the right accounts, another way FM facilitates exploration of expressed interests is by encouraging associates to bring charities and causes close to their hearts to the table for consideration for pro bono or fundraising support.
For example, when an account associate expressed her passion for the mission of a local food bank, agency leadership empowered her to build a program and get employees involved. She planned and executed a multi-faceted internal program in the form of “Operation Feed Week,” with activities and fundraisers each day. Associates rallied around the cause from the start, and FM recently completed its fourth Operation Feed Week. The program has allowed FM to donate more than 78,000 meals to families in need in its area over the past three years.