Archive for June, 2011
Blue Economy – Opportunity of a Lifetime
Lonsdale Rentals President & Owner, Chris Fellbaum is set to head out on an opportunity of a lifetime and will take part in a week long Blue Economy Symposium in
Thimphu, Bhutan from June 20th to 27th.
Chris will be joining Ode Magazine and an international group of 75 investors, entrepreneurs, and technology providers in attending notable TED speaker Gunter Pauli’s
Symposium. Pauli is the author of The Blue Economy: 10 years – 100 innovations – 100 million jobs. The book aims to motivate the entrepreneur in all of us; sharing proven ideas and innovations that are founded in solid science and demonstrated in real life practice. The Blue Economy believes that committed grass roots entrepreneurs worldwide can realize success by using innovations that create competitive business models that are sustainable and beneficial for all.
Lonsdale Rentals supports the renting and sharing business model and the belief that
society should be moving away from acquiring an excess of goods and instead, move toward gaining access to goods. This model is in harmony with the goals of the Blue Economy movement and has been a passion for Chris for over 20 years.
Bhutan is one of the most fascinating countries in the world and is known for the origin of the Gross National Happiness. The country is seen as a prime example of a successful Blue
Economy in action and as such has been chosen as the location for the conference. The policies of the Bhutanese Government respond to the basic needs of its people – including their happiness – while also supporting the design of competitive and successful businesses.
The team at Lonsdale is proud of Chris and the work he is doing and we cannot wait to find out more about his experiences from the conference.
You can learn more about Chris’ adventure through upcoming blog posts and by following him on twitter @lonsdalerentals.
For more information, check out these great videos on the Blue Economy and Gross National Happiness.
Top 5 Tips for Hosting a Team BBQ
For years Lonsdale Rentals has hosted BBQs for the Lonsdale team. It’s become a ‘work family’ tradition for us.
Last month, as we fired up the grill we got to thinking about how something as simple as hot dogs and soda pop have come to mean so much to our team. We look forward to all departments coming together to enjoy each other’s company. Our team BBQs have become a way we recognize great moments, share stories from our personal lives, and, on the whole appreciate each other’s company.
Here are our top 5 Tips on Hosting a Team BBQ:
1. Get the Word Out
Share the plan so people can arrange for the day. Ask departments not to book critical meetings at the set time and let them know everyone will be taking part in the fun. We place flyers in high-traffic areas like time-clocks and lunch rooms at least a week in advance – Anticipation is part of the fun.
2. Get Supplies
Start Simple; Hot dogs, vegi options, (Hamburgers are more complicated and time consuming but once you get into the swing of hosting a work BBQ can become part of the mix), buns, basic salad, condiments (invest in full size condiments that can be used more than once) and something sweet. We find Costco to be a great one stop shop at a good price.
3. Grill
There is nothing like the aroma of something cooking on the BBQ. Always make sure to keep the grill far enough from the seating area so people don’t get smoked out. A standard home grill will work or, if you are feeding larger team, we have BBQs for rent.
4. Gather
The grill will draw a crowd, your job is to encourage them to stay and mingle. The goal is to come together and enjoy; not grabbing a hot dog to eat at their desk. We set up a big table and seating options to set the stage. Ice breakers can be as simple as ‘What’s everyone’s favourite summer memory?’ We find music in the background helps keep it social too!
5. Celebrate
You can celebrate a new product, staff member or significant achievement or just celebrate the fact you work with great people! Make it a regular routine; we shoot for every 3 – 4 weeks. Be consistent with how often you do them and watch your team come together!
Taking time to break out of work routines is great. We think others should join in on the simple act of slowing down and enjoy the team they get to work with.
Here are lists of what we use at our BBQs for about 30 people:
Rental List BBQ List
BBQ Hot Dogs
Tongs Vegi Option
8′ Table (for condiments & food) Salad
Large Beverage Server Condiments
Tables & Chairs Buns
Pot Boiler Brownies or Cookies
Platters 2 Large Bags of Chips
Plates Beverages
Team BBQs have been a part of our recipe for success; we are happy share it with you!
