Fire Drill

As an ad agency, jhP is used to moving quickly and putting out proverbial “fires” for our clients. However, when the office started to smell like smoke, we had to call for help!

After a quick call to 911, the jhP staff was told to evacuate the building and the fine folks from the Topeka Fire Department rushed to our rescue,

Luckily, the cause for alarm was only a burned out air-conditioning unit and there wasn’t any damage or injury to the staff.

Rather than simply wait for the fire crew to do their duty, jhP seized the chance to turn this into a photo op with the fire trucks!

All of the excitement was short lived and everyone returned to work after about an hour. Gary, however, was determined to “go down with the ship” and never left his desk except to have his picture taken on a fire truck.

Going for the Gold

As in offices worldwide, the Olympic Games have been the hot topic of conversation at the water cooler … and everywhere else for that matter.

Whether it’s swimming or gymnastics, volleyball or softball, the jhP office has officially been bitten by the Olympic bug. So much so, that now we’re all dreaming of the Gold. Here’s what the jhP team thinks they’d have the best shot of competing in:

If I were able to compete in an event it would most likely be wrestling or baseball but I haven’t played/trained for either of those sports since high school. I’m an excellent shot and I think could legitimately compete for some of the shooting events. However, I’d like to bring back the Tug-of-war competition. (Tug-of-war was an Olympic event in 1900, 1904, 1906 (Intercalated Games), 1908, 1912 and 1920.) – Dustin

What Olympic sport would I participate in? Do they have bowling? I can sometimes pull a good game once in a while. Possibly table tennis, I’ve played a little just for fun. (Editor’s note: She has a ring for bowling “300”!) – Linda E.

I used to think that I would love to compete in the equestrian events. I was horse-crazy growing up. Now, however, I want to play beach volleyball for two reasons: first of all I love the beach, and second of all I would love to have a body like those two American players. – Leslie

I’ve been an aggressive Olympic competitor this year. While I didn’t train, I have participated in marathon viewing. Much like the gymnasts who were showing real fatigue after a week of competition, I too am highly fatigued. I’ve found it nearly impossible to disconnect from the games, telling myself, “just one more event and I’ll go to bed.” 10:30, 11:30 even past midnight and then on to the next work day, bleary eyed and tired. Great competition, unbelievable coverage, more high definition cameras than have ever covered any event. When do I get my medal? – Jake

If there were an Olympic event that gave out medals for cleaning, I would undoubtedly be the gold medal favorite! No one trains harder than I do or has the will to succeed like me. Unfortunately for my kids and husband, it’s a team sport at our house. We run the event like a 6 person medley with me as the anchor. – Tracey

Having turned 50 this year, I plan to enter the Senior Olympics as a swimmer. That was my sport as a kid, and as an adult I sometimes compete in the Sunflower State Games and Masters swim meets. I’m nowhere near as fast as I was … but neither is the competition! – Kurt

If I were to be in the Olympics I would be a gold medalist in relays. I like the idea of a team accomplishing something … everyone having the same passion, and putting your all into it to make it happen. That inner feeling of being on a winning team, even if no one knows your name individually must be a fantastic feeling. – Denise

If I were in the Olympics I would play ping-pong. It looks pretty cool! – Dan

I’d be going for the gold in beach volleyball. Volleyball has always been a love of mine and combined with the beach, it becomes the perfect sport. There is nothing like the grit of sand in your teeth and the sun in your eyes. No, really! – Erin

As someone who has always served as a spectator rather than the athlete, I would much rather serve as the towel girl to the men’s swimming team or water girl for the men’s gymnastics team. Let’s be honest, what girl doesn’t want to hand a towel to guys as good looking as Michael Phelps or Jonathan Horton?! – Brie

If I were in the Olympic games I would be a gold medalist of rock climbing in my jeep! – Mindy

I would want to be an underwater swimmer. Like synchronized swimming, except underwater. I am not a graceful person, but to me, underwater everything looks graceful. So the fact that I am a complete klutz wouldn’t matter. I would probably need to stay away from the diving board as I tend to fall off the sides, so I definitely wouldn’t make a great diver! – Lyn

Growing up, I always had the dream to be an Olympic gymnast just like Mary Lou Retton. I took several years of gymnastics classes, trying to master my floor routine and the balance beam … but to no avail. At the ripe old of age of 11, I had already out-grown my gymnastics coach and all of my classmates by several inches. It became obvious the gymnastics gold might not be in the cards for a girl of my stature. Suddenly volleyball became my new calling. – Alissa

RIP Pixella

An avian tragedy at jhP

It was a sad, sad day in the jhP office Friday, as our dear friend Pixella S. Finch (a society finch adopted by jhP last year) passed on to the golden birdcage in the sky. Although her time with us was not long, her beautiful song and quizzical gaze will not be forgotten.

Adopted November 5, 2007 from Petco in Topeka, KS, Pixella started her career off in the spotlight as the muse for a series of ads created by jhP. Never one to let the success go to her head, Pixella preferred to spend her time as a homemaker and enjoyed the companionship of her life partner, Pantonio S. Finch (jhP’s other society finch).

Survivors include her beloved cage-mate, Pantonio and the rest of the jhP family.

The best network promotion. Period.

Having made countless television commercials and promos over my career, I honestly feel this piece from the Discovery network is the best 60 seconds of self-promotion I’ve ever seen.

The producers seamlessly combine a timeless song with their own line-up. The unique personality of each show/host is spotlighted while tying a diverse group of programs together. The song and images are so catchy that I find myself humming the tune long after I’ve seen the spot.

Plus, Steven Hawking sings.

I wouldn’t change a thing.

New Start

Starting a new job at any level of your career can be stressful. No matter how well you’re prepared for the change, the challenges of being the "new guy" can be enough to make you second guess yourself.

I left the warm waters of a job I was comfortable at for a position as copywriter here at jhP a couple of weeks ago. I had worked with a handful of jhP staff members professionally in the past but I still had a vicious case of nerves walking in the front door my first day.

I’ve never been afraid to ask questions, which has served me pretty well. You can take some things for granted when you become comfortable at an old job that suddenly become very important. Everyday tasks can be drastically different, like using the phone for example. Do I dial 9 to get out?  How do I change my voicemail?  Did I just say that on speakerphone? What the heck does the "loop" button do?

Another change I wasn’t ready for was the "culture shock." I don’t mean that in a bad way but jhP is very different from any other business I’ve worked for in the past. Every employer likes to pretend its corporate culture is a "team" or "family" environment but most never come close to having any sort of home-like feel.

jhP is different. There is a genuine interest in everyone’s life, both in and out of the office. One of the more enjoyable "tasks" of working here has been getting to know all of my co-workers as well as opening up about myself. Everyone seems just as interested in what’s on my iPod as what’s on my resume. Plus, getting away from the slate-gray and beige walls of an ordinary office to the brightly colored offices here has changed how I view the "work place."

Despite my misplaced nerves, my first few weeks have been outstanding. Everyone has been truly wonderful and I’m excited to be a part the jhP team. However, I’m just as excited to shake the "new guy" syndrome.

Caption This!

As an ad agency, jhP is used to designing the message. Now it’s your chance to put words in our mouth with our CAPTION THIS contest!

It’s simple. Just write your own caption for the following pictures. We’ll pick the best entry (or our favorite) and the winner will receive a prize package of little or no value! Hey, the bragging rights to winning this contest alone should be enough motivation to enter …

Example:
Being ineligible for entry, Leslie decided to form her own splinter group of the Red Hat Ladies.

Photo #1 - Leslie Palace

 

 

 

 

 

Photo #2 - Linda Bull

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo #3 - Kurt Eskilson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo #4 - Linda Eisenhut

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snap, Crackle, Boom, Bang!

Whether it’s spending time with family, shooting off fireworks, or some plain ‘ole relaxing, the jhP team is looking forward to a long holiday weekend. Check out everyone’s plans for July 4th:

After a week of sitting around in a fireworks tent … it’s a neighborhood parade at 9am, family lunch at noon, church dinner at 5pm, church fireworks display at dark. – Michelle

I will be poolside the entire day and then I will be heading to a block party with food and fireworks that evening. – Kayla

The Eisenhuts are planning on hosting our annual family and friends barbecue and then heading to Lake Shawnee to watch the fireworks while sitting on the water. – Linda E.

My plans include a "family" golf tournament on Friday. (My second round of golf for the year … this should be entertaining.) Then it is poolside, smoking some ribs and whatever else I can find in the freezer and watching the fireworks all across Topeka from our deck. – Leslie

We will be camping out and barbecuing, all the while I will be cringing at the site of my four boys blowing things up. I will be sitting on the sidelines racked with a mother’s worry that one of them will be burnt by a firework or worse yet have a body part severely injured. Yea July 4th! (Sarcasm) Not one of my favorite holidays. – Lyn

The three-day weekend is action packed with three different barbecues, a day at the lake and lots of fireworks! I am amazed the fireworks get bigger and better each year! – Mindy

We’ll enjoy a cookout with four generations of family followed by watching the firework show at Lake Shawnee. – Kurt

Brandon and I are spending the holiday with our friends, watching the parade at Collins Park and eating some fantastic barbecue. Then we’ll probably spend the remainder of the weekend sleeping and recovering from over-eating on the holiday. – Alissa

I will be visiting my father’s relatives for a 4th shindig in St. Louis. – Denise

While I plan to spend the day soaking up the sun, I have no final plans yet. With lots of options, I’m sure I’ll find some memorable way to spend my day and night with several good friends. – Brie

I live with two neurotic cats. One pulls her hair out when she’s stressed. The other one is a huge hunter who regularly rips the heads off bunnies and leaves them on the front porch. He is Mr. tough guy until he hears a loud noise and climbs the curtains. Needless to say both are terrified of fireworks. So, my husband and I will probably watch movies lying in bed with the cats between us. – Tracey

I’m taking my family to the movies (WALL E) in the afternoon and ending up at some family friends’ house during the evening for fireworks. Last year we lit off a quarter stick of dynamite and my ears are still ringing. – Dan

Enjoy the fireworks from our back deck, bicycle every day, build fence and enjoy the family, especially the grandtwins. – Jake

I am looking forward to relaxing by the pool followed by barbecuing and fireworks with a big gathering of family. – Erin

I’ve been invited to several parties, get-togethers and barbecues. However, I’m usually pretty spontaneous and I haven’t committed myself to any plans … I just hope I still have all of my fingers and eyebrows once I’m done. – Dusty

Cutting the Commute

When people enjoy doing what they’re doing, they naturally do a better job.

As a growing trend here in the US, telecommuting offers many bonuses for everyone involved. Current economic factors and increasing global communication networks can help serve people in a convenient and efficient model. Allowing people a solution to work from home a few days a week takes full advantage of cutting-edge technology, and shows a customizable option that will be a great enticement for employees.

Here at jhP, a trial run of using telecommuting is in current use. We feel this is a great strategy that helps strengthen the employee relationship and morale. Erin Depperschmidt, jhP team member and Lawrence resident, is currently taking advantage of this progressive way of thinking. She still uses the office a few days a week, but has found that telecommuting connects her to the inner workings of jhP effortlessly!

Erin uses Skype, software that allows conference calls and video calling to be made. “Skype is my connection to creative meetings when telecommuting a few days a week. It lets me fully participate in creative meetings and briefs. I can see sketches and show artwork while interacting as if I was really in the office. So really, I am always virtually there!”

Lyn says “Hello!”

Lyn’s been at our front desk for a couple of weeks now, and if you’re a regular caller, she already knows your voice. Lyn Weichert joined the jhP team on May 21 as our friendly new hall monitor. She greets you and helps tie together everything we do. Like most of us at jhP, Lyn has both a business side and a creative side. Please allow us a moment to introduce her to you:

Q: What experience do you bring?
A: I have a lot of photography expertise and I worked as a photo lab assistant at Washburn University. Most recently, I was office manager for a mental health firm – building skills that are especially valuable at jhP.

Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: I really enjoy sushi because of the chopsticks.

Q: What previous skills help you in your role?
A: My office skills include project management, accounts payable, billing, inventory and sales. Creatively, I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in painting and photography.

Q: Who’s your favorite music artist?
A: Trent Reznor’s angst-ridden music with Nine Inch Nails puts me in a good space.

Q: Why did you choose jhP?
A: I chose jhP for the creative environment, unlimited chances to grow, co-workers who respect and treat each other well, excellent benefits, the positive atmosphere and free Red Bull.

Q: What are your passions?
A: Painting, photography, running and boxing. Having a boxer at the entryway gives everyone a sense of comfort.

Q: Where would you like to travel?
A: I’ve studied a lot about the people, cultures and art of Africa. I’d love to experience it all in person.

Top 5 Things to Do in Topeka if You’re a Young Professional

More times than I’d like to admit, I’ve heard my friends complain about Topeka. They say there’s nothing to do, so they hop in the car and head to Lawrence for a good time. I, however, disagree. In my opinion, Topeka’s a town full of opportunity – sometimes ya just gotta look for it!

Here are my Top 5 favorite things to do in Topeka if you’re a young professional:

1. Enjoy an intimate dining experience with your friends or a loved one. RowHouse Restaurant offers a unique dinner experience, only found in Topeka. The quaint atmosphere of the restored row house and a new menu each week, gives the restaurant an eclectic sense of “new.” Available by reservation only, RowHouse is a great place in Topeka to taste the fine side of dining out.

2. Stroll the Art Walk. Starting just two years ago, the First Friday Art Walk has grown into the place to be on the first Friday of each month, or should I say, “places to be.” With more than14 different venues participating, a person can satisfy their cultural appetite by viewing a wide range of art styles created by local, national and international artists. Oh, and did I mention the free wine and hors d’oeuvres served at most of the locations? Check out next month’s Art Walk lineup at ArtsConnect.

3.
Live life in the fast lane. Check out the action at Heartland Park Topeka. With a drag strip, road track and dirt track, Heartland Park hosts a variety of races from April through October showcasing the best of local and national racing talent. Upcoming events include the 2008 NHRA O’Reily Summer Nationals, the AMA Grand National Championship Flat Truck Racing Series and the Advance Auto Parts World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. Grab your binoculars and get ready for the action!

4. Be one with the outdoors. Lake Shawnee is a terrific place to soak in the sun and enjoy the great outdoors. With many activities to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your fancy -– swimming, hiking, boating, golf, or playing ball, just to name a few. Not into the action? Pack a picnic lunch, or take it easy, and enjoy the wildlife.

5. Take in an evening of theater. With four great stages in the city, a person can find a live performance almost any day of the week. Topeka Performing Arts Center (TPAC), Topeka Civic Theatre (TCT), Georgia Neese Gray Theatre and Helen Hocker Center for the Performing Arts are all great venues that host a score of shows for all ages. And it’s not just your run-of-the-mill comedy or drama, performances also include musical acts, experimental theatre and improv comics.

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