Letter on the Third — April 2024

Dear Datamax Family,

Thomas Edison once said, “Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the only thing we can’t afford to lose.” At Datamax, we’re reminded by the Little Blue Book to “honor our commitments,” “do the job right the first time,” and  “focus on the things that are productive.” Time spent carrying out these philosophies is time well spent. But our time outside of work is valuable, too.

The idea that we will work hard here comes almost without question. However, the question this month is, how do we spend our time outside of the office? Do we play as well as we work? Why even pose that question? Because inspired, rejuvenated employees do their best work and live the most fulfilled lives.

Work/life balance is an integral part of the culture at Datamax. I don’t think of the two as completely separate entities: In other words, I don’t completely forget about work when I’m outside the office, in the same way that I don’t forget about my family when I’m at the office. A positive balance of both work and play helps us all achieve a sense of well-roundedness that holistically makes us better people.

It builds camaraderie.

I’ve played golf for 36+ years, and while it is an individual sport, more than anything I enjoy the camaraderie of being around all the different people I socialize with on the course. Whether it’s teeing off with customers, meeting new people, or sustaining long-standing relationships with old golf buddies, the camaraderie that comes with a round of golf, for me, is invaluable.

It brings out our competitive nature.

For many of us, hobbies outside the office bring out our competitive nature. Golf certainly falls in that category for myself, but so does waking up every morning at 3:45 to head to the gym. It’s a place where I can compete with myself to complete my workout, get the exercise I need, and stay healthy. Interacting in competitive activities helps us all build leadership skills, collaborate, solve problems, and better ourselves physically and mentally.

It bolsters our character (and rejuvenates our spirit).

Being an involved corporate citizen is at the core of what we do. I believe that a true work/life balance involves digging in and embracing the community in which you work and play, whether that’s serving on boards, volunteering at a charity, joining a local civic club, etc.  Getting involved in these types of activities doesn’t just improve our communities: It rejuvenates our spirit. It reflects our character, as a company, but also as individual citizens.

Do you play as well as you work? I hope so. After all, just as Edison alluded, time is all we have, and we can’t afford to lose it.

The Best is Yet to Be.

Your Raving Fan,