The idea of "connecting" is a fundamental component of whatever we do.

Connecting with technology to solve business challenges. Connecting with customers to ensure their freedom to focus on their forte. But of equal importance, since the beginning, has been connecting with the communities where we live and work. It’s a philosophy that Datamax Inc. President Barry Simon stood by firmly for decades. It’s one he carried through his involvement with CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation Technology Institute), Centers for Youth and Families, The Jillian Fund, and many more.

Simon's vision very much becomes cemented in the Little Blue Book Philosophy #6. The vision later becomes formalized through the launch of “DatamaxCares” in the Dallas/Fort Worth office. The program continues to evolve, but with the same fundamental component of connecting.

“Everybody has to feel they have that responsibility (to give back). Too many times companies come in and don’t do anything in the community. It’s sending the wrong message to our communities, and it sends the wrong message to our employees if we don’t stay involved,” Simon said. “And we want to continue to give not just give back financially, but with our time and our resources as well.”

But what is the DatamaxCares back story? How has it evolved? More importantly – how valuable is YOUR involvement?

The origins of the formal DatamaxCares program begins in 2012 amid a round-table discussion led by the executive team in Dallas/Fort Worth; the team was seeking ways to proactively get out and serve in the communities that Datamax served. To actively pursue hands on community projects – to make it a regular, ongoing thing.

“It’s easy to write a check, but to actually go on site and participate with charities is I believe a bigger impact,” David Rhodes said. "For us, to actually develop a program where we’re proactively seeking out non profit charities and giving, I think it has a different meaning. I think it means we care a little more."
Datamax was ready to formalize its community initiative. The next step? Giving it a face and a name.

A key word being floated was “caring.” “Caring to connect,” the team decided, meant being more than a technology partner, but a community partner as well. The brand name unearthed was, of course, DatamaxCares.

For the logo, VP of Marketing Robert Caldwell visually aligned components of the corporate Datamax logo with one of the core themes in his mind of this new initiative – the heart.  Influenced and personally challenged by C.S. Lewis (the famous British writer and lay theologian), Caldwell was reminded that the heart was clearly the key to serving and loving others.

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

“So it goes without saying the success of most community initiatives has to do with the heart ... a heart for people. A motivation of the heart to give back. A vulnerability of the heart to actively pitch in. From a marketing standpoint, that was very important to convey,” Robert said.

After a few renditions, the logo was launched and by June of 2013, DatamaxCares shirts were made bearing the new emblem. On many occasions, when we’ve partnered with a charity, we connect with the charities by taking on their colors in our DatamaxCares logo. 

While the real heart of the program lies in the work of volunteers, the branding certainly gives the program identity, it reinforces its longevity, and our commitment to it.

“It’s important to me because it shows a commitment to it,” Robert said. “If we don’t create a brand for something, then the question is, ‘is this a one-time event? Or is this a continuum? This was a way to say we’ve got a specific program on board, and we really want you to be a part of it for the long run,” Robert said.

VP of Strategic Technology Justin Huffaker took on the role of spearheading DatamaxCares and planning projects well in advance to optimize internal engagement.

DatamaxCares today alternates between fundraising events within the organization – like the March Madness Challenge, as well as an upcoming Fantasy Football League – and using those funds to both volunteer for and contribute financially to organizations in Texas and Arkansas. Every year, DatamaxCares gives back by picking a specific group in need around Christmas time and donates funds, volunteers time in every applicable marketplace.

While the dozens of nonprofits Datamax has partnered with in Arkansas, Texas, East Texas and Missouri has varied, the general aim is to find groups that often fly under the radar, ones that can’t necessarily pull from a wide range of resources. And now, just as day one, the need for actively engaged employees is of paramount importance. It needs leadership, ownership and new ideas.

“I think that it’s a corporate responsibility for all of us,” Justin said. “Everyone needs to get involved. When you’re organized, you can do a lot more than just an individual.”

So, if you're not currently involved and have a heart for giving back, we'd love you to join in!  Fill out the short form on the main Rave Review Page and Jeff Walker can point you in the right direction.