Iowa Insomnia

This week has been utterly exhausting! However, in the midst of all of the hustle and bustle and thirteen hour work days, it was the first glimpse of seeing this team really begin to work together. Justin has had to hire so many people since arriving here, that the majority of the team are actually new hires. This week we were able to see the team starting to become one team and really start to own their spot here on the CFA team. Many of the workers that were already here have had to learn new positions, be extremely flexible, and they have been asked to work six day weeks as well. This week, three of the leaders began a two week visit to another store out of state, one team member left to go to boot camp for the military, another worker moved out of state, and the CFA trainer went back to her store. I am so proud of how everyone pitched in to work hard, cover each others shifts and step up to the plate.

On Thursday evening, we didn't have to work until close, so we scurried down the road to Des Moines, Iowa, where we happened to end up at the Veteran Fundraiser held by Donald Trump. Whether you are for him or against him, you have to admit that he is rather genius. He was able to draw so much attention to himself during the debate that he didn't attend. He is always able to keep himself in the spot light, kind of like a political Kardashian. We had a ticket, but due to the crowd, the limited number of seats, and the time we showed up, we were stuck outside. We were able to watch him on a big screen and get all kinds of Trump gear. I was so impressed by everyone in the crowd. Everyone was kind and evenly shared the free merchandise that was being passed out. I did not see a single person hoard the hats, beanies, t-shirts, buttons, signs, stickers, hot coffee, or anything else that was being passed out. Instead, I heard, "Did you get anything?" "Take this I already got something." Sometimes I get annoyed at the people that are always looking out for themselves and what they can get. It was so refreshing to see a group of adults, acting like adults. In addition, we got to shake hands with Rick Santorum. He and Mike Huckabee both came out to support the veterans too.



Rick shook every person's hand who was standing outside!

The Trump beanies that they were handing out. We were extremely thankful to get
one because it was in the twenties and windy outside.

We finished the week with a very busy Friday and Saturday at work. I can't wait to see the continued growth and strength that is building in this team, and the leadership and encouragement that Justin will continue to display to them.