Choice Mindsets

How many green shirts does it take to work a typewriter? Apparently, fewer than it took to move Tony’s desk.

Our technology has certainly changed over the years. Gone are the days of the typewriter, digital planimeter, survey rod and chains, drafting table, slide rule, and abacus (that one applies only to Jeff Puthoff and Tony). Now we use sophisticated traffic simulation software to design efficient intersections. We develop fancy site design renderings in Photoshop. And we use complicated, precise MS Excel spreadsheets to determine the perfect amount of pizza we need to feed everyone in the company.

Whether the task at hand requires old-school technology or not, it often takes a little teamwork to get the job done (like [l-r] Brittany, Caray, and Holly above). And thanks to this teamwork, we can produce a perfectly typed tax form, a safer intersection, a full-color, public meeting-ready image, and enough Lotsa Meat pizza to feed the whole COEC crew.

On the left is Choice One surveying “mentor” Allen Bertke in May 2009. On the right is surveying “protégé” Eric Kuck, nearly 10 years later in October 2018. Same tree, same senior-picture-style pose, same safety-green surveyor getup. We’ll wait to comment on who wore it best…

So what’s changed in the ten years between photos? Let’s see, Choice One has gained about 25 new employees (112% of which are named Ryan, Brian, Jeff, or Michael). We opened the Loveland and Portland offices, thereby infiltrating more of Ohio and Indiana with our green shirts and bad singing. And we finally got Tony to semi-retire, meaning he’s out of the office more permanently than just the occasional two-month bike trip.

If you haven’t seen it, check out the Choice One music video inspired by the 1993 Boyz II Men R&B video “End of the Road.” Featured in our spin on this slow jam are COEC’s very own (l-r) Dane Sommer, Luke Hemmelgarn, Jake Bertke, and Kyle Siegrist. And yes, Kyle definitely had that sweet 90s swagger down a little more than the rest of COEC’s naturally awkward engineers.

Some have asked how we compelled these four gentlemen (not to mention the band of green shirts attempting to clap on the beat in the background) into providing such soulful vocals and striking, emotional on-screen moves. There is really no solid answer for this, although misunderstood promises of free lunch and pure gullibility do come to mind.

With Kyle, however, we’re pretty sure no bribe was needed—it’s clear he has been dying for the occasion to let out his inner *NSYNC. We sure appreciate your smooth moves, Kyle, and we’re pretty sure those who suffered through the awkwardness of both the making and viewing of this video appreciate your effort as well. You may not be quite as famous as Justin Timberlake (yet!), but you’re a hit with… well, somebody, we’re sure…

If you aren’t sure, that’s Dan in the sunglasses and blue headband, buying tickets to the gun show during Choice One’s Christmas card photo shoot. Dan, we’re fairly confident that your bicep (and therefore rest of the photo) is NOT legit, because we’re absolutely positive Jeff Puthoff would never be caught in a hot pink sequined hat in real life.

If you missed it, this Christmas card photo (and the full version here) speaks volumes, both in 80s hair and old school boom-box beats. From the spandex to the neon, we took Christmas to a new, totally rad level of ridiculousness by “pa-rum-pum-pum-PUMPING” up the ante on outrageous Choice One Christmas photos. (We had to out-do Cousin Eddie from last year.)

We do truly hope that our card, and the Christmas wishes that come with it, brightened your holiday season. From all of us at Choice One, may your holiday be pa-rum-pum-pum-pumped full of merry and glowing fluorescent bright!

We’re not sure who’s going to win this crutch-assisted footrace down the Sidney office’s hallway: Kyle on a newly repaired knee, or Kecia on a newly repaired ankle. Whether there will be post-race repairs needed to their pride remains to be seen.

We’re pretty competitive around here, in case you haven’t noticed. Mitch has been deemed faster than electricity (but not the tallest). Andy is typically competing for the first snacks. Mike G. is the first to the thermostat. And if you missed the Loveland Charity Cup two weeks back, you can witness the highlight video featuring our typical, ultra-competitive nature (not to mention our obvious need for speed!).

We hate to see anyone injured, but if these two would knock each other down, perhaps it will knock some sense into them. Plus, if Kyle and Kecia are on the ground, the rest of us have a better chance of winning whatever it is we’re racing towards!