Cover Story
Giving from the heart
How Expesite LLC employees give without worrying about rewards
Smart Business Columbus | January 2010
Giving is one of those things that means the most when it’s done without thought of reward or adulation. It’s just done because a person or group of people see a need and then figure out a way they can take care of it.
Jeff Sopp doesn’t deny that the involvement of his employees at Expesite LLC is good for his company’s image. But the company’s president and CEO makes it clear to his people that he wants them to give of their time and talent out of a genuine desire to make the world around them a better place.
It’s that philosophy that results in employees taking time to fight disease, to mentor children, to support those who are going through a difficult time or to take care of animals who need help.
It’s why Sopp gives his employees a paid half-day off each month to participate in any community involvement project they choose, allowing them to give personal time to a charity that is near and dear to their hearts.
Employees have collected food, they have walked, and they have spent time being locked up for charities. They have rallied together to collect school supplies for Big Brothers Big Sisters and donated their own blood to the American Red Cross.
They have even uttered the dreaded “M” word the week before the Ohio State/Michigan football game. Each year, the week before the big battle, Expesite employees who are caught saying the word, “Michigan,” must pay a dollar to a collection box.
In 2008, $176 was raised and donated to the Tim Horton Children’s Foundation, which is committed to providing a fun camp environment for children who can’t afford it.
Most of the people that are helped through charity do not know the identities of those who have stepped up to help them. But since the employees at Expesite are not looking for pats on the back, that’s OK.
They’re just doing it because they know it’s the right thing to do and they know that there are people out there who do need the help. The best thing they can do is keep working hard to ensure that Expesite can continue helping.
How to reach: Expesite LLC, (614) 917-1100 or www.expesite.com
