The Top 5 Things I’ve Learned at Go Media

To borrow some wit from the great Groucho Marx: “Before I speak, I have something important to say.”

That something important is to announce I’m leaving Go Media after five remarkable years.

Although it’s a bittersweet moment, I know that the future of this company is bigger and brighter than any one person. Go Media has truly done some inspiring and meaningful things during my time here — but they’re only just getting started.

Because this is a farewell post in disguise, please forgive me while I reflect on some of my favorite moments at this amazing company.

Bill Beachy’s Famous Salsa

The summer of 2008 was exactly as it should be in Cleveland — hot, sunny, and full of promise. In those days Go Media was headquartered in Bill’s townhouse-turned-office, where we sat elbow-to-elbow, sipping coffee and clicking keyboards.

Bill Beachy, Adam Wagner, Dave Romsey, Chris Comella and Tim Boesel hard at work in the original Go Media headquarters.

Our refuge from the heat was the AC and Bill’s delicious homemade salsa. During lunch breaks we gathered around the kitchen island (a.k.a. communal feeding station) to gorge on a vat of the cool tomato mixture. It was a refreshing treat and my first true bonding experience. It was also my first glimpse of Bill’s overwhelming generosity: what was his, was ours. No strings attached.

The Go Media Softball Team

I can’t help but smile when I think of how unapologetically terrible we were — desk-bound designers huffing around the bases after barely bumping the ball into left field. I don’t count our losses, though. All I remember now is the camaraderie, competitive spirit, and Heather’s bright blue pants (you showed us how it’s done, girlfriend).

Go Media alum Heather Mariano sports some exciting blue pants while waving at the camera

Paid Days at Cedar Point

Our surprise trips to Cedar Point were just one of the many perks I boasted to friends and family when gushing about Go Media. These short jaunts to Sandusky were Bill’s way of saying “Now go have some fun, you nerds!” And fun we had.

The Go Media crew enjoy a day at Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio

Go Media vs The Iron Dragon

Epic Christmas Parties

Gifts, games and goodies — it doesn’t get any better than a Go Media holiday party. It’s a full day devoted to festivities, including Rock Band blowouts, catchphrase blunders, and a spirited present-swapping game that left Sarah crockpot-less (some people better sleep one eye up this year, that’s all I’m saying).

Liz Hunt, Kim Finley and Adam Law laugh it up at a past Go Media Christmas party

Weapons of Mass Creation

It finally hit me that I was part of something greater when volunteering for WMC. If I could hop in a time machine and rewind it three years, I would reassure Jeff Finley that putting on this festival is worth the hours and the heartache — and that he has no idea just how awe-inspiring it will become.

Bill Beachy, Jeff Finley and Adam Wagner speak at Weapons of Mass Creation Fest.

The memories I have with Go Media are authentic, heartwarming, and rewarding — and from where I stand today, it’s humbling to acknowledge the lessons I’ve learned over the years.

Without further delay, here are my biggest takeaways from working a job that has always been oh-so-much-more than that:

  1. Be genuine and do what you love — the rest will follow.
  2. Never underestimate the power of dependability.
  3. Build relationships, not projects.
  4. Hold yourself accountable when no one else will.
  5. Give back, because you never know who’s watching.

The Original Go Media Crew

Thanks for the memories, my friends. You’ve helped mold more lives than just mine, and for that I’ll remain your fiercest fan.