Xylem Design: Getting Our Hands Dirty

The Xylem Design Team

As Paul Simon once said, “You know the nearer your destination the more you’re slip slidin’ away”. And so a very filthy yet determined Xylem Design (the parent company of Pedestal Source) team found out first hand last week in the Survivor Mud Run. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to frolic in a chilled, soupy mess of mud? “It invigorates the soul!” says Xylem team member Joel. “The only reason I kept running was to get to the next muddy oasis”.

The Survivor Mud Run is designed to test your strength, stamina, fitness and mental determination to be sure, but it’s also designed to be an opportunity to rely on your teammates and build relationships with people whom you spend so much of your time with, but may only say “hi” to around the office. “It really made me feel good to be part of this team,” said Joel. “The group with the strongest physical condition continuously stopped and made sure everyone was doing ok and offered help in some of the more difficult obstacles. Even our fearless leader, Greg Glebe, ran back after finishing to check on the team and inspire us to keep going. Overall I felt this was a cool way to bond with people you may not have the opportunity to very often. I do feel more connected than before”.

Loren Jones, who finished first of all the Pedestal Source team members in their heat, said that his favorite thing about the event was “the idea that we are laying the foundation for a company wide culture of cooperation, health and self-respect”. He went on to add, “I have the pleasure of working with some great people. This run only fortified my respect and desire to assist them in our day to day toiling. I don’t get a chance to hang out with the office people that much, so that was a good opportunity to be a team, with them, in a new way.”

Greg With Our “Mascot”

One of the lasting images from the day is that of Greg marching into the event with our “mascot” hoisted on his shoulder. That mascot? One of our White Laminate Pedestals. But we like to think our business is about more than just that physical product. The mascot is merely a symbol of our small community. A community committed to the people within, and the people it serves. The reliance and dedication exemplified in that product is what we’re most proud of. To quote the great Henry Ford – “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business”. Words to live by here at Xylem Design, where we’re not afraid to get our hands dirty, or any other part of us for that matter! Here’s our video that totally sums up the day’s events, check it out!