Last week marked the 13th annual Brandies — and I left feeling something I haven’t felt in a long time: deeply grounded, connected, and grateful.

For those who don’t know, the Brandies are our annual celebration of our people. It’s an evening where we hit pause on the day-to-day and take a moment to reflect — not just on the wins or the numbers — but on who we are.

We celebrate milestones. We honour individual growth. We recognize the people who live and breathe our core values, and those who make this place better just by showing up every day as themselves.

There are a number of awards: Core Value Awards, Operational Excellence, the Sales Belt, the Inspire Award and more. Each one holds its own meaning. But the part that hits the deepest — and I think the team would agree — is our Peer-to-Peer Awards.

This came from a good friend of mine, Matt Rolfe. It’s simple, but powerful. Everyone votes for two people who they believe went above and beyond this year. Who showed what it means to be a Brandie — someone who leads with empathy, supports others, performs with excellence, and brings their full self to the work.

What makes it so special is that it’s not chosen by leadership. It’s voted on by peers. The people who work alongside you. Who see you. Who feel your impact. That’s the kind of recognition that can change someone’s year.

We read out real nominations. We share words that often don’t get said enough. We laugh, we tear up, we cheer — and it becomes clear that this is the culture. Not the awards, not the titles — but the shared experience of appreciating each other.

I don’t take it for granted. The truth is, business isn’t always easy. The past year (and every year, really) brings its share of challenges — moments where you question, regroup, and rebuild. But what I’ve learned again and again is this: in those moments, the thing that makes it all worth it — the thing you fall back on — is the incredible people.

When people are seen, challenged, appreciated, and supported in a safe and respectful environment — they thrive. They do better work. They live more fully. They carry that energy into every part of their life. And when that is the foundation — when you build a business on trust, care, and recognition — anything is possible.

So tonight wasn’t just about awards or party. It was about pausing to say thank you. To celebrate the people who show up every day and make this more than just a job.To the entire team — thank you. For the heart you bring, the effort you give, and the way you lift each other up. This community is something special, and I don’t take it lightly.

And to anyone reading this, I’ll leave you with a question: How are you recognizing your people? How are you celebrating not just the wins, but the humans behind them? When was the last time you slowed down and made space to say, “You matter”?

Congratulations to all of our amazing winners. A special shout out to Sana Khan for capturing the 2024 Peer to Peer Award!

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