We Few, We Happy Few…
According to some internet calendar that we (sometimes) use to amp up our content creation, today is Employee Appreciation Day, so we’re writing this as an open letter to all of our employees, and all of the employees yet to come.
First and foremost, we are extremely proud of all of you. The amount of growth — both individually — and as a company has given us whiplash at times, but our ability to adapt and succeed has become a defining characteristic of who we are. We are proud of this. Given that the average age of a Surfwrench employee is 22, we have had to grow up fast, in an industry that is at best inhospitable, and at worst completely homicidal.
As a growing start-up, we know that we don’t always have the best gear. We know that we have to meet in coffee shops when it’s too cold to hang out in the garage. We know that your sacrifices are great. We know that we ask a lot of every single one of you. We know that oftentimes this involves stepping out of your comfort zone.
But we also know another thing:
We know that when someone uses our product: the late nights, the strained relationships, the pitched arguments, the thousands of miles put on our aging cars, and the lost hair is all worth it. When someone uses what we have created and it helps them, it validates the efforts of every single one of us. When someone does a used car check and avoids buying a lemon, it’s worth it. When someone gets their transmission rebuilt for $300 instead of having it replaced for $3000, it’s worth it. When someone has their exhaust welded up in their driveway instead of having to get a new one, it’s worth it. When someone uses our emergency services and gets where they need to go, it’s worth it.
We know that we quote Churchill a lot, but that’s because he said a lot of things better than we ever could. This is no exception:
“To each there comes in their lifetime a special moment when they are figuratively tapped on the shoulder and offered the chance to do a very special thing, unique to them and fitted to their talents. What a tragedy if that moment finds them unprepared or unqualified for that which could have been their finest hour.”
– Sir Winston Churchill
Each one of you were tapped, and thankfully, each of you answered the call. Because of this, we are changing the world, little by little, every single day. So to our team: Ben, Aidan, Shannon, Douglas, Mark, and Caitlin and all of our advisors, experts, and testers — thank you. You are not just appreciated, you are a part of something that is changing the world for the better, and because of this: you are loved. This company has become a quirky, nerdy, original, unapologetic, innovative family — and we could not be more proud to be a part of it. More importantly, we could not be more proud to have you be a part of out.
To all of our employees that we haven’t met yet, here are a few things you need to know:
- Innovation is what we do. If you think of a better way to do something — tell us. We are always looking to get better at every aspect of what we do.
- We are all equals
- We embrace all walks of life, and let everyone let their freak flags fly
- If your car breaks, bring a pizza and some Mello Yello to the Rock and Roll Garage. Uncle Jimmy will take care of the rest.
- We genuinely care about your well being
- We are working hard to provide opportunities that you can’t get anywhere else
- Helping people is our M.O.
- We write really good letters of recommendation for jobs and scholarships
To everyone else who is reading this, our team that has your back in all matters automotive. We want to help you get back on the road. We know that “car problems make you cry.” When something goes wrong with your car, give us a shot. Our technicians and independent shops are out there, waiting to save you thousands of dollars with your repairs. Buying a used car? Do a used car check on our site, have one of our techs take a look, and it can save you from massive headaches down the road. Even better, it can also save you thousands when there is an independent 3rd party there to help you negotiate.
Alleviating these problems is why this team was created, and it is our focus to solves these problems. We know that we have a long way to go, but we also know that not only are we capable of solving these problems, but we will find unbridled opportunity due to our innovation, creativity, and our will to change the world.
Keep up the good work, we’re doing a damn good job.
Erik & James