Cascade365 Pulse – August 2024 – Book Publications, Office Moves and More!

I, along with tens of millions of other patriotic sports fans worldwide, enjoyed watching the 2024 Summer Olympics.  As a father of two girls that were once competitive gymnasts, gymnastics is a staple of any Olympics in the Brockett household.  Watching Simone Biles and the women’s team regain the top podium and bring home a gold was amazing.  The journey to gold for the men’s and women’s basketball teams was highly entertaining, and the final game for both teams was electrifying.  Steph Curry’s epic performance to beat France and the women’s team’s slugfest with France that came down to the narrowest of margins — both games were incredibly nerve wracking and fun to watch.

 

Cheering for Team USA in the Olympics is a moment of national pride and unity.  The feverous chant of “USA, USA” transcends political divide and cultural differences. The athletes come from all walks of life, representing various ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds.  This diversity is not just a reflection of the United States’ multicultural society; it’s also a key ingredient in the team’s success.

 

While we could all use some Team USA fanfare, American viewership of the 2024 Olympics decreased by 30% from 2016 and by 60% from the average over 2000-2012.  America seems more divided than I can remember at any time in my adult life.  I’m hoping that we can find strength in our differences and see the value in belonging to Team USA.

August Wellness Spotlight from Cascade365

Did you know that the hottest day ever recorded in the United States was July 10, 1913 on which the appropriately named Furnace Creek in Death Valley, California clocked in at a whopping 134 degrees? Thankfully it hasn’t been that hot this summer, but it has still been a scorcher.

 

In this month’s Altitude Newsletter from our friends at the Marsh McLennan Agency, they explore the importance of staying hydrated. Inside you’ll find tips for staying hydrated, information on the importance of drinking enough high quality H2O and ways to put a fresh twist on and in your water.

Director of National Sales Publishes a Book!!

We wish to congratulate Director of National Sales, Jeff Howell who on August 16 became an author by publishing his first book titled, “A Players Program: The Playbook for Creating Positive Team Culture and Relationships.” Although the book is team sports focused, it does translate to the professional work environment in which we can all relate to daily. For any readers who are interested in ordering the book, please visit his website, A Players Program, and Jeff will ship AND personally sign the book for you. The book summary is below:

 

In “A Player’s Program: The Playbook,” Coach Jeff Howell opens the doors to the heart and soul of the Madison Christian School Lady Eagle basketball program, sharing insights that led to their transformation into a model of excellence on and off the court. This book isn’t just a guide – it’s a heartfelt journey that delivers two major takeaways:

 

Key Components of Success: Learn proven strategies for clear communication, setting shared goals, recognizing effort, and fostering continuous improvement. Build a thriving team culture rooted in faith, relationships, and passion.

 

Being a Great Teammate: Discover how to establish trust, encourage selflessness, and nurture cooperation among players.

 

Through engaging stories and useful advice, Coach Jeff demonstrates how to cultivate an environment where everyone is committed to the collective success of the program. Packed with personal anecdotes, faith-driven insights, and practical tools, “A Players Program” is more than just a playbook – it’s a testament to the power of leadership, perseverance, and community. Discover how to build a program where success is not just measured by wins, but by the growth, unity, and joy of every player.

The Arizona Office is Now in Phoenix!

Big news from the desert! Our Arizona office which houses our operations, finance, client support, and call center teams has traded in Tempe for the bright lights of Phoenix. After five great years in Tempe, we figured it was time for a fresh start (and maybe a shorter commute for some of us).

 

And yes, we know what you’re thinking – who moves offices in Arizona in the middle of the hot summer? Apparently, we do! But don’t worry, we packed plenty of sunscreen and water bottles.

 

Our new Phoenix office is everything we dreamed of – more space, new furniture, faster Wi-Fi, and views that make us feel like we’re on vacation (mostly because we’re so close to the airport and get to watch others head off on their vacations).

 

Cascade365 (Phoenix) officially opened for business in our new home on July 22nd, and we are loving the surroundings.