Our inaugural mibe Summit came to a close yesterday and I'm still riding the emotional high from an amazing two and a half days. We had 100 Heart Leaders from across the country that came to learn, be inspired and connect with one another around the idea of putting Heart Leadership into action. I was truly inspired by the authenticity and humility which was displayed by the attendees. The work that they are doing in their respective organizations is incredible and I can't wait to see the impact they continue to have on the people around them.

It was also an honor to present our first "mibe awards" to recognize Heart Leaders who have gone above and beyond, and celebrate some of the companies that have accomplished awesome things in creating great places to work. Congratulations to all of our finalists and the winners. If you weren't able to attend, we hope you will join us next year!

Best Company Event Winner
“Grocery Cart Relay”

Palmer’s Market/Palmer’s Catering
Darien, CT

The “Best Company Event” award celebrates the most unique team culture event put on by a company in the past year. In the hospitality industry, we are all experts at putting on events for our clients, but it’s just as important to celebrate our own teams! Bringing our teams together to do something silly and unconventional is a great way to create lasting bonds within your organization.

Best Activation of Core Values or Mission Statement Winner
“PodCast”

Butler’s Pantry
St. Louis, MO

Organizations know they need to have core values and a mission statement, but they don’t always do a great job of making sure everyone knows what they are. This award celebrates companies that have implemented a creative way to communicate their values or mission statement over the course of last year.

Best Employee Recognition Program Winner
“Snoozer Moment Making”

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
Denver, CO

There are many ways to recognize your employees, and it doesn’t always have to be a monetary one. Recognition is a critical piece of an employee’s positivity, purpose, and sense of belonging at work. This award celebrates and recognizes the most creative and impactful employee recognition program implemented or enhanced in the past year.

mibe of The Year Winner
“Office Expansion, Establishment of Clubs, Company Events”

Partyman Catering
Avon, NY

This award celebrates a company who has made significant improvements (mibe’s) to their company culture over the past year. Culture doesn’t happen overnight, and must be focused on year-round. From physical changes to the workplace, to the way team members communicate, there are a multitude of ways to enhance the employee experience. This award celebrates the companies that have made culture a priority, and been intentional about creating a great place to work.

Heart Leader of The Year Winners

This individual award celebrates the Top 5 Heart Leaders who have made a profound difference in their employees lives over the past year. Anyone can lead a team, but those who care deeply about their people’s personal and professional well-beings are what sets them apart from the crowd. They are empathetic, passionate, dedicated to their team’s growth, and share a significant amount of love to those they lead. Congratulations to these amazing leaders!

Jason “JT” Thomas
Partyman Catering
Avon, NY

Steve Sanchez
The JDK Group
Camp Hill, PA

David Alan L’Heureux
David Alan Hospitality Group
Berlin, CT

Mary and Serge Krikorian
Vibrant Occasions Catering
Benton, AR