On May 31, an official ribbon cutting ceremony was held for a new beautiful building in West Bend, Wisc. Even though the employees actually moved in mid-March 2017, their new 60,000 square-foot home still had that "new building" experience. It rivals something similar to getting into a new car: the potential, the new opportunities, inspiration for new ideas, etc. The site will hold the headquarters for Delta Defense LLC and the USCCA (U.S. Concealed Carry Association).
The ribbon cutting was joined by Republican Senator Ron Johnson, Mayor Kraig Sadownikow, Delta Defense LLC president and CEO Tim Schmidt, Rep. Bob Gannon, Rep. Jesse Kremer, as well as a few representatives of the local chamber of commerce.
Even employing only under 200 people, the company Delta Defense has gained traction. For the five years running, it was named Inc. magazine's one of the fastest growing companies as well as named one of the best places to work in the state by the Milwaukee Business Journal in 2016. "I attribute this to a growing marketplace, aggressive marketing and a positive culture," says Schmidt.
Aside from the marketplace, he's referencing the employees - a returning theme for the day. He exemplifies this belief by explaining that the business isn't the building, but the employees. He quotes Theodore Roosevelt:
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Delta Defense and the USCCA didn't end up moving far, having originally been located the remodeled Museum of Wisconsin Art building in November 2013 – also in West Bend. As such, the city's major gave a few words. He returns to the employees, "The 150 people inside the building, their passion, [they're] motivated to tackle the challenges of the future." The mayor even takes a moment to impress upon the attendees his take on these employees and appreciates the rarity of the dedication they apply for the work.
"On behalf of a grateful nation, thank you," he says.
Senator Johnson continued the emphasis on giving credit for the employees. "[They] describe what makes this country great – those who worked hard, get dirty, and get the job done. What makes this country great are the places and organizations like this."
What you might consider this country's mission statement, Johnson spoke on what he sees as the meaning behind life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That that pursuit isn't an easy one. That the mere pursuit of the American dream illustrates the determination of the U.S. - of the people like the employees of Delta Defense and the USCCA.
We got a tour, too
The company installed what they call a "Dream Board". There employees are invited to post up wants and items of inspiration - be that a next promotion, raise, or a new boat. Centered is a great saying, "If it is to be; it's up to me."
We also checked out their media room where they record training videos for YouTube as well as any needs for talking head news broadcasts. In fact, said Schmidt, he used the corner just the week before for an interview on a national news program.
It was apparent that 2017's cubicle mazes are designed vastly different than those you think of. If this can be taken as an example of office structures to come, gone are the days of people gopher-heading each time for an interesting event. Natural light flows in, the flow is easy. It's no wonder the employees are as dedicated as they are.
Delta Defense and USCCA can be contacted at www.deltadefense.com and www.usconcealedcarry.com, or at the physical address on an appropriately named-street 1000 Freedom Way, West Bend, WI 53095.
