Tidbits of Joy #100 - 100 Stories. 36 Years. One Purpose.

This edition marks a meaningful milestone for AdNet: our 100th Tidbit of Joy. I started this blog during COVID to do a small part to bring some inspiration and laughter through a difficult time in history. I’ve been kind of quiet this past year, yet my soul is staying close to kindness and unity.  To achieve that I had to be intentional about the people I interacted with and the materials I read. Toxicity blocks our view from all that is good.

AdNet has grown alongside our clients, partners, and employees for 36 years.  Yikes, time goes by so quickly!! What began as a bold vision has evolved into a company rooted in purpose, relationships, and service. Our longevity is not simply measured in years, but in trust earned, communities supported, and opportunities created. Every chapter of our story has been shaped by people who believed in our mission and worked alongside us to bring it to life. When we say a heart centered environment, I’ll say repeatedly that part of maintaining that environment is speaking the truth even when it’s difficult.

This last year brought a change across our workforce with contracts shifting and government budget cuts. Those are the parts of leadership that break my heart when unexpected change impacts good hardworking people so quickly. Yet we all must forge our paths forward when there is change and from those changes come opportunities for growth and strengthening ones resolve. Oh yes, my resolve has been tested and though the past year we saw more “no’s” than in previous years, we went back to the drawing board to fine tune and improve where needed.

You’ll notice my email signature says, “With Gratitude”. I am grateful for every day we get to do what we do, grateful for good health and grateful when our workforce is consistent. Practicing gratitude is healthy for one’s mind-body and soul. I recommend you try it. On the darkest of days, gratitude will help you find your light. It sure works for me.

I’m proud of our employees because we are a diverse group of individuals, across the United States, taking pride in our work. Diversity is a beautiful thing because it reflects the diverse ideas we bring to the space of whatever we do that comes from diverse backgrounds. One of my idols, Robert Redford said it perfectly, “Diversity is the engine of our culture” and it will always be. Throughout my life I learned so much from friends who came from different walks of life. We grew, we explored and loved each other because of our souls, not the color of our skin, religion, gender, or sexual identity. We didn’t see lines. We just were and are.

As we reflect on 36 years, we are reminded that investing in the future is one of the most meaningful ways to honor our past. Education is an endeavor that no one can ever take from you. That commitment lives on through the Fr. Tom Cerulo Scholarship Fund, established in honor of my late brother, Tommy. The scholarship reflects the values of compassion, service, and leadership that Fr. Tom embodied and that continue to guide AdNet’s work today.

A reminder that applications for this year’s scholarship will close on February 28. We encourage eligible students to apply and share the opportunity with those who may benefit.

Thank you for being part of our journey — for 100 moments of joy, 36 years of business, and the many milestones still ahead.