Let me preface these photos by saying that it’s pretty amazing to actually work for a company that appreciates and recognizes employees for working hard. Most companies only invite sales reps who’ve met their goals for the year on club trips, but my company goes above and beyond to reward support staff, management and star performers by letting us join them on these trips. (Which is just one of the reasons we’re listed as one of the best companies to work for in Virginia this year).

Last summer, I received the “Big Mike” award for my dedication to a monstrosity of a proposal I managed that we had just submitted, plus my contribution to our becoming ISO 9001:2008 certified in the spring, and my willingness to help anyone with just about anything at work (like streamlining the way our sales reps communicate with our warehouse personnel. As a result, I won this trip for two to St. Maarten — all expenses paid at the beautiful Westin Dawn Beach resort with an amazing group of people.

We’ve come a long way from pointless work days at TranSystems, wasting away the time and waiting for something exciting to happen. But, that’s besides the point. Let’s get to the good stuff. ADS Club Trip 2011. St. Maarten. A hundred of my favorite co-workers and our guests. Go.

This crazy trip has got me feelin’: refreshed
And I’m singin’ along to: Mi Se La – Ralph Thamar