Brad
This year I have learned a lot about the digital equity gaps in our community including devices (laptops, phones, etc.), broadband Internet, and digital life skills. I find myself feeling grateful for my early exposure to technology because my dad was an entrepreneur and technology enthusiast. I have been surrounded by technology throughout my life with the latest technology always within reach. As I have come to recognize what a privilege my technology access has been, I’m also very thankful this year for those in our community actively closing the digital divide. There are valiant efforts underway through the Franklin County Digital Equity Coalition to make faster and faster progress in bringing digital opportunities to everyone in our community. I’m delighted our team can be involved in those initiatives.
Digital equity isn’t the only type of gap I’ve seen more clearly in the past year, and I continue to count my blessings for all those in my village who support me. My daughters are growing up, and they are inspiring me in new ways through their awareness of our environmental impact and our empathy for others. I’m grateful for Abbey’s partnership in life that helps me grow personally while also pursuing my professional aspirations. My team at work impresses me daily. I’m so proud of the growth I’ve seen from so many team members this year. We have more leaders managing and advancing our impact more quickly than we did a year ago, and I look forward to what the coming year will bring.
I find myself frequently amazed by the impact our clients are having on the community, bringing opportunities to people and organizations locally. My heart is full because of the opportunity I have to play a role in the important work our clients do. It’s so fulfilling knowing we’re playing some small part in bringing greater equity to our community–thank you for your partnership!
Melanie
I feel like I say this every year but time truly is flying! It feels like I was just writing for 2023’s blog, and as I am reflecting, there is so much to be grateful for this year in 2024. This year has been a traveling year and I am grateful to have been able to visit so many places, old and new. We even took our long-talked-about work retreat to a dude ranch! With each year passing, I find myself even more thankful for my fiance Lucas who makes me feel so safe, loved, and appreciated. I’m thankful to have a loving family and friends. I’m thankful for my co-workers who are more than just co-workers to me, they are my family as well. Each day I think about how lucky I am to work in such a supportive environment and how thankful I am for Brad and Buckeye Innovation. I’ve been provided so many opportunities to learn and grow throughout my career here. I’m looking forward to what 2025 will bring!
Tony
If I were to sum up what I’ve been most thankful for this year into a single sentence, it would be that I am intensely grateful for the support I receive from family, friends, and coworkers on a daily basis. Having a supportive circle around myself has helped me to overcome so much–from anxiety to personal and professional growth. 2024 was a milestone year for me. I turned (gulp) 40 years old, which still boggles my mind to think about. I started making strong efforts to push myself outside my comfort zone, and I’ve seen the immense benefit doing so has had on me. Kindness, empathy and compassion are so incredibly important to me, and I think those things mushed together is what I think of as “support”. I’d like to also add that I’m so thankful to Brad and Buckeye Innovation for giving me a place to grow and flourish and make as much impact as possible. I’m hoping 2025 brings more of the same my way!
Lorraine
Health and the health of my family is number one. Health is Wealth! I’m thankful for my family and friends, both long time friends and new friends. I’m thankful for Brad and the Buckeye Innovation Team who are my work family. You are the best teammates and I have the highest respect and admiration for you all.
As we move on to a new year my goal is to intentionally start and end each day with a prayer of gratitude. I will treat others with respect and kindness. I will seek first to understand and avoid making cruel and unfair judgments of others. Having lived in many different places in America, I’ve come to learn that America is a vegetable soup of all kinds of wonderful people. Most people are good and want good things to happen. I’m thankful to live in this country and will work hard to be a beacon of hope and light to those I come into contact with.
Scott
I’m so thankful for my family! My wife and I welcomed our son, Silas, into our family a little over a month ago, and it’s been so awesome getting to see him grow and develop so much over just this past month!
Having our first child has really made me realize just how thankful I am for a supportive family and church community around us. So many people have brought us meals, pitched in to help, and sent such encouraging letters and texts. I can’t imagine the past month without all the amazing support and help from people around us. I am more grateful than I can express.
Along the same lines, I’m so thankful for Buckeye and how understanding they were to give me paternity leave and handle all of my responsibilities as we adjusted to our new life with our son. I received so much support from everyone at Buckeye, and it allowed me to focus on my family when they needed it most!
Ben
This Thanksgiving I’m especially thankful for my son, who’s entering his toddler era. It’s a season of joyful chaos, plenty of laughter, and lots of learning. I’m grateful for my extended family, who surround us with love and support, making all of parenthood even more rewarding. And most of all, my wife has been my greatest source of love, joy, and inspiration. We’re each other’s biggest fans, and I’m so thankful to walk through life with her by my side.
Professionally, I’m grateful for the opportunities at Buckeye. I was promoted to Support Manager, which has been an exciting challenge. I’m eager to see how I can help our team grow and serve our clients even better in the coming year.
Madeline
This year, the meaning of thankfulness feels different. My family recently lost my grandmother, which has brought me face-to-face with the reality and fragility of life. I’m incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend with her this past year. Those moments, no matter how simple, are now cherished memories I’ll carry with me forever.
I’m also deeply thankful for the love and support of my family and friends. Their presence has meant so much to me during this time. Though this season feels bittersweet, it has reminded me of the importance of cherishing the people around me and embracing every opportunity.
Andrew
In any election year, things can be chaotic and stressful and scary for people. I’m thankful that my life is in a stable and comfortable spot, and having my job at Buckeye certainly helps with that. I hope I can use some of my energy to help other people feel comfortable and happy as well!
Anjelo
This year, I’m grateful for the people and experiences that have helped me grow. My partner, Ben, remains my biggest motivator and source of joy. I’m endlessly thankful for his encouragement, support, and patience.
I’m also deeply appreciative of my chosen family and friends, who have served as constant reminders of good in the world. Their kindness and understanding give me hope for the future.
At Buckeye, I’m fortunate to work with a group that’s not only talented but also genuinely uplifting. Being on a team that gets energy from helping others is incredibly inspiring. Whether we’re working through a client challenge or kickin’ dirt in the desert, the Buckeye team keeps me energized and engaged.
Lemar
I’m grateful for my family and colleagues this year.
I’ve lost several close friends and family over the past few years. In the midst of things, it can be difficult to keep a positive outlook. My wife has been my rock during all of life’s ups and downs, and when I look at our daughter, I feel incredibly blessed that I’m here to experience all of this.
At Buckeye, I’m blessed to work with an exceptional team of people who say what they mean, and mean what they say! They inspire me to continue honing my skills. It gives me hope and excitement to see where we will go in 2025 and beyond.
Rachel
I am thankful for my health. I have gone through some ups and downs in 2024, but I am so grateful that my health is improving and the steps I have taken to get where I am now. I’m also so thankful that Buckeye has been a great partner in my journey this year. Buckeye has allowed me to take the time off I’ve needed as well as always putting mental and physical health as a priority through wellness programs and health challenges throughout the year for all of us.
Stacy
As I reflect on all that has happened in the past year, I am so grateful to be where I am now. Last fall, after two years at Buckeye, I left to pursue another opportunity. Even though I’m still relatively new to software development, I have now worked at not just one, but two truly great companies that are doing meaningful, impactful work.
While trying something else was a good experience, it simply wasn’t a great fit for me. I soon realized how much I missed the team, the culture, the clients, and the work we do at Buckeye. I am beyond grateful that I was able to rejoin the team in the spring. All in all, this was a great chapter of professional growth and learning that helped me find clarity about what I value and find fulfilling in my work. I feel incredibly privileged to have been welcomed back with a greater conviction that this is where I belong.
Outside of Buckeye, I am thankful for a strong support network of friends and family. Above all, I’m grateful for my husband Darrell. It’s amazing to be able to spend every day with my best friend and perfect adventure partner. He is the rock that has kept me anchored while I navigate the ups and downs of life and the world around us. I’m thankful for our health and the opportunities we’ve had to travel, explore, unplug, and immerse ourselves in nature. I’m excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in 2025, both personally and professionally.
Margo
I have so much to be grateful for this year. I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me throughout my career-switching journey. This includes my friends and family, who have been patient with my busy schedule, Columbus State Community College for its supportive faculty and valuable resources, and Buckeye Innovation for giving me the opportunity to be their Software Engineering Apprentice. I’ve never felt more like myself. With this newfound confidence, I’m grateful for the chance to help fulfill Buckeye’s mission and make a positive impact. A special mention goes to my fiancée, Lex, who has not only been the catalyst for all these wonderful things but also my rock.
Brian
This year started out with struggles in what felt like every area of my life. Early in the year, I tore my meniscus, dealt with panic attacks stopping me from flying, and was unemployed for the first time. What I’m most thankful for is all the people who have helped me deal with and overcome those challenges: my partner in everything in my life, Amanda, for believing in me even when I struggle to; my friends, for keeping it light and fun; my family, for keeping everything in perspective; and my therapists, physical and mental, for giving me tools and a roadmap to improve. Finally, everyone at Buckeye, for being so gosh darn fantastic to work with, learn from, and hang out with!
Stephen
I am incredibly thankful for my wife and three daughters who are my constant source of support and strength. They bring so much love, laughter, and comfort to my life, always standing by me through the highs and lows. Their unwavering presence fills my heart with gratitude. I am reminded every day of how lucky I am to have such an amazing family that I can lean on no matter what.
Kaylyn
I am incredibly thankful to be surrounded by love. My husband, Gary, and our 2-year old son, Oliver, are the center of my world. I am so grateful for their health and happiness. I am also fortunate to have many lifelong friendships, and they have truly become my family. To have people who truly see you and know you (and stick around anyway) is one of the greatest gifts in life, and one I strive to give in return.
I am also thankful to everyone who has helped me in my career change. A year ago, I was an English instructor! There has been a bit of a learning curve to working in tech. The incredible team members at Buckeye have supported and encouraged me every step of the way. I have learned so much from them, and I am so proud to work with a community-minded team.
