At Zappos we have a very unique culture where each team and/or department is responsible for creating their own environment. By environment, we mean our surroundings…our home away from home…the place that we live and breathe Zappos.

While it's unheard of in most companies, at Zappos we tend to think it breathes a little life into what could otherwise be very drab and dreary office walls. Plus, it’s kinda fun!

So, what’s the marketing theme? Hint: Save the Customer, Save the World.

Okay, you’ve got it! Heroes! Here’s a quick introduction to a few of the heroes in the marketing department and what they think their superpowers are:

Fletch, the Investigative Reporter (aka Andy)
Super Shopping Woman (aka Ashley)
Guitar Hero (aka Brian)
Ultimate Multi-Tasker (aka Britni)
Search Sensei (aka Darrin)
Fairy Godmother (aka Holly)
Kristaman, does what the Kristaman can do (aka Krista)
Rapid Reader/ Predicting the Future (aka Libby)
Bionic Woman (aka Linda)
Keeper of Time (aka Michelle)
Donatello’s Voice of Reason (aka Mig)
Mandal Man (aka Ned)
Flying Wonder Woman (aka Rachel)
El Sonador - The Dreamer (aka Robert)
Spreadsheet Surfer (aka Vegas)

If you had to pick what kind of hero you’d be or superpower you’d have, who/what would you be? Comments welcome! Oh and by the way, we're always looking for more heroes to join us in the good fight!

Today is the day of the Smurf here at Zappos! The halls of our offices were invaded by dozens of Smurfs just after lunch. Word has it that the Kids team was responsible for the random act of Smurf but no one will confirm for sure.



Not only did the Smurfs steal the attention of every department here, they also overhauled the Zappos Core Values! Find a few words of the wise from the creatures in blue below:

1. Deliver SMURF through service
2. Embrace and drive SMURF
3. Create SMURF and a little SMURFiness
4. Be SMURF, SMURF, and SMURF
5. Pursue SMURF and SMURF
6. Build SMURF and honest SMURF with SMURF
7. Build a positive SMURF and family SMURF
8. Do more with SMURF
9. Be passionate and SMURF
10. Be SMURF

Just about every month, the photo and imaging teams try to go out and do something in public! Most recently we all went to Cherokee Park for a little cookout. We brought our spouses, friends, children and puppies for some fresh air, food, and even a few different ball games for the real adventurous folks. If you weren't there you missed out, it was perfect weather. Good times for good people!!

Here is a group shot of us who came with our furry friends:

from left to right:

andi with zeus, myself with danger, maggie with penelope, and kaya with lola.

Every month Zappos hosts a monthly golf event at various courses all around Vegas. We host these golf events in appreciation of our valued partners, employees and friends/family of Zappos. Each event is "sponsored" by one of our volunteering vendors. They supply the prizes, we do the rest! Over the last 2.5 years these have grown to an average of 32-40 players per month! We always play in scramble (team play) format so players of all skill levels can come out and have a great time. In fact, we personally encourage first timers to come out and join us - a few of them have even been on a winning team. I personally feel that golf is an amazing sport and that everyone should give it try. This is a great time for everyone as we get to hang out with each other (and have a few drinks), meet new people (and have a few drinks), bond on a more personal level (and have a few drinks), and tell stories afterwards (and have a few drinks ). Speaking of stories, here's one from March:

Our March 2008 event was sponsored Calvin Klein (thanks Lorraine!). It was a beautiful day out at the Badlands Golf Club in Summerlin. A perfect golf day - as I would call it. The event started with a catered lunch, compliments of CK, a few drinks, and some pre-game trash talking. We tee'd off at noon with 36 players in groups of 4. Ok, let's get to the good stuff...


(Pictured above are DC Shoes with special guest, Jay Bentley from Bad Religion, and 2 from our Rideshop team - Jim and Josh)

On about the 15th hole, our CK rep, Lorraine, got out of the cart (with her golf partner, Alana, still on the cart) to play her ball when all of a sudden a group of kids came tearing down the golf course on their bikes and hijacked the golf cart with Alana still on it. A struggle ensued between Alana and the kids. Alana had her foot slammed on the brake as the kids were hitting the gas. This resulted in golf cart donuts until Alana was tossed off the cart with the cooler (full of beer). While this was going on, Lorraine picked up one of the kids' bikes and threatened to toss the bike into the nearby water. The ordeal finally ended when the guys in the group behind them came up and pulled the kids off the cart. After regaining possession of the golf cart, Lorraine and Alana took off to safety.

To answer the questions in your head right now... yes, the beer was safe and the bike was wet.

More stories coming soon to a Zappos blog near you...

Sean K - the Self-Proclaimed Chief Golf Officer (http://twitter.com/skimshady)

So a group us from the KY Content team decided to participate in a weight loss competition of sorts. We call Fat Loss '08. Fat Loss 08 is whole other blog in itself that we will be posting in a couple of weeks, but this story would have never happened if it wasn't for Fat Loss '08.

In the first week, Jon, (I know Jon is the star of our department) had lost 5 pounds! He lost 5 pounds, by not exercising, counting calories, or drinking shakes. Instead, he ate like 15 Popsicles a day. He ate a few other things as well, but nothing you would consider a diet item. Then he constantly insisted it was good for you. Not the sugar-free kind either. He does NOT like the sugar-free, hands down!

Lisa, another senior in the Images department, found the perfect shirt for Jon. A couple of us pitched in and got him the polar garden tee shirt. (a garden of popsicles) The best thing about doing this for him is he never would and didn't expect it. That also makes it the best part, because he thought it was another trick waiting to happen, as we handed him the brown package. He totally deserved it, because we do give him a lot of trouble at times. Putting him on the spot and embarrassing him all the time. Yay Jon! Keep it up with your funny ways.

The first ever Zappos.com flag football team had a very successful season finishing 5-5, just missing the playoffs. With only a couple months of playing together under their belts, they were no slouches. Most teams in their league have been playing together for years. That kind of chemistry takes time to develop and Zappos.com put up a fine effort in their short time playing together.

Here are those dapper guys!

From left to right: Top: Derek L., Zack D., Jaime A., Anand D., Kevin W., Aaron T., Norbinn R. Bottom: Paul P., Rico N., Mike F., Jay D., Nick P.

After the season, the team decided to have a bbq at Nick P’s house. Nick played center/defensive line during the season. Many times in preparation for each game Nick could be heard saying, “I just want to hit people!” He certainly brought that nasty streak you look for in a lineman. He knows his way around a grill as well.

The bbq was quickly planned, but did not lack variety. Teammates had their choice of 3 different kinds of bratwurst, burgers, bbq chicken (the Quarterback’s specialty), bbq pork and ribs (pre-marinated, store bought by the Free Safety, boo). Drinks were flowing and food was consumed on an easy Sunday afternoon. Even a couple games of H.O.R.S.E. got pretty competitive for these guys.

It was definitely a good time. Here’s looking forward to next season. If anyone loves some football, we’re sure to be even better the next time around!

Last night, myself, the photographer heading up the Gala (Abby), and our assistants set up for our art show. We were cutting wires + strings, twisting, tying, hooking, taping and labeling 41 pieces! Once everything was prepared, they had to be displayed on a table, mannequin or in the air without putting anything on the walls!! Eight glorious hours later we had our beautiful presentation ready for the public.

The Gala is a small representation of what the KY Content Team ( which includes both Photo and Imaging Departments) can create in their spare time. We had submissions ranging from paintings + photographs to three dementional pieces such as sculptures and a handmade designer dress!

Our official show opening was today at 3:30, made complete with catered snacks from Lady Fingers Catering, some jazz music, and the rest of the team joining us. The show was a raging success!!

Our hard work payed off and everyone had a great time. Winners will be announced later this month.



For any KY employees reading, and any Vegas employees visiting Kentucky right now, the show will be open until May 9th, so please swing by the training room and take a look at our creations. All we ask is that you please not touch any of the submitted pieces.

ENJOY!

As most of the world knows, the Kentucky Derby is a HUGE deal for KY. Each year, from the kick-off at "Thunder over Louisville" to the "Chow Wagon" and "Hot Air Balloon Race" and all the way to the main event, the actual Derby race, the entire city is in celebration.

Here at Zappos we are no different, having our own mini-version of several events.We spend an entire night dedicated to the festivities. Having some "Kentucky HotBrown" for dinner, with our supervisors and managers serving nachos and cotton candy to the team, followed by our own horse racing (actually hopping), a horse decorating contest, AND a Derby Hat contest!



Each department and shift received a stenciled foam-core horse to cut out and deck-out for display by our break-room. Night shift photo department took an hour of our friday night to enjoy some pizza dinner and decorate our horse.


We decided to focus our horse in the direction of two fashionable and flashy brands, Ed Hardy and Betsy Johnson. All complete with an actual Betsey Johnson jockey and finished off with a pair of New Balance running shoes to win the race. We are very proud of our "Zappotariat" A.K.A. "Betsy Hardy".

Lots a great comments to me personally (though none posted) about Andrea's Winged Sunglasses art project from Happy Hour last Thursday. Here's a few more! Steve, Andy, Chris Jerry, Brian, Meg, Brett, Richard, Thad and Tony himself! You're all ready for Bingo Night at the Trop!

So, Andrea.... what will you be doing for the next happy hour?

This is another example of Zappos putting the money (show me the money!) where their mouth is. Basically, any employee who is in good standing and has been with the company for 90 days can grant a $50 bonus to another qualified worker just because “You Feel They Deserve It!” How cool is that?

I’ve passed out quite a few of these and you know, cynical me is almost convinced it is better to give than receive. Yeah, yeah – the money is not coming directly out of my pocket – see, I am cynical. And on that note, yes there have been some chuckleheads who didn’t quite work “to the spirit and intent” of the program and changes were soon made after the original rollout. So much for the downside.

The upside is we can quickly and directly recognize the people we know make Zappos a better place. Another part of the program is that we are encouraged to present the award sheet “in the most creative way possible” to the recipient. I’ve tucked a couple into empty beer bottles and then used my capper to seal it up. Today I presented one to Renee in Training (the best department at ZAPPOS!)



I taped the folded up form to a CD that had a funny title. I was going to gently toss it to her like a Frisbee but then I saw a red toaster lying around. (Random Red Toaster = Classic Zappos) so I dropped the CD into the toaster, walked over to Renee and ejected the CD. She’s accustomed to such antics from me. So why did I feel Renee deserved this Award? Two reasons, first, (and mostly) because she has done such a great job with our Las Vegas Encounter program for our Kentucky people. And second, because her cube has provided some great photo ops for me.

So what are the other examples of Zappos showing the money? Well, the 10% employee bonus bought a big bunch of credibility.

And did you know that when our Customer Loyalty Team new hires are in training, they are told that if Zappos wasn’t what they expected, they can opt out be paid a severance sum to help tide them over. Did you ever hear of such a thing before? You’d be impressed how few people take the offer. When I was in new hire training, a few confided that they were tempted, but no one took it.

Another example is that all employees go to new hire training. Not only does this mean we are away from our “real jobs” for 4 weeks, but Zappos also loses some job applicants because they either cannot complete the program or they “refuse to do phones.” It’s best to find this out as soon as possible because they probably aren’t Zappos culture matches. Zappos feels in the long run it is worth it for everyone to be firmly grounded in our Customer Service philosophy and practices. And people who refuse to “do phones” just aren’t the type of people for the Zappos culture. I was amazed how nice you, our customers, all were when I was in training. Thank You!

Do you know what your Zappos Buddies in Kentucky are doing today, April 28? Yes, we are going to get orders out the door super fast. Yes, we are going to play Rock Band at lunch and on breaks. On top of all that, we are off to the races; the Kentucky Derby Festival Bed Races that is. Our team is loading up the bed right now, doing sprints in weighted vests, and watching "Braveheart" on repeat to get psyched up.

Last week, yours truly and a couple others ran the Bed through some time trials. It was the Zappos version of the wind tunnel, also known as Quadrant 3 of the Warehouse. Yours truly is also in the Red Shirt calling out cadence to the others; my not-in-marathon-shape Zappos buddies are pushing with me; and Mindy is piloting this lightning-fast Bed thoroughbred. Team Zappos will give them a run for their money; you can put your $2 bet on that.

Since this is our first year competing in the bed race, we're out to have fun. Next year, watch out UPS! Zappos will rock you!

Andrea C. brought these spiffy sunglasses to the last Zappos Happy Hour and managed to get shots of many interesting people wearing them. This series is of members of Merchandising's Casual Lifestyle time (C-Life). At the happy hour there were many things to celebrate, one of which being Shyloh's promotion to Buyer. Another one: Galen, Mr. Capital G himself, was promoted to Senior Director of both Casual Lifestyle and Performance! Way to go, boss!

More sunglasses photos will follow! I understand there's one or two of our VP of Merch as well as our Senior Corporate Counsel. Great job, Andrea!

Howzit, faithful followers?!

I really hated to title this latest HR / Training pulsating post as I did, (waaaay too many ABBA references his week for some reason), but what choice did I have??? Feast your ogling ojos on this:


That’s Zappos HR’s very own ninja prom queen, Heaven “Heavenless” T. showing us what she’s got. ‘nuff said.

Oh wait, that’s not true!! I also managed to score a pic of Jamstar’s recent glittering gift from one of her joie de vivre vendors:



Perhaps coming to a Zollar Store near you!! Sweeeeeet……

Some parting notes!

Jobs@zappos! Come getcha some!

Special thanks to Tony “Gender Bender” H., Zappos CEO, for letting me post Heaven’s performance here, instead of snatching it from my archives for his own sinister purposes, and waiting ever so patiently for me to get it out. Yer the best Tony. Love ya. Mean it.

Coming Soon!
-How HR’s Monthly Outing literally rocked! (promise this one’s coming really soon)
-An update from Training! (sorry, really needed to get Heaven’s routine up!)
-Zappos.com: Powered by Hope! (and another Dancing Queen!!)
-Random Rozzy Thoughts! (building anticipation…it’ll be worth it!)
-The Benches Are Here!!!!! (or, “Why We Love Rozzy and Rebecca L.!”)
-What’s all this about Twitter, then?!!

Until we meet again, “Yes! A brain transplant!...I don’t need it; take my brain!”
~drroo
(follow me on twitter!)

Item!
Have any ideas on how this crazy, kooky thing we call a blog could evolve? They don’t even need to be good ones! Have a burning question, or a need to wax philosophical? Need some sage advice? I’m here for you, citizens of the intarweb, and my sustenance is your comments!!!

Team building is a vital part of our company and department culture, especially with the growth and change that we’ve experienced over the past few months. Our teams are encouraged to spend 10-20% of our time outside the office walls, whether it’s for specific team building activities or just hanging out. Developing these personal relationships actually helps our teams become more effective by breaking down the typical office barriers.

Well, what better way to get to know your team members than a little fishing trip out to Lake Las Vegas? Thanks to Miss Britni and Miss Ashley we had the pleasure of learning how to fly fish for the April marketing team outing! Fly fishing in the desert? Yes, it can be done! And boy do we have fishing stories to tell?!

It wasn’t a surprise that our resident superman Darrin wins the prize for the first fish. Ask him how he felt about getting the first one and he says, “Darn, it feels good to be gangsta!” Darrin, who knew?!

Our gal Rachel wins the reward for the biggest fish! Come to find out, she grew up fishing with her dad. Fair? I think not! Her fish may not be a frog, but will it turn into prince charming someday? Only time will tell!

Since it was one of the few times he had been fishing in his life, it didn’t matter to Ned that he didn’t catch a fish. “I almost caught myself…does that count?”

And ever the optimist, Robert’s quote of the day: “It’s not the size of the fish that counts; it’s the size of the fight!”

Andy looked the part of a fisherman but was more interested in feeding and watching the ducks. “I dunno – I think they’re kinda cute!”

Did we accomplish building a stronger team? Did we build upon our personal relationships? I would say so…all in all it was a great day out at the lake. Watch for the May marketing team outing - coming soon!

There are countless reasons why people move to Las Vegas and, while each of our justifications are wildly different, here are my top five:

1) Zappos.com

2) The weather from October thru May

3) 24/7 partying

4) The Shopping

5) You can get a direct flight to almost any location from
here and vice versa.

My top two reasons for living in Las Vegas came into perfect harmony on Sunday afternoon at a Kids’ team tailgate prior to the Las Vegas 51's game. Members of the Kids team and their families came together to eat, drink, and be merry while cheering on our local team.

Zappos has made community involvement a huge priority, and in
the small realm of baseball, we not only sponsor the 51’s, but we are also active
sponsors of the Henderson Little League program! Moreover, we have a team of Zappos folks that get together weekly for a softball league.

We sure serve up a fine balance of work and play around
here! Everyone had a great time at the tailgate
and at the game (the proof is in the pictures ).

BEFORE

AFTER

Thank you to everyone involved in this great event!