What's Your Story?

Happy Halloween!

Is this the future of 18 Stories?  I'm not sure, but what I do know is this is where the majority of your money goes when you work with us!

Yesterday we had our kids run the show and tear up the office.  If you can't get ahold of us for the next few days.....we're cleaning up!

 

This is what it's all about.

Steve Gumm

Great Job Tom!

CONGRATULATIONS TOM!  With temperatures reaching the mid 80's, Tom managed to run 26.2 miles in 4 hours and 25 minutes 24 seconds.

Of the 45,000 people who registered, only 33,033 actually lined up to start the race.  Over 2,000 of those who lined up did not finish.  This was no easy marathon (if there is such a thing).

We're proud, and a little jealous, of Tom who now has 4 marathon finishes under his belt.  Running 26.2 miles is an incredible challenge.  Even more than the physical test the body undergoes - the mental challenge to continue on even when every part of your body is screaming to stop is nothing short of incredible.  To finish a marathon says volumes about an individual's ability to overcome adversity, accomplish goals and face challenges that appear almost impossible.

To Tom and everyone else who not only finished, but had the courage to train and line up to run 26.2 miles - we applaud you.

Steve G.

Naperville Independent Film Fest

18 Stories was proud to sponsor the Naperville Independent Film Festival, which took place last week.  We want to say congratulations to all the winners and send a special thank you out to everyone involved in the event.

We are already looking towards 2009 and have some incredible ideas to help generate more buzz and excitement for the event.  With more awareness and movie stars attending, each year this festival will grow and provide an outlet for creative film makers trying to make their mark.

For more information, a list of this year's winners or to just keep tabs on what's going on for 2009 - please check www.naperfilm.org which acts as home base for the project.

Anytime there are big dreamers taking chances and really going for it - we want to be involved.  There is so much talent out there, yet so few who actually dive in and take a chance on themselves.  For those who dove in and and working to bring your dreams to life - we're proud to be a part of the ride.

Steve G.

Watch Out Chicago! Tom Is Running The City!

Naperville, IL - Sept. 16, 2008 - At 18 Stories, we are proud to highlight our very own Marathon Man, Tom Labadie. He is running the Chicago Marathon for the 4th time to not only challenge himself, but raise money for the American Liver Foundation. What else would you expect from a former Indiana basketball manager under Bobby Knight? He got lots of practice running for his life, given that any slow down could have meant a chair to the dome. We're happy to report only minor scarring after four years in the position. We're also proud of Tom and always throw our support behind anyone on our team who sets out to do good in the community.

Please do not read this  as a solicition for donations, but instead as a reminder that there are people out there *donate*, often times within our own companies, *donate* who strive to make a difference and push themselves to high levels of achievement *donate*. If you are interested in supporting Tom's efforts, you can donate to the American Liver Foundation by following the link below. Otherwise, please look for an update on how our Marathon Man did in Chicago this year.

On October 12th, the entire world will be watching Tom (at least in our office anyway) as he fights the cramping, the knee pain, the exhaustion and the occasional city odor to cross that finish line in style -with his trademark triple flip over the finish line ribbon to close things out. (Each year, after Tom wakes from passing out at the end, we've told him about his awesome triple flip! Please don't ruin it for him!)

Tom's looking to break the 2 hour mark!... and then to completing the final 13 miles in about the same amount of time. Cheers, Tom! We love you man!

Cheers!

Steve Gumm

For donations you can:

1) Write a check and mail it to: ALF - Illinois Chapter, Attn: Elyse Barson, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1870, Chicago, IL  60601 (PLEASE be sure to write Tom Labadie in the Memo section of the check!)

2) Log on to http://www.active.com/donate/run2008/alfTLabadi2

For Love and Support you can:

1)  Call Tom at 630-544-5000 to give him your best pep talk

2)  Email Tom (tom@18stories.com) with "Run Thomas... Run" in the Subject Line along with your most creative 'Ode to Tom' poem.