Although you’ve no cause to be aware, I’m actually a permanent fixture on Careers Blog. Unfortunately, the title “grinning idiot in a helmet in the second-from-the-right picture on the bottom row, wearing a shirt that – yes – says, ‘GOT PORK?’” doesn’t carry much cache, so I’m pretty excited to have my speaking debut. By way of introduction, I’ve been a Homestead employee since graduating college – almost two years now – with a math degree. It’s not an exaggeration to say that every day at Homestead is exciting in its own unique way, and our little company has a one-of-a-kind atmosphere that supports personal and professional development while still being a metric ton of straight-up fun.

(there’s a paragraph that goes here, something about responsibility and professional development; you know, serious stuff)

And fun? We have that, sometimes. Moustache-growing competitions? Sundae Fridays? Foosball? Video Game Olympics? Parking lot cookouts? Coworkers who like each other enough to take part in all of the above, and more? There are eighty other leading questions I could ask, but there’s only so much space. Sappy though it may sound, Homestead is one big family, and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. When you can kick back and really connect with people who have more than one dimension, what’s not to love?

At Homestead, we abide by the “no jerks, no idiots” policy. If I had to add a second, it’d be the old standby, “work hard, play hard.” Because we can learn and make a difference, and still have time to tend our moustaches and eat sundaes, too.

-Kyle Woodward; Manager, Data Analysis

This month, to ring in the summer, we will be bringing back a popular perk from last summer known as Sundae Friday! Sundae Friday is another time when employees can get together, relax, and enjoy a “build your own sundae!” For Sundae Friday we bring in several gallons of ice cream from the local Palo Alto Creamery, and employees can build their own sundaes! It’s just another opportunity to take a break and enjoy some ice cream during the hot summer months.

Last week, a tornado ripped through Northern Colorado, about 50 miles north of Denver, destroying dozens of homes and property. Several other smaller tornadoes also hit Colorado. Many of our employees at Homestead’s office in Englewood, Colorado (about 20 miles from Denver) were quick to see how they could help. Due to these devastating tornadoes that have hit the Denver area, and the passion of our employees to help out those who have been dramatically affected, Homestead will be having a food drive that will be donated to United Way of Weld County, a non profit organization that is spearheading relief efforts in the Denver metro area. Homestead has always had a strong community service presence in the areas that we live and work, and we want to continue to do our part to give back. We wish those residing in the Northern Colorado area or those that may be affected all the best, and hope that you all stay safe and healthy in times of disaster.

This past week I was privileged to attend our annual retreat. This year we went to
Beaver Creek, Colorado for some fun in the snow. As always I enjoyed the team building and working sessions, but my favorite thing about the experience was building the bond and camaraderie with my fellow employees. My position has the advantage that I get to meet every employee. However, the retreat allows me to see them in action. I witnessed one employee cheer on another as they rock climbed and raced against the clock. I saw my group in the working session decide how they thought our company should spend millions of dollars in the next fiscal year. We were able to voice our opinions on where we need to put our focus the next few years to continue to be successful. I even got to swing dance with the President of Homestead!

My favorite moment of this experience was at the end of our celebration dinner when everyone had their arms around another employee screaming the song “Don’t stop Believing” by Journey. It could not have been a more appropriate message and moment to portray the feeling of attending a company retreat. Now that it is Monday morning and we are all back in the office, we have an unbreakable bond and the morale is through the roof. You could be a part of our amazing culture. We are always looking for fun, smart and inviting employees who would thrive in this type of organization.

Hi Everyone, Happy spring! Now is the perfect time to be job hunting! Many of you just finished school and are nervous about leaving school. Others may have always had the desire to learn more in their field. Just because you are done with your formal education does not mean your education has to stop. Not only do we encourage employees to challenge themselves and learn on the job but we also have a tuition reimbursement program. Many of our employees participate in this program by attending seminars and completing certificates in their field. You can also use this program to earn your undergrad or graduate degree. It is your chance to obtain real work experience while continuing to expand your knowledge.    

Regular full-time and part-time employees in good standing with Homestead/Intuit and working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in the Tuition Assistance Program. 

Therefore, I would like to encourage you to start thinking about what career path is right for you and how you can obtain it. As a participant myself, I can tell you first hand that we are dedicated to helping you achieve your ambitions.

-Rachel, HR Assistant

In November 2007, Homestead rolled out a new wellness program- Now Walk It Out. Employees interested in participating all received pedometers. They then keep track of their weekly steps and report them in at the end of the week. Those that meet the monthly step goal are all entered into a raffle for a chance to win a great prize! Prizes in the past have included SpaFinder and Foot Locker gift certificates. We also have three walks that occur throughout the work week that allow employees to walk some extra steps and get a little fresh air.

Walking has tremendous health benefits. It is important in weight management, lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, alleviating stress, and strengthening muscles, bones and joints. However, the walking program is also beneficial in that it gives employees the chance to interact on yet another level. Employees from various departments attend the scheduled walks, and you can learn a lot about an individual, their aspirations and their passions on a forty-five minute stroll. You can also learn more about what projects they are working on and how it affects the overall business goal.

It’s a sunny day today…so get out there and walk it out!

Hi Everyone,

We have an exciting event approaching fast. We will be hosting an Open House at our Englewood office on April 9th. This is your chance to come meet face to face with members of our executive team and human resources. Stop by anytime between 11am-6pm. For more information please go to http://denveropenhouse.homestead.com/index.html.

 Hope to see you all there!

-Rachel, Human Resources Asst.

Company social events are a great way for employees to interact and get to know each other outside of their daily work. Homestead has monthly social events that range from tie-dying to magic shows! This month we had our social event at Blue Chalk Café, a restaurant in downtown Palo Alto. There was plenty of food and drinks, and we also had a team competition where the winners received free movie tickets! Below are some photos of Homestead employees kicking back and having some fun!

-Kelly McMahon, HR Assistant

Homestead’s University Outreach program symbolizes our dedication to reaching out and acquiring top talent in a continual effort to improve and ensure the future success of our company.  We actively recruit new graduates by attending career fairs, planning fun social events on college campuses, and maintaining close ties with various on-campus organizations. You may have even come across our booth at your school!  You can’t miss us, because we’re the booth with upbeat, really friendly people that always has cool giveaways!  We are certain that new grads will have a state of the art experience at Homestead by immediately being immersed in our unique culture, where they will have the opportunity to work on challenging projects that make a difference to our business. 

If you’re graduating soon, I encourage you to visit our careers page and send us your resume.  Our ever growing company will present many career opportunities for your future!

Check out some quotes from a few of our recent grads:

“Monday mornings used to be my worst mornings of all time, but after working at Homestead, I LOVE THEM!”
-Sandeep, QA Tester

“Transitioning from school to Homestead was made extremely easy by the understanding nature of the people at Homestead. They expect you to ask questions about things you don’t understand. Just like school, I’m learning valuable things daily, but I also get the benefit of seeing my projects actually applied to the real world. I’ve already built some relationships as strong as those I had in school.”
-Kramer, UI Designer

“It was amazing how quickly I felt at home at Homestead.  Within a few days, it felt just like working in the labs at school.  Now after a few months, it feels like I’m hanging out and working on projects with a bunch of friends.”
-Jonathan, Software Developer

“Becoming a UI designer at Homestead was my first job out of college, and I believe it was the best decision I could have made.  I work with truly impressive and highly experienced people everyday, yet even with experience discrepancies, I have been taken seriously and given real responsibility.  This, and the fact that no one at Homestead penalizes you for revealing what you don’t know by asking questions, and is always willing to help you out, has allowed me to grow tremendously.  In addition to all of this, I have really been able to be myself at work and have a lot of fun with the people I work with.”
-Lindsay, UI Designer

 Kristina Bijelic, Human Resources Manager

Community Service is an integral part of Homestead’s culture, and something that the company holds near and dear to its heart. In fact, it is our third responsibility in the Homestead Creed-a responsibility to our community. It is our responsibility to better the community in which we work. At the end of 2007, Homestead employees partnered up with Family Giving Tree, a non profit organization in the San Francisco Bay Area that is dedicated to providing children with gifts that they may go without during the holiday season. Homestead filled children’s wish cards, and also volunteered at the donated warehouse, sorting thousands and thousands of gifts! It truly was a miraculous experience.

This upcoming month we look to continue our community service program by working with Hidden Villa, a nonprofit, 1600 acre organic farm and wilderness preserve that has multicultural and environmental education programs for children, youth and the community. As volunteers we will help maintain their farm during the month of March by making compost, planting and doing irrigation work. We have worked with Hidden Villa in the past, and it has always been an exciting and fun event!

Employees at Homestead truly care about giving back to the community, and we look to bring in candidates that hold that same value in their hearts.

Hidden Villa 2007

Family Giving Tree 2007