"Since you get more joy out of giving to others, you should put a great deal of thought into the happiness you are able to give." Eleanor Roosevelt

This past week I travelled with over 1,000 people from the MFRM Family of Brands including Mattress Firm, Sleep Train and Sleepy’s to San Antonio for our annual National Conference, BEDTalks. If you didn’t already know, I LOVE what I do and the company I work for but this week that passion grew even more. (Quick side note, if you have a job that you aren’t diggin’ as much, then I hope this inspires you to either lead the culture and make it a workplace you love or simply keep searching for the career that will give you joy, support and inspiration to do more and be more.) BEDTalks was a little difficult for me to explain to my friends and family because this was actually my first year to attend so here’s a super quick breakdown of the happenings at BEDTalks:

What is “BEDTalks”?

The MFRM Family of Brands now has over 10,000 employees! This event gives our leadership across the nation to get together and hear inspirational stories and talks, enjoy fellowship and connect with people from New York all the way to California, give back to foster children as part of our national foundation and we all work hard so it’s a time to play a little bit as well. We had a private concert at Knibbe Ranch with Chris Stapelton, an amazing talk from David Robinson, former San Antonio Spurs basketball player, and our awards were hosted by famous comedian, Tig Notaro. The purpose is to inspire and ignite passion and take that back to teams across the country.

What is the "Red Shoes (or boots) Crew"?

This is a special team that I had the honor to participate on this year. A team of almost 85 people went up to San Antonio early to help prep for what was to be an amazing event. We are essentially the “hosts” of the event and it’s our job to make everyone feel welcome and give assistance when needed. It was BEYOND amazing being a part of this little Red Shoes family. The team name originated from our Red Carpet Delivery and our Red Shoes service means we exemplify service, passion and integrity. We actually do wear red shoes…but since we were in Texas I obvs had to have some red boots. I had some of the best memories and fun this week serving on this team. So going back to the part where you might be in a workplace that you don’t feel this friendship and support, I’d encourage you to be a leader and find ways to pave the way and spread kindness to your co-workers. I don’t believe that work is just “work”. You spend a hefty amount of time there so why not make it fun?

What is a "Happy Store"?

Saved the best for last. Just kidding, this was a project that became my baby over the past couple of months leading up to BEDTalks and I was overwhelmed seeing it all come together. I was given the opportunity to be the lead for the Happy Store this year when a great friend, Amber, passed her torch after leading it for several years in the past. With her guidance, support and hard work from my team, and an AMAZING store design from Encore Live….my Happy Store Pop-Up shop came to life in the middle of the JW Marriot Hotel. I selected all of the merchandise, worked on all of the designs for each product and then it’s sold in the Happy Store for BEDTalks attendees. The best part is that 100% of the money raised goes directly back to Foster Kids and pancreatic cancer research support. Needless to say, it was one of the best opportunities and an absolute joy to be a part of.

So in a quick #BEDTalks16 summary...

The Happy Store raised over $94,000 for charity. I was speechless. We also had our first ever Happy Store Fashion Show that I got to model in. As you can see I really had all the sass in my strut...

There was a first ever MOBILE Happy Store. Pretty much the cutest lil’ thing ever.

There was a SNAPCHAT filter specifically for our event. Um, amazing.

I met Chris Stapelton. I’ll pretend I acted cool when I did.

I got to ride a longhorn and meet armadillos. I officially feel like a true Texan now.

We made bikes, blankets and stuffed birthday bags and together collected over 3,000 items that will soon make foster children very happy on our Give Big day in partnership with Together We Rise.

I left inspired by all of the great BEDTalks and can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned. Unreal to think that working for a mattress company would have given me these opportunities. Truly blessed!

Thanks for reading All Kinds of Vibes // xoxo, Megan (aka #MattressMeg)

Current Music Vibe: Fire Away by Chris Stapelton

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