In recent months I recall stumbling on a Ted Talk and several industry articles warning against the pitfalls and negative consequences of referring to co-workers or our team as ‘family.’
It all made perfect sense in theory. We are not family; there can be associated mindsets that may not be healthy in the workplace. It can impact performance and productivity, etc. etc.
Until this past week…when the Levenger team lost one of our own, this theory just wasn’t our practice, which got me thinking.
You see, Levenger is a family-owned business. While Steve and Lori Leveen have stepped away from the day to day, this is the company that they started in their garage with their savings. In the early days, their sons’ school vacations were often filled with trips to discover antiques and unusual items that could be recreated and adapted for the business. Our “Tools for Serious Readers” indeed came from a long-held family value of learning, literacy and support for the community.
Judy and Howard Gale
In 1987, there were no Ted Talks, no internet, and Levenger went about the business of serving our customers. Steve and Lori founded a company where we treat our customers and colleagues like dear friends and family. That holds true today. There is no single transaction, externally or internally, that is more important than the person on the other side of it.
We have many associates who have been with Levenger for well over 30 years. We are proud of that legacy, of our community; indeed the family that resides here.
Which brings me to Judy Gale who passed away in the wee hours, on Sunday November 10th. Judy and her husband Howard joined Levenger in 1995. Howard was the man behind the camera, while Judy was the stylist, organizer and creative inspiration that ensured the photo was perfect. Together they made magic. Howard left the business several years ago, but until the summer of 2023, Judy remained the glue of our Levenger Photo Studio. Her notes, ideas and props are everywhere. You can’t turn a corner without seeing or feeling a piece of her creativity. Her talent was only overshadowed by her capacity for love.
Danielle, Dawn, Judy and Dena
Judy was the Levenger “mom”. In fact, there was a WSJ article that featured Judy and how she cared for her Levenger family. She ensured we had food when we forgot our lunch, a sweet snack for an afternoon pick-me-up, a kind card or word if anything was ever amiss, and always the biggest and very best hugs that anyone could give. She never forgot an important date and did everything she could to ensure that each of us was taken care of.
Even when Judy left Levenger last year, she always checked in. She wanted us to know just how much she missed her family and that she was thinking of us daily. We knew she was still there and this made us feel ok.
So, I will kindly agree to disagree with the pundits on this topic…
In the past week, hundreds of photos and memories have been shared via email and text. A subdued atmosphere has overcome our office as quiet memories are discussed and tears are shed. We will all say a more formal goodbye at services soon.
We don’t pretend to know the depth of the loss that Judy’s family is feeling, but I do know that our Levenger family is experiencing a profound sadness at the loss of one of our own.
Judy, we’ll miss you!