Me and Elize waiting for our ride!

Today brings you two perspectives on a visit to Zappos. I took Elize and Anedie there because I knew they would not only have fun, but learn a lot, which they clearly did! It was so fun to watch them experience the dynamic culture at Zappos without being prepped on what to expect and just being introduced into the footwear industry. I had my tour for the first time about two years ago and it was certainly memorable, but I have to say Jerry Tidmore and Mike Normart made this one even better! Jerry was such a good sport and it blew my mind that he pretty much knew everything about me and what I do, which is always nice to discover upon meeting new people. It’s nice to know that I have fans like him out there…. We had a great time and the girls will never forget their visit. Thanks to the entire Zappos team, especially Jerry and Mike for making our visit awesome! -Julia

ZAPPOS ZAPPOS ZAPPOS

I LOOOOVE THEM! So during the last day of Magic tradeshow in Las Vegas, Julia, of course with her contacts, managed to get us a visit at Zappos Corporate Offices in Las Vegas. Oh wow, that was the best. From the convention center, a “Zappos Bus” picks us up and takes us to the corporate office. Well, as we were in our 20 minute drive to Wonderland (Zappos), we had the chance to chit-chat with Zappos employee Andrea. She was a wonderful driver!! Julia knew her already so they were pretty much catching up.

She got us there safe!

We finally arrive Wonderland and the first thing I noticed when I opened the doors was POPCORN, yum!!! Then we met the Zappos crew that showed us around: the Mayor, Jerry Tidmore and Mike Normart. They are so so cool.

So from the lobby, the Mayor gets his Zappos flag and we follow him to the second level.

First room we saw was the “resting room”. It is basically a room where one can take a little nap if they feel they need to at anytime of the day. The Zappos team believes that to work efficiently, your mind needs to be clear and rested. So if throughout the day, for any reason, you feel distressed, you go in the resting room and take a nap. Isn’t that AWESOME?!?

So as we are marching through the call center, every “section” that we go to, everyone welcomes us so nicely. Some have a horn that they beep, others have bells that they ring, just the over all welcome was fantastic. The vibe was nice! Loved it.

Taking notes! Jerry is such a good teacher!

Moving on, we go to the VIP room. This place is filled with poloroid pictures on the walls representing the people that have been through that room, and not many, so we were very privileged to go there and take a pic and put in on the wall of fame There is a royal chair, and some crowns to wear to represent your VIP-ness. I have a copy of the picture which I will forever cherish.

Mike trying to find his picture.

Going through the rest of the office, we had the opportunity to meet the Zappos man himself: Tony Hsieh. Omg… it was so funny how we met. I was on the phone, like always, talking about Haiti stuff/projects, and when I was done, I walked over as they were talking. I had NO idea that I was standing in front of Zappos CEO. I introduced myself to him, shook his hand and everything and had nooo idea who he was.  He  is so so so awesome, very quite man, very respectful….which to me  means he must very observant and watches your every move (to Zappos workers) haha.  He works like a regular Zappos employee, 4 to 5 times a week, 10 hour shifts, the whole thing. He has his chair/space in the office with everyone else as if everything is all good. Like I previously said, every section is decorated differently. Of course, Tony’s section had to be the coolest. I call it the Jungle fever section. the name says it all: leaves everywhere, on the roof hanging. I was even sitting on his chair and relaxing. I was very fortunate to have met such an inspirational person. Inspirational to me because when he was creating Zappos, most did not have faith in his online retail store.

Anyways, continuing our Zappos trip. Next, we met the marketing and design side of Zappos, everyone and everything.

The design team!

We also met Casey, who is the cosmetic buyer for Zappos, and guess what?? Julia of course is the one that found her for Zappos almost two years ago. OPA for Julia!!!!!  As I have mentioned, this was my first trip to Vegas, but not only that, it was the first time I understood what else  Julia has done (recruiting) and it is no longer a picture or thought in my mind, I actually saw it, experienced it and I love it!  So yeah, it was quite an emotional moment for me. haha

They also have a wall of fame for the employees. They dressed up in silly heroic costumes for the pictures! I regret not taking a picture of that.

I couldn’t let Elize have all the fun!

That was pretty much the second level. Going back down (to the popcorn), there is a live TV to the Zappos warehouse. They have ROBOTS!!! Yes I said it: ROBOTS. So so so cool. My jaw dropped (literally) as I was watching the robots on TV lol. I was just amazed. Those little machines move the supplies around, they do all the work pretty much. There are still “live” workers there as well. The warehouse is huge, so it is very convenient technology.

You can see the look of amazement in our eyes!!

They also gave us a crown that you can open up and it is also a foot measurer. Very convenient and creative. They gave us other goodies such as the Zappos book, which is basically where everyone that works at Zappos gives their opinion, as well as some of their vendors. So it is a book to show appreciation to the Zappos team. Hooray!

Tony had a vision which he accomplished. A nice work environment, where everyone loves each other, you are at peace, you love going to work and you are actually looking forward to going there everyday. I told them, if ever modeling and my other goals don’t  work for me, I will be applying at Zappos. Seriously! I truly love them and cannot wait to go there again and see my fellow Zappos friends. Vegas baby…

We made it a Zappos day!

Be sure to visit Zappos.com and youtube: Zappos robots, you are going to LOVE it!!!!

Peace and love,

Anedie