Chalkboard is a collection of Grain & Mortar news, events, latest work, and helpful advice.

Dear Grain & Mortar,

It was just a little over one year ago that we clinked glasses on the conference table at CAMP Coworking as DownsDesign and Image Made merged to become Grain & Mortar.

We committed to creating a company with the shared values of doing good honest work and doing what’s right for our clients, employees, and our community.

Since that day we’ve ended up sharing much more than just values. To name a few; wall painting, drinks, blood, sweat, tears, plane flights, coffee, losses, gains, concerts, floor scrubbing, ideas, secrets, instagrams, tweets, grand openings, website parties, desk building, fish fry’s, gettin’ healthy, birthdays, tailgating, tech talks, graduations, families, karaoke, hot wings, moonshine, and the occasional hangover. Through it all we become a team.

In business, it’s a beautiful thing to see everyone moving in one direction for one goal. Without the hard work of everyone on the team G&M could never begin to realize it’s potential as a new studio, and I am so thankful for each and everyone and their hard work and dedication.

Michael has grown so much this last year and it has been the most amazing thing to watch. Everyday his work amazes and impresses us with his attention to detail. He has concepted and created the greatest work, from an impressive Omaha Bikes website experience, to Barcamp’s elaborate branding and illustration, to Liazon’s beautiful responsive site. Michael continues to inspire us with his amazing work. Also, he makes the most amazing hot wangz!

Undoubtedly the rock that keeps us all from floating into chaos is Kristin. Kristin’s diligence and fanatical organization is the core of what keeps our ship sailing forward. From projects timelines to client budgets her strong understanding of business and level headedness keeps her always one step ahead.

Miranda has managed to become our saving grace this year and we are so thankful for her. We noticed right away her hard working values, paired with her amazing learning speed, and we realized she was meant for Grain & Mortar. Miranda has made so much progress this last year we are all three so excited to watch grow and mature as a designer, front-end developer and businesswoman.

The little brother everybody wants, as well as the freshest new hire at G&M is Jesse. He has an amazing ability to appreciate all things design, as well as create at an outstanding level for his age. His worldliness and maturity lets him bring the most creative insights to his work and our team. Three year’s ago when I met Jesse I was astounded by his maturity at such a young age, in true fashion he continues to inspire and impress us all daily.

Of course, we would not have been able to do all of this without the help of our family, friends, and amazing clients. We thank you all so much for sharing this journey with us this last year. I am so excited about what we will share together this year as we move into our second. Thank you Grain & Mortar for bringing so much joy to my life.

Happy 1st Birthday.

- Eric

(1 year birthday cake baked and decorated by Elise Herbel)

4 Comments on “Dear Grain & Mortar”

  1. 1 Travis Bellinghausen Commented: 
    On 8:20 pm on October 24th, 2012

    Congrats on the success E.

  2. 2 Eric Downs Commented: 
    On 11:07 am on October 25th, 2012

    Thanks Travis!

    I really appreciate all the support you, Steve and all the guys have given me over the years!

  3. 3 Steven Kelly Commented: 
    On 2:03 pm on October 29th, 2012

    Congrats on your company birthday ladies and gents! What an accomplishment. I admire your success your first year and hope for many more to follow!

    Best, Steve

  4. 4 Kristin Commented: 
    On 2:19 pm on October 29th, 2012

    Thank you Steven! We couldn’t do it without the support of our awesome clients! :)

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