Mischa Redmond

The Redwoods Company has launched an internal initiative to all it’s employees and reps to change a life in the world around them. Principal Mischa Redmond stated “I feel it is important to look closely at those people that we come into contact with on a daily basis and try to initiate a positive interaction with that person. Whether that means paying for their gas, helping them with their groceries, or a friendly word of encouragement. It doesn’t take much to make a positive impact in someones life”

The Redwoods Company is taking internal steps to foster this program by offering gift cards to the employees who have the most creative story and a trip giveaway at the end of 2011 to the person who the company feels has made the greatest impact throughout the year.

Due to the tough economic times present in both the merchant service industry and their growing business. Principal Mischa Redmond and CFO Shelly Redmond have both agreed to pay cuts for the first quarter of 2011.  These cuts will be at least 15% and will also include deferred compensation on all bonuses.  When asked about the cuts, Mischa Redmond stated “it is important for our employees to understand that we are behind this company in good times and bad.”  Shelly and I agree that the company comes first and if we can help the bottom line by reducing our salary for the short term and it benefits the future growth of Redwoods then it is worth every penny.”

The Redwoods Company announced its annual award presentations at its annual company holiday dinner.  Sales Representative of the year went to Mike Charls who beat out Dan Johnson by 16 sales to take the award.  Employee of the year went to Kelly Schneider who has gone above and beyond in every aspect of her job this past year.  The professional sales earnings trophy went to Tom Haney for his outstanding work with leases and work ethic.  Mischa Redmond stated “our employees are the key to our success.  I was told a long time ago that its not about who is running the company but rather who you surround yourself with that matters. ” Redmond laughed when asked if he has ever made a bad hiring decision.  “I think every company makes bad decisions at one point or another.  We happened to make a couple this year alone and one of them cost us dearly.  Sometimes people are hard to read and what you think you are getting in reality is just the opposite.”  When asked if he would change his hiring practices as a result he said “we will be a bit more diligent in our hiring process but ultimately we are still going to rely on a gut feeling to make a final decision.”

The Redwoods Company wishes to thank all of their employees for a tremendous year by celebrating at Dave & Busters this Friday.  All employees will be treated to an awards banquet where the employee of the year, and the sales rep of the year awards will be given out.  In addition, all employees will be handed gaming cards to visit the game room.  Redwoods continues to try to provide a fun, exciting work environment for all its valuable staff members. CEO Mischa Redmond states “during this difficult economic time, it is important that our employees know that they are valuable to our team in so many ways-a company celebration is one way to provide those thanks.”  In addition, Redwoods recently announced its “get fit” initiative, and is paying 50% of dues at LifeTime Fitness for all its employees.  So far two employees have quit smoking as well.  Mischa Redmond joked “I told the employees that if they want a company health care plan, no one can smoke and they all have to be able to bike around Lake Minnetonka in less than 1 hour.”

The Redwoods Company attended and support the At Home Groups “Restoring Hope Gala” in Minneapolis, MN November 13th. It was a heart warming event with a silent auction, dinner (provided by Olive Garden), and stories from clients who have been touched by the At Home Group. The Redwoods Company received an award for their efforts and donations.