At FAMCO, we take pride in honoring the legacy of our founder, Marty Artis, through Marty’s Month, a month-long paid sabbatical offered to every employee after five years of service. This unique benefit is a reminder of Marty’s belief that people thrive when given the opportunity to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with what matters most.
Recently we sat down with Kaylene Gallop, FAMCO’s Office Manager (also known as our “Chaos Coordinator”), who has been with the company for over 15 years. Kaylene shared her personal experience with Marty’s Month and what the program has meant to her.
Kaylene chose to spend her Marty’s Month in a balance of relaxation and connection. She enjoyed trips to her family cabin in Cascade, Idaho, including a memorable girls’ weekend with her daughter, granddaughter, and close friends. She also used the time at home to tackle projects, enjoy the warm weather, and celebrate her great-granddaughter’s birthday with a backyard waterslide.
When asked why she chose to take her Marty’s Month when she did, Kaylene said the timing just felt right. Warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, yet close to the shift into fall. With only the girls’ trip planned, she allowed herself the freedom to be spontaneous and fully present.
This time away gave her a taste of what retirement might look like: “I realized how valuable it is just to have that time at home. It helped me to de-stress, unwind, and get back to feeling like myself again”.
Coming back to work after a month off wasn’t easy, but Kaylene admitted she missed the people and daily interactions that make FAMCO feel like family. That sense of belonging has been central to her career. “Marty always treated everyone like family”, Kaylene said. “He wanted people to take time for themselves, rejuvenate, so they could perform better at work, and his family continues to honor that”.
When first proposed the idea of Marty’s Month, Kaylene said she was amazed. “It was amazing to think that Marty and his family thought so highly of their employees that they were willing to give us that time off.” It was a testament to Marty’s character and the nurturing environment that he created.
For Kaylene, Marty’s Month is more than just a sabbatical, it’s a reflection of FAMCO’s values. “It’s a blessing for all of us,” she explained. “It shows how much the company cares about its employees, and that they’ll continue to look after us”.
Her advice to colleagues awaiting their own Marty’s Month is to “Enjoy your time. Reflect on yourself. Be thankful for this gift”.
When asked what she would say to Marty if he were here today, Kaylene’s shared a heartfelt response. “I would tell him he was an awesome boss. I loved working for him. And I would thank him for everything he taught me and everything he did for the company.”
If she had to sum up her experience in one word, Kaylene chose “needed”. After a busy and sometimes stressful pace, Marty’s Month gave her the time to breathe, reflect, and reset.
Her story reminds us all why this program exists. Not just to honor Marty’s memory, but to continue his vision of a workplace where people are supported both inside and outside of work.
