Marty’s Month Sabbatical Program with Jeff McCarthy
In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, taking a step back to recharge can be a game-changer. Jeff McCarthy, the CEO of FAMCO, recently returned from a month-long paid sabbatical known as “Marty’s Month.” Named in honor of the company’s visionary founder, Marty Artis, this unique program encourages employees to pursue personal growth, creativity, and well-being. As Jeff settles back into the office, he reflects on this transformative experience and how it has reinvigorated his approach to work and life. In this article, we delve into the impact of “Marty’s Month” on Jeff and the broader culture at FAMCO.
For the last four weeks, Jeff has become a world traveler, experiencing the vast landscapes of Europe and soaring rivers of Idaho. His journey began in Barcelona where he then visited Marseille, Cannes, Ibiza, Corsica, Venice, Florence, and Rome. While Jeff had been to Italy and France before, this was a unique opportunity as he was able to indulge in the finer things and explore new cities he hadn’t been to before. Joining him on the adventure was Jeff’s wife, Anna, who got to see Europe for the very first time.
Jeff and Anna took it upon themselves to fully engage themselves into their surroundings. Whether it was the tapas of Spain, the meals in Florence, the statues of Michelangelo, or the architecture of Gaudi there was no place like the present. Every moment was filled with art and culture like they’ve never experienced before. One place that Jeff was particularly fond of was Rome, calling it “the city of a thousand surprises”. The city was overflowing with beautiful history including the Coliseum which was the highlight of Jeff’s trip.
Following his travels in Europe, Jeff went to Lewiston, Idaho for a fishing trip on the Clearwater River. This fishing trip was the perfect way to finish a memorable sabbatical and fall back into routine.
One of the best parts about Jeff’s sabbatical was coming back to work as he was able to gain perspective in a profound way. Stepping away from the daily operations, Jeff was able to see what he was doing wrong, but also see what he was doing right and how that success was carried on in the company. Once he arrived back to work, the management team gathered for a presentation of all they were able to accomplish while Jeff was away. He says that it was “the single best thing of my career” seeing how his team was able to collaborate, and problem solve so flawlessly. It was obvious that the growth of the company was not dependent on Jeff, but the working relationships of the management team.
Jeff explains that as the CEO of the company, he obviously had concerns about the operation but never feared what would happen while he was on sabbatical. He left with confidence in his management team, explaining, “they are capable of making decisions even when I am here, I knew they were capable of making decisions while I am gone”. As much as Jeff was excited to leave and go on his own journey, he was also excited to come back and be part of the journey of FAMCO.
FAMCO implemented the Marty’s Month sabbatical program in honor of our founder, Marty Artis. One of the best attributes about Marty was the way he cared for people and their families. When the idea was first suggested, it was obvious to the family and team that this would be a program Marty would’ve encouraged. The vision of the program is to give something more valuable to employees than money: Time. With Marty’s Month, employees are given adequate time to be with their families, pursue their passions, and explore more of the world around them without the limitations of their work.
Since implementing the Marty’s Month program last year, 15 employees have been able to take their sabbatical. While Jeff doesn’t know if the program directly impacts their work performance or attitude, it certainly contributes to the FAMCO family values and keeping employees at the center. It has boosted company morale and retention as employees want to be more committed to the company and make plans for their sabbatical long before it is scheduled to happen.
Jeff’s final note to employees preparing for their Marty’s Month: “Think big.”
The Marty’s Month program not only reflects the company’s commitment to personal growth but also emphasizes the importance of fostering a culture of well-being within the manufacturing industry. FAMCO supports their ideas of teamwork and family values with concrete evidence in their programs. By stepping back to recharge and reflect, Jeff McCarthy has set a powerful example for leaders everywhere, demonstrating that taking time for oneself can lead to renewed creativity, appreciation, and innovation. As he returns to his role with fresh insights and renewed energy, it will be fascinating to see how his experience shapes the future of FAMCO and inspires other employees to prioritize their own well-being in the fast-paced world of manufacturing.
