March 2008 - Posts
It was a big day for my son -- he's 8 and switching schools. Today we got to meet his principal, teacher, and people that he'll be seeing while furthering his education.
We also got to see his classroom, and more importantly, the playground. You remember how important recess was in elementary school, right? Yeah, really, really important!
It's been a while since I've been on a school playground. Back in my day they had two kinds of basketball hoops, the tall ones (at regulation height) and the one for the younger kids (permanently set lower).
At this school, however, they had adjustable-height backboards from none-other than Lifetime Products! Sweet!
Name: Mike 
Position at Lifetime Products: Web Developer. What does that mean? As one of the elite web developers here @ (oops, sorry, I've got to remember to write English and not short jargon) at Lifetime Products, I have been invited to share with you information about me, as I will be one of your friendly neighborhood bloggers here at Lifetime365.
How long at Lifetime Products: A year less than Joe.
Background: I have a great interest in social bookmarking ("The Social," as the kids call it) as well as a love for writing lots and lots of code (Pretty Web Sites).
It has been my pleasure to work among the finest individuals here at Lifetime Products and there is a real family feel here. Some of individuals I work with like Joe keep me wondering if he really is an android (as much work as he does, no human could match). Katie and Phil keep me full of work and make designing and developing a pleasurable and challenging experience.
Before you go much further surf over to BuyLifetime.com and have a look at all the great Lifetime Products that are available.
Name: Joe 
Position at Lifetime Products: Web Developer. What does that mean? I work with the rest of the web team (some of whom blog here, including Phil, Katie, Mike, and others) to put great designs into industry standard xHTML, CSS, ASP.NET, and use other techno-jargon stuff to help our customers find what they're looking for, learn about our products, and have a fun time doing it.
How long at Lifetime Products: A few years... and counting!
Background: You’ve always wanted to know who on earth Joe is, and even if you haven't we're going to tell you anyway! He was born in Weber County, Utah, USA. He is a descendant of Paiute (Native American) heritage and is a member of the Kanosh (Utah) Band. He is a member of various community, church, and civic organizations, and is actively involved with local, state, and national government. He is concerned with customer service and is striving to educate businesses concerning proper “consumer etiquette”. Joe is a Thawte Web of Trust Notary and is involved with seamless Digital Signatures utilizing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and similar technologies. He is a husband and father. He rides his recumbent bicycle to work every day. He enjoys gardening, houseplants, mobile computing, camping, authoring web sites, working in the yard, and spending time with his family.How does he do it all? We really don’t have the foggiest. Some have suspected he’s discovered the secrets of cold fusion, while others think he may be an android. We may never know for certain.
Topics I blog about: Special Occasions, life in general, camping, gardening, self-sufficiency.
My favorite Lifetime Products: Lifetime Yard cart, outdoor sheds, camp tables, and picnic tables.
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me: Planting or tending to my yard and outdoor pets, home improvements, "building stuff."
My favorite escape: Listening to music, catching the latest movie, reading something sci-fi related.
Other blogs/web sites I can’t get enough of: woot.com, PocketPCThoughts.com, Neowin.net, Bink.nu, and EcoGeek.org
Name: Phil
Position at Lifetime Products: Communications Director. I guess you could call me the "great communicator" of the company, and we try to do a lot of that around here. I manage all corporate communications, including internal and external communications, community relations, copywriting (all the writing on our labels - that's mine!), public relations, advertising, and - of course - all internet strategies. Katie and I work together. We also went to the same university (10 years apart!).
How long at Lifetime Products: I've been with Lifetime since September 2003.
Topics I blog about: How-to's, inspirational activities, yard projects, family get-togethers, corporate fluff, new products, exciting and interesting stories, music (but, Katie won't let me write about music on this blog).
My favorite Lifetime Products: Outdoor shed, basketball hoops, 6-foot table, picnic table, personal table
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me: Working on the latest incarnation of the "honey-do" list! I work in the yard most of the time, but I do like to fall asleep in front of a golf tournament or NASCAR race. I also spend plenty of time with my three lovely girls (wife, two daughters). Regardless of what I'm doing outside, I probably have my headphones in, listening to my music.
My favorite escape: I spend a lot of time tending to my music collection, I am an avid reader, big-time news junkie and I love to cook. I'm a MUCH better cook than my wife, so I can usually impress her with one of my "a little of this and that" recipes. I play competitive softball, I enjoy golfing with my wife (seriously...), playing board games with my closest friends and watching my two little girls grow up at a blistering pace. I'm also a huge NFL and NASCAR fan.
Other blogs/web sites I can’t get enough of: Reuters News, Crave - The Gadget Blog, Internet Public Library, AllMusic Blog, Danny Lipford, Taquito's.net.
Name: Katie
Position at Lifetime Products: Interactive Media Manager, what does that mean? I work with the Marketing team and the Communications Director to bring you stuff like this blog and cool interactive features on Lifetime's website.
How long at Lifetime Products: Less than a year
Topics I blog about: Special Occasions/Parties, Scrapbooking, Arts & Crafts, Outdoor Adventures, Cooking.
My favorite Lifetime Products: 4ft x 2ft fold-in-half table, 30" Personal Table, Camping table, Round Picnic Table, Fold-up Utility Trailer.
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me: Working on my scrapbook album, or rummaging through craft supplies before that last bit of inspiration fades. My Saturdays begin with the weekly house deep-clean, throwing a couple loads of laundry in and out, a trip to the grocery store, and then an completely "accidental" stop at the mall... usually followed by several hours of pure shopping bliss.
My favorite escape: Cooking something challenging, sugary and fun, followed by curling up on the couch with my husband to watch TLC or the History Channel... depending on who wins the remote.
Second favorite escapes: Working out, strumming the guitar, and good ol' Retail Therapy.
Other blogs/web sites I can’t get enough of: TheNest.com, Smitten Kitchen, The Dollar Stretcher.
Name- Heather
Position at Lifetime Products- Technical Writer
I’ve been working with Lifetime for – Less than one year
Topics I blog about- Assembly Processes, Cutting Clutter, Basketball, and the Outdoors
My favorite products from Lifetime- Playground Equipment and Basketball Hoops
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- Anywhere but at work.
My favorite escape- Traveling to a land far, far away.
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- msnbc.com, cnbc.com, and rottentomatoes.com
Name- William
Position at Lifetime Products- Tables and Chairs Marketing Manager
How long at Lifetime- A small portion of my lifetime has been at Lifetime.
Topics I blog about- Holidays, Church/Community Activities, Arts & Crafts, Family Games, Relaxation.
You can expect my posts every- now and again.
My favorite products from Lifetime- The Commercial Grade 6ft Fold-in-Half Table, and the Contemporary Folding Chair. I also think the Fold-up Trailer is pretty spiffy – but until I get a vehicle with a hitch, this will not be a likely purchase.
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- Remodeling and just plain fixin’ up the house. Or if I’m not doing that, I’ll be avoiding “fixin’ up the house” and relaxing on the couch, riding my mountain bike, fishing with my Dad, or simply hanging out with the wife and kids.
My favorite escape- Anything and all things art and design. I love to paint, sculpt and I’ve been known to randomly sketch stuff just for kicks. I enjoy visiting art galleries, observing old and contemporary architecture, or simply getting out to photograph my surroundings – both natural and manmade. Building or designing things with my hands brings me great satisfaction. Honestly, anything that allows me to let out that inner artist is a great escape for me!
Name- Kevin Holding 
Position at Lifetime Products- Product Marketing Manager. What does that mean? I am the voice of the consumer for Lifetime’s Utility Trailer Division… I conduct Market Research and follow Market Trends to develop strategies to get our message out to the consumer. We utilize this knowledge in packaging, merchandising, product offerings, etc. On a personal note, I like my office to be cold and dark… it helps with my hay fever in the summer months :)
How long at Lifetime- 3 Years Today!
Topics I blog about- Church/Community Activities, Outdoor Adventures, Community/Service Projects, Relaxation, Inspiring Stories.
You can expect my posts every- Tuesday
My favorite products from Lifetime- Anything to do with Wheels & Axles of course!
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- I stay surprisingly active during the weekend, in the summer I’ll go camping, ride my four-wheeler, things of that nature… People keep trying to get me to hike or run but, I see a Marketing scheme when I see one… it’s all a ploy to get me to exercise and I find that offensive ;)
My favorite escape- Working out, reading a book, playing Guitar Hero, playing my real guitar, listening to music, relaxing and watching a movie… Oh and my favorite TV show – NBC’s The Office.
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- Don’t really have any…
Name- Michael
Position at Lifetime Products- Sporting Goods Marketing Manager – Most of my days are spent working with our research, engineering, art, and sales departments to develop and manage our sporting goods product and brands. The other days are usually spent drinking Chocolate Milk.
How long at Lifetime Products-1809 days…or so…if I had to guess…
You can expect my posts every- Monday
Topics I blog about- Holidays, Family Games, Outdoor Adventures, Basketball, Kids Activities.
My favorite products from Lifetime- My son would vote for our basketball systems (makin’ his dad proud!), while my wife would pick our folding tables (thanks to scrapbooking). For me, I probably get the most use out of our utility trailer. I’ve packed it up for camping, used it to move last year, and made countless trips to the “Energy Reclamation Facility” (aka the dump). Hands down my favorite and most useful Lifetime Product.
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- Well, if I’m not making that run to the dump previously mentioned, I’m probably at home with the family, or out at the shooting range. Skydiving is next on the list…I’ll let you know how it goes!
My favorite escape- Them Thar’ Hills. Living in Utah has a lot of advantages - living at the foot of the beautiful Wasatch Mountains has to be at the top of the list!
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- wikipedia.org; youtube.com; facebook.com; slickdeals.net; homestarrunner.com;
Name- Jan
What I do for a living- In my pre-children life, I was the Communications Coordinator for Lifetime Products doing what Phil now does. I do still squeeze in a little freelance marketing and PR work in between focusing on my main jobs of being a doting mommy of two toddlers and a proud wife of a USAF F-16 fighter pilot!
Topics I blog about- Kids Parties, Community Activities, Home Organization, Inspiring Stories
My favorite products from Lifetime- 4x2 Table, 30” Personal Table, Chair. We don’t have one yet, but a Lifetime shed will be in our near future if we can find the right spot in our backyard!
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- I used to quickly answer this question with answers like snow skiing, water skiing, hiking, and rollerblading. Now, as crazy as it may sound, I relish simply being able to catch up on computer work, and clean and organize the house while my hubby is home to help out with the kiddos. After a little productive time tackling my “to do” list (which by the way, I LOVE lists!), we’ll usually try to do a fun, family-oriented activity like swimming, visiting parks, riding bikes, or tubing the river.
My favorite escape- Oooh, that’s a tough one. It completely depends on the type of day I’ve had. Honestly, organizing (anything… closets, cupboards, files, toys) is a great stress reliever for me. I know it’s pathetic, but I’m also a huge reality TV junkie. 
I love entertaining and having couples over for dinner and games…although I tend to be quite competitive which isn’t always a good thing! But, if I need to truly escape and unwind after a rough day with the kids, a massage, some retail therapy at the outlets, or going out with my girlfriends is always perfect spontaneous pampering!
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- Friends’ personal blogs…since we are in the military, we have friends stationed all over the world. I love being able to peek at their adventures and keep up-to-date with their families. FreelanceSwitch.com, Parenthood.com, about.com, DuctTapeMarketing.com, allrecipes.com, scrabulous.com.
Name- Darrin
Position at Lifetime Products- Product Marketing Manger – Lawn & Garden and Utility Trailers
How long at Lifetime Products- 3 Years
Topics I blog about- Gardening, Backyard & Garden organization, Home Organization, Garage Organization, Community/Service Projects.
You can expect my posts every- Friday
My favorite products from Lifetime- Do I have to say sheds?
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- Working in the Yard or Remodeling part of the house.
My favorite escape- There is no escape.
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- Movie Sites, Electronics Blogs, HGTV
Name- Jason
Position at Lifetime Products- I coordinate the operations for all of Lifetime’s web sites with our web development, marketing, graphics, and sales teams to make sure everything is running in unison. Sort of like a professional juggler in a Vegas Gig, (minus the sequined suit).
How long at Lifetime Products- 2½ Years
Topics I blog about- Special Occasions/Parties, Holidays, Backyard & Garden, Home Organization, Garage Organization, Family Games, Great uses of products made by Lifetime, Comparative Analyses of World Religions, The 2008 US Presidential Race, The Ideological differences between a Liberal and a Conservative, How to Manufacture & Store Illegal Fireworks in your Garage, Preventing Plate Tectonics, Documenting Evidence that certain members of our Web Development Team are actually sinister beings from another planet . . . it will be interesting to see what I can get past Katie’s watchful eye . . . stay tuned.
My favorite products from Lifetime- Our current family favorite is the Big Stuff Hard Roof Play set that we purchased this past fall. The boys and their cousins LOVE it! Since our home has the tendency to become a gathering place, we get the most use out of our large array of Lifetime Folding Tables. We have our eye on the Ace Flyer for Christmas. I have grand plans for The 60” Competition In-Ground Basketball System for spring, I just need to first do a little backyard excavation for the play area.
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me- Shining the wood floors in our home with a five year-old on one leg and a two-year old on the other. Sure it requires changing a couple of outfits, but you should see our floors! Over the past several months, most of my Saturdays and evenings are spent installing and landscaping our yard. In the fall, you will find me somewhere along the Wasatch Front basking in the pageantry of a College Football Game. During basketball season, I never miss a home Weber State basketball game . . . Go Wildcats!
My favorite escape- I really enjoy backpacking the Wind Rivers or the Uintahs in the summer, and the remote slot canyons of Southern Utah in the spring and fall. If I can break away for a few hours, I am always up for a round of golf, or a game of sand volleyball or basketball. I also love to read and enjoy the occasional board game with friends and family.
Other blogs/websites I can’t get enough of- BuyLifetime.com; Newsweek; Amazon; WeberStateSports.com; Wikipedia; ESPN; MBUSA.com
Name: Angela
Position at Lifetime Products: Multimedia Communications Analyst. I'm the person who makes sure that the content on our websites is what you are looking for. If you search for "lifetime folding table" on Google and I've done my job right, you'll find us!
How long at Lifetime Products: I've worked for Lifetime for a little over a year at the time of this post, and I love it!
Topics I blog about: Content additions on Lifetime and BuyLifetime, activities here at the company, fun stuff I've seen or done, industry trends.
My favorite Lifetime Products: glider bench, garden cart, round picnic table, ace glider, 6-foot folding table
On a Saturday afternoon you can find me: Spending time with my husband and son, writing the next Great American Novel, drawing computer graphics, sewing, or gardening. I read a lot and hang out with my friends online a lot. Sometimes, I even pull myself away from my computer (though it is difficult) and spend time with real people!
My favorite escape: Reading and writing. There's no better place to deny reality than in a world that is entirely made-up. I really don't care much for real-life fiction (why read about it...I live it!). I love fantasy, science fiction, and some horror (the supernatural stuff, not the gory stuff). If I'm in an outdoors mood, I go hiking and rock collecting away from civilization.
Other blogs/web sites I can’t get enough of: Elfwood, The Herscher Project, POVRay official website and newsgroups, Critters, Google
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