Warrior Dash Minnesota was my very first time at any Warrior Dash. I had expectations, hesitations, but most of all lots of excitement. When I found out I would be working the Volunteer Tent I was pumped. I had heard lots of positive things about working with our volunteers, but I never thought I would have the unique experience that I did.
I cannot fully describe how working with our volunteers has made me realize what a great company Red Frog Events is and how amazing our supporters are. One specific volunteer, Ron, really showed me just that. Ron was one of our volunteers from a staffing agency we hired and he volunteered on Saturday and Sunday. Ron was a volunteer unlike any other. I’ve come across many hard working people in this world, but Ron surpassed my standards. We assigned Ron to different tents throughout the weekend and every RFE staff member at the tent commented on how great he was. He did every job with diligence and a smile on his face. Let me remind you that this weekend was extremely hot and humid. I knew our volunteers were getting tired and we had to keep their spirits and energy up to finish the day strong. I never heard one complaint from Ron. He kept offering to help in any way he could.
On Sunday, the volunteers were scheduled to leave at 5pm but we also asked if any of them could stay later. Everyone except five volunteers stayed to help us take down tents and clean up. The last shuttles picked up the volunteers at 6pm, but Ron offered to stay even later to help us. We were so appreciative and offered to drive him back to the parking lot after because the busses wouldn’t be running. He was under no obligation to help us, but he chose to stay out of the kindness of his heart. I had the pleasure of driving Ron back to his car and got to talk with him for a bit after our long day together. I got to know a little bit about him and he asked about me as well. He was so happy to have taken part in Warrior Dash and was amazed with Red Frog Events. He asked me if Red Frog trains us on how to interact with volunteers and participants because he said we all were very encouraging, helpful and caring without seeming cheesy, fake or pompous. I was happy to reply that we all just love our job so much that we want others to take part in that happiness. We want everyone that has a role at Warrior Dash to have as much fun as we are and that shines through in our actions. To that he said he was so impressed with our organization and that he was able to really see into the “soul of our company.” That last comment really hit me. It made me realize how each of us represents Red Frog and how important we all are to the company. We have the power to influence others and they in turn influence us. The soul of Red Frog is fun, spirited and hard working and I see that in all of the Tadpoles. I’m so happy to have met Ron and I can really say he has made an impact on me. I wanted to hug each of my volunteers after the weekend. I hope every future Red Frog Event has volunteers like Ron. Word of advice: Take time to get to know your volunteers. They’re all unique and interesting and might just teach you something about yourself.
(While I don’t have a picture of Ron, I do have one of two of our other great volunteers who really got into the spirit at the finish line!)
-Nicole Fosco
