--- title: Life @ Home description: You're not alone! Coronavirus has caused many organizations to change their work-lives. See how your O'Brien team has been handling the lockdown. image: https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/analog-camera-behind-computer-laptop-3773401.jpg --- ![Banner Image](https://content.obriencorp.com/hubfs/analog-camera-behind-computer-laptop-3773401.jpg) # Life @ Home ### Article By: Mena Turi As we all may know, the Coronavirus has created a lot of obstacles throughout our daily routines. At O'Brien, we've had to minimize our staff count at the office as well. Throughout this past month it's been hard to keep our team engaged with one another because of the separation. Recently, I got curious and asked our team how they've been doing!  ![martin-sanchez-Tzoe6VCvQYg-unsplash](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/martin-sanchez-Tzoe6VCvQYg-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=martin-sanchez-Tzoe6VCvQYg-unsplash.jpg)   ##### Melissa – Brand life Administrator **Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work?** My dog has been at my feet the entire time I’ve been home. I think he’s trying to kill me as I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve tripped over him. He’s lucky he’s so cute! **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? **Hmm, I learned I’m quite capable of being a homebody. Ha-ha! My husband on the other hand is a first responder and has been going non-stop (poor guy). **What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic? **My dog, my two cats, and of course my husband (when I see him). I bought a water rower so that’s fun as far as workouts go and going for walks with my dog Buddy. ![Walking dog with leash](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/adult-animal-canine-concrete-237692.jpg?width=300&name=adult-animal-canine-concrete-237692.jpg) **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone?** This is easy, I would drive to Michigan to see my family. I miss them! ##### Julie – Print Service Coordinator **Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work?** Nothing really comes to mind that was really funny other than my goofy dog running around in circles like a crazy person. **What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic?** Facetiming with my kids and grandkids has really helped. If ever I get down or crabby, I call them. Also, my house is getting quite organized and cleaned out. **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone?** First thing I will do is go to my mom’s house who is on oxygen and give her a hug. She has not been out of the house since February.   ##### Sheila – Brand Life Coordinator **Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work?** My little guy Jake would pop up his head from the kitchen to ask if he could come sit with me.  Like any mother you say, “In a minute honey.” 2 minutes later you get the same question. I picture him saying…”Momma….can I come sit with you NOW…??” #HappyLife ![Sheila Dog image #1](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image001.jpg?width=200&name=image001.jpg) ![Sheila Dog image #2](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/image002.jpg?width=170&name=image002.jpg) **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?** I have learned that a work life balance is really important.  Working from home has helped me to juggle my daily routine.  **What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic?** I have allowed myself to stop and take a few breaks during the workday.  I take my furry babies for walks.  It helps me to decompress and lets them stretch their legs at the same time. It’s a win win. **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone?** I’m going to bake my dad a pan of Apple Slices (he loves these), hand deliver them and give him the BIGGEST hug ever!   ##### Keri - Partner **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?** My husband is an amazing multi-tasker and homeschooler and perhaps the most patient person I know!  **What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic?** Facetime with family and friends, yoga, motivational books + quotes, family dinners and game nights, cultivating our vegetables for our Summer garden, snuggles with my dog. ![Child playing agame](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/michal-parzuchowski-geNNFqfvw48-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=michal-parzuchowski-geNNFqfvw48-unsplash.jpg) **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone?** Hug my parents. ##### Devin - Partner **Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work?** My cat keeps trying to walk on my keyboard (but I don’t mind because he’s awesome). My wife and I found out how to coexist at home / work together (and who actually does the chores around the house) lol. And of course, every day is take your dog to work day = ) **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic?** That I chose the right wife! She’s been amazing through all this. I’m also a little more introverted than I thought I was. Moreover, an ergonomic workspace is much more important than I ever knew (my poor back) = ) **What's keeping you going throughout this pandemic?** Philosophy! It’s ointment for the soul in times like these. I’m also running frequent video calls with family and friends, running, journaling, eating as healthy as I can, reducing drinking, and meditating often. ![Two men running in sunshine](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/tomasz-wozniak-V62UrdknDCA-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=tomasz-wozniak-V62UrdknDCA-unsplash.jpg) **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone?** Honestly, I kind of like being at home = ).  But, I would love to get out and play some music again = )   ##### Tracy - Executive Director **Anything funny happened while you’re trying to work? **Some basic things that aren’t so great about working from home include construction noise going on in our neighborhood… Today my husband was cutting down a tree in the backyard – try staring at a monstrosity of an Excel file with a chainsaw next to your ear 😉  **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? **Things that I love about working from home include no commute, not packing a lunch at 5am, no one disagreeing about what music to play today, my furry four-legged coworker Cooper (who will occasionally sneak into my office to chase his tail!), that my office window actually opens, and that I get to wear comfy slippers! **What have you learned about yourself or your family throughout the COVID-19 pandemic? **What I’ve learned through this pandemic is that most of the unenjoyable tasks around our house that don’t get done on weekends are not for a lack of time 😉 I’ve also found that puzzles are a great way to shut down my anxiety. My 16 year old daughter has adjusted well to e-learning, but continues to struggle with being an only child during the pandemic and terribly missing physically being with her friends. She has, however, discovered a love of painting – I can’t order canvases fast enough! ![Puzzle building](https://content.obriencorp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ross-sneddon-sWlDOWk0Jp8-unsplash.jpg?width=300&name=ross-sneddon-sWlDOWk0Jp8-unsplash.jpg) **What is the first thing you will do once COVID-19 is officially gone? **While we are very fortunate in the scheme of things, my 74-year old mom is home alone recovering from a major hand surgery (and we can’t visit her) while my sister is nearing the end of week 2 of fighting COVID-19, but is finally turning a corner toward health! The first thing I hope to be able to do after all of this is to see (and hug!) both of them as it has been really difficult to be separated.   As you can see, **your O’Brien team cannot wait to get back to the swing of things!** Just know, that our team is still available to help you with all of your promotional and print product needs. **Including, your organizations personal protective equipment (PPE). Stay safe everyone!** Keep in Touch Singing Our Praises - Sarah Marketing- Centegra Health System “We have had the pleasure of working with the O’Brien team for many years. Keri O’Brien Soukup and Sara Spring are reliable, creative and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that your organization receives the best quality products to represent your brand. They truly care about their clients and it is apparent in every interaction we.. - Rhonda Roseland Community Hospital O’Brien Corporation offers a variety of quality products fitting for any occasion. Sheila is amazing at customizing different options and providing quotes in a short time frame. We are always confident that our orders will be delivered in a timely matter, even with last minute orders that may require special instruction/attention. The New Roseland.. - Jennifer Fortune 500 company Devin and his team at O'Brien have been a wonderful resource for what we were looking for. We have worked with them on several projects over the years and they consistently deliver a great product with wonderful customer service throughout the collaboration. They not only listened to what we needed, but came up with creative ideas that enhanced.. - Cathy Human Resources, University of Illinois Health I am always impressed with the level of service and response I receive from Devin and O’Brien Corp! They offer a wide variety of promotional products at a variety of pricing. The creative team at O’Brien Corp is outstanding! They’ve taken my thoughts and helped me identify great gifts and awards. The team exceeds my expectations during each.. - Joan Purchasing, Edward-Elmhurst Health Edward-Elmhurst Health has partnered with O’Brien for the majority of our printing needs over the past 10 years. During this time, O’Brien has proven how knowledgeable they are within the Healthcare arena, offering us nothing less than exceptional customer service throughout the years. Their friendly staff is a call away and has proven on more.. - Michalle Materials Management, Roseland Community Hospital O'Brien Corporation has given excellent service to Roseland Community Hospital, with prompt delivery, expertise sales from Rich Burruss, Account Manager, and proficient customer service from Julie Bauer, Customer Service Representative.  - Christine Human Resources, Reliable Home Improvement and Supply, Inc. We starting working with O’Brien Corporation in 2007 and are currently still working with them. We have done printing on apparel, stationery and even gifts for our clients and every time it comes out top notch! They are very prompt and on top of every order. Their timelines are fantastic and you can’t beat the pricing! Anytime we print we look to.. - Julie Owner, Paws in Time Pet Resort I love working with O'Brien! Love the professionalism, attention to detail, and how things get done when I work with them! - Nancy Marketing, Norwegian American Hospital I have had the opportunity to work with O’Brien for the past three years. My experience has been nothing but outstanding. Rich and Sheila are always eager to help me with whatever request I need. They always respond very quickly and offer great recommendations. Their philosophy and dedication to fulfill their clients’ expectations surpass the.. - Sue Ellen Purchasing, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois As the purchasing agent for one of the largest Healthcare systems in Illinois working with O’Brien on promotional items and print has been an exceptional experience for me for the past 15 years. They have worked endlessly to improve our working relationship, creating an online store for requestors to find anything from a needed diagnostic form to.. - Dana Human Resources, 9 Hospital Healthcare System in Illinois O’Brien Corp has been a great company to work with. They have fantastic recommendations and have gone above and beyond to ensure that the products are of great quality and received in a timely manner. They are always looking for the most effective ways for us to represent our organization and understand the needs within the healthcare market. We.. - Mike CEO, Metro Health Solutions Devin and his team have been a great marketing partner to Metro Health. With focused ideas, competitive prices and the ability to meet tight deadlines, Team O'Brien adds value to any project. - Sophia Foundation, Methodist Hospitals Methodist Hospitals works with O'Brien on several different projects. O'Brien never disappoints! They are professional and courteous and their service always goes beyond our expectations. Our rep, Rich Burruss, is a delight to work with and we can always count on his prompt and reliable service! We look forward to more productive years ahead.. - Fabiola Marketing, MacNeal Hospital I’ve had the pleasure of working with O’Brien for over ten years. No matter how small or large the project we always receive the best customer service. Prompt replies for quotes and ideas. Quality work and products. - Scott Marketing and Communications, Hiram College As a marketing executive, O'Brien Corporation has been my go-to resource for both print and promotional products for the past ten years. Their exceptional customer service and ability to deliver cost-effective solutions on strategy, on time, and on budget, are the reasons why I rely on O'Brien Corporation. - Jeanne Purchasing, HeathQuest Systems O’Brien’s products and costs always meet or exceed our expectations and they deliver in a timely manner regardless of how many changes we request. It is always a pleasure working with their friendly and attentive staff. Their patience and attention to detail is second to none. - Shelly Marketing, Edward-Elmhurst Health I have been working with Devin and Sara for many years and their service, communication and professionalism have been outstanding. I appreciate their knowledge -- I can give them a theme and they will research and provide the best possible items for recommendation. It is such a great pleasure working with the team at O’Brien Corporation. - Julie Human Resources, Edward-Elmhurst Health Without a doubt, O’Brien Corporation has one of the best customer service models that I’ve ever seen. Whenever I have a request, they turn around multiple options within days, often hours. They provide cost effective solutions, quality, and are always a pleasure to work with. [ Read All ](https://www.obriencorp.com/the-obrien-difference/testimonials-success-stories/testimonials)