As 2026 comes barrelling closer, I find myself doing the things I always do in fall:
- Enjoy it not being summer or winter, &
- Reflecting on what I’m grateful for.
However, as a simple man with simple needs, I am finding that my list of what I’m thankful for this year isn’t so different from last year or the year before. So creative workflow manager Jenn Read and I decided to give everyone else at POP a chance to express their gratitude!
My wife Felcia, for whom I am forever thankful and without which there would be no POP had these lovely words to say, “I’m grateful to be sharing life with someone I deeply love and respect who is a leader and demonstrates a rigorous practice of ethics and kindness to an awe-inspiring level.”
In addition to my continue gratitude for the mental illness that manifests in her attraction to me, I continue to be thankful to her help every time POP (or I) run into a difficult problem that takes more than a little thought to get through.
I’m also thankful for the team we’ve assembled that has grown with us over this past year and somehow haven’t yet been snatched up by a bigger company! Here’s what they had to share:
Caity – Writer
To me, asking what someone is grateful for is entirely subjective, as something that seems like a “small deal” to one person may mean the world to someone else. There is no right or wrong answer, and I always encourage those who struggle to find even the smallest thing they’re happy about or appreciate in their life.
This year, I am extremely grateful to transition into the next stage of my life, moving into a literal role I worked hard for many years, followed by moving into our first home! We may be renting, and I may already want to move forward in my new position, but I couldn’t be more grateful for the milestones my family and I have hit since this Spring.
Regarding my position in POP, I am very lucky and grateful to have the chance to work for such a kind gentleman as Anthony, and to have the ability to work a job with flexible hours that works well for my family!
Natosha – Writer
At POP, I am grateful not only for the opportunity to unleash my creative side but also for the chance to help our clients one blog at a time. Writing here is more than just describing a service; we write for the consumer, educating them about services they may have heard about but might not fully understand.
In my personal life, this sense of gratitude continues. After a drastic move, my child is acclimating well and is in a school that is a good match for her. My daughter is mentally disabled and has a lot of needs that this school seems to be meeting so far. She is able to thrive and transition smoothly.
April – Web Designer
As I reflect on the past year, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the growth I’ve experienced, both professionally and personally. Working at POP over the last year has been a truly enriching journey. I’m especially thankful for the incredible leadership, the support of my brilliant teammates, and the daily opportunity to collaborate with such creative, passionate individuals. With their guidance, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of designing and building some of the most visually stunning and technically advanced websites of my career.
On a more personal note, 2025 came with its share of highs and lows. Through it all, it’s been a powerful reminder of the things that truly matter: the unwavering support of my family, the blessing of good health, and the strength I draw from my unshakable faith. These are the foundations that keep me grounded and motivated, and for them, I’m endlessly grateful.
Looking ahead, I’m genuinely excited about what 2026 holds. Here’s to continued growth, creativity, and raising the bar in the year ahead!
Khenan – Web Developer
This might be a trite cliche to some, but I am genuinely thankful for the opportunity to be part of POP. I am happy that I was able to deploy my first project from start to finish for a client; I feel like I have made a true impact for POP now, and it makes me excited for even further growth in my role.
No one likes adversity, but I like to think that it helps us have a greater appreciation for the good things in life. I have unfortunately been struggling with a persistent health issue, and I am beyond thankful for the genuine support and concern from Anthony and Felicia, especially at the beginning, when it was at its worst. It has been invaluable to me.
This is the greatest work atmosphere that I have had the pleasure of working under, and I look forward to unleashing more of our potential together. Everyone truly makes it fulfilling, and that is a lot to be thankful for.
Aaron – Head of Sales
Aaron here! I’m thankful that this year I accomplished one of my biggest goals, and that was working for POP full-time and doing what I love on a daily basis. I work with a company that encourages creativity and gives me a platform to do what I have long had a passion for. It has been rewarding and exciting to be a part of a marketing agency that has grown rapidly and has such promise and adaptability. We’re definitely superpowered!
I’m thankful for family. Sometimes you still need to call on your parents for advice, and I’m so thankful to have them, as well as my brothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. We’ve been getting together for family gatherings again these last couple of years, and it warms my heart.
To have many long-time friends is another major point of gratitude for me, including the friendship of Anthony and Felicia Giorgetti. It is invaluable to me. They are so full of understanding, patience, wisdom, and love, and I am made a better person by knowing them and am thankful that they support me personally as much as professionally. I’ll always be thankful that Anthony saw the potential and value in me as his intern at his previous job and chose me to help take POP to the next level. It’s a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
Finally, I am thankful for my health and the beauty of life. Just to be able to walk, talk, breathe, eat, speak, see, and hear are all so special. It’s the little things!
Jenn – Fractional Creative Workflow Manager (CWM)
I know it sounds cliché, but I’m wildly grateful for my family – chaos, love, noise, mess, and all. My three kiddos and two perfect grandsons keep my world spinning (and occasionally off its axis in all the best ways), while my husband is the rock who keeps it steady. Then there’s Luna, my clingy German Shepherd and self-appointed co-worker, snuggle buddy, and alarm system.
POP is the kind of professional family you dream about but rarely find. Working here has redefined what “culture” means for me – it’s not just teamwork and collaboration, but genuine care, laughter, and the freedom to show up exactly as who you are. Every project feels like a jam session with the best band around, and I couldn’t be more thankful to be part of this rhythm, especially given that we all create different genres.
A Last Note from Anthony
It’s worth noting that as I write this end note, I’m about to head out on my first vacation (and anniversary celebration) since my honeymoon. That wasn’t possible in the first 4 years of POP’s exisitence, not least because I hadn’t yet built a capable team who won’t be able to notice I’m gone.
Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my thanks for my clients and the Roanoke communnity where we be opening up the Power-Up Lounge at the Berglund Center on December 5. Follow our Facebook or LinkedIn for more info!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
