Working Without a Paycheck

As a business owner, I have hired hundreds of people through the years. Regardless of the business environment, I have always kept my word and provided each and every one of them a paycheck. On time. Every time.
Sometimes that meant working without a paycheck for myself. Other times that meant taking money out of my personal account and putting it into the business account so I wouldn’t bounce a paycheck.
To me, the most serious bond between employer and employee is the promise of the employer to pay the employee for the work that they have performed. For me it’s more than a promise. It’s a covenant. A promise is a one-sided declaration by an individual to do something, whereas a covenant is a formal, binding, two-way agreement between two parties that establishes a solemn relationship with mutual obligations and commitments.
My employees always come first. That is the solemn bond I have with them. They get paid before insurance, utility bills, rent, inventory, and vendors.
In a few days, on October 12, more than 750,000 federal workers will not get a paycheck. On October 15, 1,300,000 military members will not get a paycheck. The government has shut down and we have broken our promise to them.
Members of Congress will still get a paycheck, and I find that the ultimate betrayal. Congress has the power of the purse, and without an agreement to fund the government, they have broken their word again.
I’m not going to get into the politics of the matter. Quite honestly, I don’t care who said what or who did what. They have caused another government shut down. And I blame all 535 of them.
I am genuinely worried how long this shutdown will affect people that serve us, protect us, and defend us. Just like a teacher on a NATO base in Belgium I know. She works for the Department of Defense teaching the kids of military officers. She won’t get a paycheck next week, but she is still working. I know a major in the US Army. He still shows up to do his job every day and he will go without paycheck next week. Another friend works for USDA as a plant inspector. He will show up and make sure the food we eat is safe, even though he’ll be buying less food this week, because there’s no money coming in this week.
I am thankful for the people who continue to keep their promises and show up for work, even if the government has broken the covenant with them…again.
#BoldBrandsWin
MONDAY:
CALLING ALL RAMS!
Madison+Main is opening our doors later this month for an exclusive behind-the-scenes agency tour. Meet the Madison+Main-iacs, see how we turn ideas into ads, and grab a dose of creative inspiration (or snacks) from a team that’s been building bold brands for 20 years. RSVP by October 17 to Cierra Parks to save your spot!

TUESDAY:
MOVING MOUNTAINS
Tuesday, the team sat down with some great gents from MNTN (pronounced Mountain) to talk about new opportunities in the TV advertising space, as we navigate the age of streaming services. It was a great reminder of how many chances we have to reach our client’s dream clients! And, of course, it was a great chance to enjoy some tasty Panera breakfast in the office.
WEDNESDAY:
LUCKY NUMBER SEVEN
Congrats to Derek Fair, our resident word wizard, and Allison Nida, the account ace who keeps us all in line, for surviving seven wild years of Madison+Main. Raise a glass (or seven) to two of the best to ever Main-iac as we toast smart strategy, killer creative, and the brave souls who thrive in the madness.

THURSDAY:
SMELL GOOD. FEEL GOOD. DO GOOD.
Your dog called… they want to bathe for charity and look fabulous doing it. All October long, Holiday Barn’s “Bubbles for a Cause” turns every mid-week bath (Tues–Thurs) into a tail-wagging fundraiser. Donate $5 or more to the SPCA, and Holiday Barn will match your gift.
FRIDAY:
DAVE’S ON THE (AIR)WAVES
This morning, I joined Rich Herrera, at 9:05 am this morning on Richmond’s Morning News to chat about the State Fair and much more happening this weekend in RVA. ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Date: Friday, October 10, through Sunday, October 12
Time: Fri (6:30-10pm), Sat (Noon to 9:30pm), Sun (Noon to 6pm)
Tickets: FREE
Location: Downtown Richmond Waterfront
One of Virginia’s largest events, drawing visitors from all over the country to downtown Richmond’s historic riverfront. This three-day event features performing groups representing a diverse array of cultural traditions on six stages.
Church Hill Vintage Bazaar at Eric Schindler Gallery
Date: Saturday, October 11
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: FREE
Location: 2305 E. Broad Street
Art, décor, household items, collectibles, clothing, jewelry, ephemera, curio and more. You never know what you might find at the fall bazaar! Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 12.
Big Gay Fall Fest Market and Sunset Picnic at Carillon
Date: Sunday, October 12
Time: 2:00-6:00pm
Tickets: FREE
Location: 1300 Blanton Avenue
Celebrate spooky season by shopping with and supporting 50 LGBTQ+ makers and artists while enjoying the gorgeous tree-lined space on the Carillon Lawn!
“We can’t all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” – Will Rogers