CULTURE
2024-2025
Jawaharlal Nehru Culture
is the widening of the mind and of the spirit.
Our values are the foundation of everything we do at Christmas Designers. As we welcome new team members and continue to grow with our existing employees, it’s important to understand and embrace our core value mission statements. These values guide our actions, shape our culture, and drive our success. This handbook is designed to help you understand and live these values in your daily work. Together, we can create a vibrant, supportive, and successful company where our values guide us towards achieving our mission. Welcome to the team!
History OUR
While Christmas Designers hasn’t been around as long as Santa or Rudolph, our company has grown to become a leading source of commercial holiday decorations, nationally and beyond, for over forty-five years. As a go-to Christmas supplier for generations of families, our commitment to quality for professional holiday lights and decorations are why we have thousands of loyal customers and brand ambassadors. Our roots trace back to the 1970s in Florida, where Dorice Long and her sons, Clayton and Kevin, began professionally installing Christmas lights and decorations from a rented box truck in a Denny’s parking lot. Their dedication to quality, design integrity, and exceptional customer service quickly earned Christmas Designers a stellar reputation. Jason Woodward, who would eventually become our CEO, first joined us as a seasonal associate in 1997. He transitioned to a full-time role, eventually becoming VP of Operations in Florida, managing projects from $10k residential installations to $300k custom design programs.
Kevin, Ron & Clayton
In 2007, Leonard Schulz, owner of Christmas décor company Holiday Illuminations, joined the Longs. Leonard’s expertise in Christmas products, installations, and business leadership further propelled our growth. In 2010, we launched our webstore and opened a small fulfillment warehouse in Sherman, Texas, to offer our
high-grade lights and decorations to a broader audience. Over the next decade, our warehouse expanded into a 150,000 square foot distribution center. Today, we are one of the largest Christmas suppliers in the U.S. Our partners travel the world to source the best products and manufacturing techniques for our commercial Christmas products. Today, we are a top U.S. Christmas supplier, sourcing the finest products globally and sharing expertise through our YouTube channel. With over 2,000 professional installers and tens of thousands of customers, we deliver exceptional products and service to Christmas enthusiasts, businesses, and organizations nationwide.
Fleet of installers in Florida
Our First eCommerce Website Design
Dorice
Kevin & Leonard
Jason
Product Sourcing and QC at Factories in Asia
Early Sherman Days
Decor Team
Making Inventory Lists & Checking Them Twice
Taiwan Sourcing Trip
Christmas World in Frankfurt, Germany
Continuous Learning Customer Focus Innovation: Continuously Seeking New Ways to Improve and Adapt to Change Respect: Treating Everyone with Dignity, Empathy and Fairness Family Oriented Diversity and Inclusion Striving for Excellence in our Work Value WHAT WE
Product QC and Marketing Photography in China
Jill in Germany for ChristmasWorld
Production & Decor Team
Commercial Decorations in Florida
NASA Christmas Tree
Team from Texas, Georgia and Florida at Transworld 2024
Learning CONTINUOUS We believe that continuous learning is the cornerstone of both personal and professional growth. In an industry that thrives on creativity, innovation, and technical precision, staying informed and adaptable is essential. Continuous learning allows us to maintain our competitive edge and ensures that we are always equipped to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Product Knowledge Continuous learning about our product range, from the intricate designs of our Christmas decorations to the technical specifics of our lighting kits, enables us to provide expert advice and support to our customers. By keeping up to date with the latest product developments and industry trends, we can anticipate customer needs, improve our offerings, and enhance the overall customer experience. Sales Knowledge Effective sales strategies are built on a foundation of knowledge and understanding. Continuous learning in sales techniques and customer relationship management empowers our team to communicate the value of our products more effectively. Technical Training Technical proficiency is critical in our industry, where the quality and reliability of our products depend on precise craftsmanship and technological know-how. Technical training also ensures that our team can operate and maintain the latest equipment, troubleshoot issues efficiently, and contribute to the innovation and improvement of our products. Leveraging AI in Everyday Work Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we work, offering new tools and opportunities to enhance productivity, creativity, and decision-making. We embrace AI as a valuable asset in our continuous learning journey, and by learning how to integrate AI into our daily tasks, we can work smarter and more efficiently. Personal and Professional Growth Continuous learning goes beyond professional skills; it also encompasses personal development. We encourage our team to pursue their interests, develop new hobbies, and seek opportunities for personal growth. Whether it’s through formal education, online courses, workshops, or self-directed learning, we believe that a well-rounded individual brings fresh perspectives and creative solutions to the workplace. We recognize that investing in our employees’ growth not only benefits the individual but also strengthens our company as a whole. By cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning, we ensure that our team is always prepared to innovate, adapt, and excel in an ever-changing industry.
Christmas Designers’ Professional Installer Training Class
Advanced RGB Training
Filming YouTube Tutorials for Our Audience
One-on-One Training with Twinkly Pro Support Manager
Twinkly Installer Training
Focus CUSTOMER
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to understanding and meeting their needs, delivering exceptional holiday products and customer service, and building lasting relationships. Along with the YouTube video content, product education and installation ideas that we provide to our audience, we also provide exceptional customer service throughout the buyer journey. Our customer-focused approach ensures that we consistently exceed expectations and We actively listen to feedback, understand customer issues, and stay aware of market trends. By deeply understanding what our customers want, we tailor our products and services to meet their needs and delight them with every interaction. Delivering Exceptional Products and Services Quality is paramount in everything we offer. From the design and manufacturing of our Christmas decorations to our customer service, we strive to exceed customer expectations, ensuring satisfaction and trust. Our commitment to quality and support builds a reputation for excellence that customers can rely on. Building Lasting Relationships create memorable experiences. Understanding Customer Needs We believe strong customer relationships are built on trust, transparency, and consistent communication. We create personal connections with each customer, treating them with respect and care. By being responsive and attentive to their needs, we build loyalty and encourage repeat business. Going the Extra Mile Customer focus means going above and beyond to ensure our customers are happy. Whether offering personalized recommendations, providing exceptional after-sales support, or resolving issues promptly, we are dedicated to making every customer experience a positive one. Improvement Driven by Customer Insights Our customers inspire innovation. By actively seeking and incorporating their feedback, we continually improve our products and services. This customer-driven approach ensures we remain relevant and responsive to changing needs, developing solutions that truly resonate with our audience.
Product Showcases
Electrical Education
How-to: Home Lighting Installations
Professional Lighting Education
How-to: Commercial Product Installations
Respect TREATING EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY, EMPATHY, & FAIRNESS Respect guides our interactions and shapes our culture. Treating everyone with dignity, empathy, and fairness is essential to fostering a positive and productive work environment. Dignity We believe every individual deserves respect and honor. Recognizing the worth of each person, regardless of their role or background, creates a supportive and inclusive workplace. By treating each other with dignity, we build trust and mutual respect. Empathy Understanding and valuing others’ perspectives and feelings is key to effective communication and collaboration. Empathy enables us to connect on a deeper level, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and respond thoughtfully to the needs of our colleagues and customers. By practicing empathy, we create a compassionate and cohesive team. Fairness We are committed to fairness in all actions and decisions, providing equal opportunities, recognizing contributions, and ensuring everyone is treated justly. Fairness fosters a sense of belonging and motivation, driving each of us to contribute our best to the team. Building a Positive Culture Respect is the cornerstone of a positive work culture. When we treat each other with dignity, empathy, and fairness, we create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. This atmosphere enhances collaboration, boosts morale, and leads to better outcomes for our team and customers. We listen actively, communicate openly, and support each other. We celebrate our differences and work together to create a harmonious and dynamic workplace.
Innovation CONTINUOUSLY SEEKING NEW WAYS TO IMPROVE AND ADAPT TO CHANGE Continuously seeking new ways to improve and adapt to change allows us to stay ahead and meet our customers’ evolving needs. Embracing Creativity We encourage thinking outside the box and exploring new ideas. By valuing creativity, we develop unique solutions that distinguish us in the market. Adapting to Change We view change as an opportunity for growth. Staying flexible and open-minded enables us to quickly respond to new trends and customer feedback, ensuring we remain relevant and effective. Improving Processes Innovation extends to our processes. By optimizing workflows and adopting new technologies, we enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality, delivering better value to our customers. Leveraging Technology Investing in the latest technology is crucial. Advanced tools and systems enable us to offer cutting-edge products and stay at the forefront of our industry. Collaborative Innovation We believe in the power of collaboration. Diverse perspectives and collective effort lead to holistic solutions and robust outcomes. By fostering a collaborative environment, we harness the full potential of our team.
Where We’ve Been
Where We Are Now
Multiple Product Warehouses Across Sherman
Visiting Twinkly Headquarters in Italy
First Warehouse
TransWorld Christmas Show
Sherman Economic Development Acknowledges Christmas Designers for the Company’s Economic Contribution to the Area
Halloween Fun with Our Growing Staff
Inclusion Diversity AND By embracing diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, we foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and mutual respect. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion strengthens our team and helps us better serve our diverse customer base. Embracing Differences We value each individual’s unique contributions and celebrate the differences that make us stronger. Recognizing and appreciating the variety of cultures, perspectives, and talents within our team drives creativity, enhances problem solving, and leads to more effective decision making. Fostering an Inclusive Environment Creating an inclusive environment means ensuring everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We strive for a workplace where all voices are heard and everyone has equal opportunities for growth and advancement, building a sense of belonging and encouraging collaboration. Leveraging Diverse Perspectives Diverse perspectives are key to innovation and growth. Drawing on different experiences and viewpoints helps us develop creative solutions and better understand customer needs, keeping us agile and responsive in a constantly changing market. Supporting Equal Opportunities We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. This includes fair hiring practices, equitable compensation, and access to training and development. By removing barriers and supporting diversity at all levels, we create a more dynamic and successful organization.
Excellence STRIVE FOR IN OUR WORK Striving for excellence is fundamental to our identity. It means consistently delivering high- quality products and services that exceed customer expectations. Excellence involves attention to detail, pride in our work, and continuous improvement. In the commercial Christmas decorations industry, where our products bring joy to homes and businesses, excellence is paramount. Every role in our company, from design to production to customer service, contributes to achieving excellence. This commitment builds a reputation for reliability and quality, driving us to innovate, refine processes, and stay ahead of industry trends. Holding ourselves to high standards ensures our company’s success and enhances the magical experiences our customers cherish during the holiday season. Excellence also means embracing a growth mindset. We welcome feedback, learn from mistakes, and view challenges as opportunities to improve. We believe excellence is a journey, not a destination. By fostering continuous improvement, we empower our team to develop skills, expand knowledge, and reach their full potential, maintaining our competitive edge. Excellence is a collective effort, requiring collaboration, respect, and support among team members. By working together and sharing strengths, we overcome obstacles and achieve outstanding results. Our commitment to excellence creates a positive work environment where everyone is
motivated to contribute their best. As we strive for excellence, we not only enhance our products and services but also build a stronger, more united team.
Read our Google reviews
Family ORIENTED
Community Engagement As a family-oriented business, we are committed to giving back to our community. We support local initiatives, participate in community events, and encourage our employees to get involved. By contributing to the well-being of the communities where we live and work, we reinforce our commitment to family values and social responsibility.
Steve
Team twinning with Warehouse Manager Steve
We support our employees with a family-first approach, which extends to our organization and our customers. We believe that fostering a family-centric culture leads to a happier, more productive workforce and strengthens our connection with our customers. Creating a Family-Like Work Environment We encourage collaboration, celebrate milestones together, and support one another through challenges. This sense of community fosters strong bonds among team members, creating a supportive and nurturing environment to thrive in. Putting Customers First Our family-first approach extends to our customers as well. We understand the importance of creating products and services that bring joy and convenience to families during the holiday season. By prioritizing customer needs and treating them with the same care and respect we show our own families, we build lasting relationships and trust. Work-Life Balance We believe that a healthy work-life balance is essential for personal well-being and professional success. By promoting a culture that values time spent with family, we help our employees recharge and maintain their enthusiasm and creativity at work.
Sherman City Parade 2023
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