It’s that time of year again! We’re ready to celebrate the new year, spend some quality time with loved ones, and feel all the feels. Before we get completely swept away though, we wanted to take a little time to reflect on some of our favorite Yelp memories. That’s why we’ve compiled a highlight reel of seven Yelp employees’ best moments. We can’t wait for more amazing memories, but until then we hope that your holidays are filled with joy, merriment, and sugary treats. See you all in 2017!
That time Yelp took over San Diego
My fondest Yelp memory is from Yelp’s Superstitious Soiree, a “Flagship Event,” which was part of Yelp Spring Break 2016: a four-day celebration with 50+ events in total. 1,000+ Yelpers from around the globe (yes, they traveled to San Diego specifically for Yelp Spring Break) celebrated food, drinks, and friendship all in the spirit of Yelp on this particular evening. The Yelp footprint for Yelp Spring Break was so impactful that the Mayor of San Diego declared May 13, 2016 “Yelp Day” in the City of San Diego. – Brad Bohensky, Community Director, San Diego
That time when hitting quota meant hitting pinatas
My favorite Yelp memory is from the first time I experienced hitting quota with my team. We were doing really well, and to increase energy, John Russell, our Associate Director of Sales, brought piñatas over to us to hit every time we closed a deal. Around 5:30pm, he started walking around telling everyone we were really close to hitting quota as a director’s unit. We hustled hard and hit quota! The best part of this was watching John run around screaming, “We hit quota! We hit quota!” He made it around the whole floor and ended by knocking all the piñatas down. It brings me joy to see success at Yelp and these memories will stick with me forever. – Allen Miller, Account Executive, Yelp Chicago
That time we drank champagne before 9am
My favorite Yelp memory was IPO day. Everyone got to the office around 5:30am so we could watch the ringing of the bell at the NYSE. When I got up to the 10th floor common area, I could just feel the positive energy. Smiles everywhere and bottles of Champagne popping all around! We enjoyed breakfast and mimosas while watching Jeremy ring the bell in NY live on the big screen. After the big event, we all worked a half day and then went off to continue the celebration! – Rebecca Rzeminski, Senior HRIS Analyst, Yelp HQ
That time boba tasted best
Without question, my favorite Yelp memory came during one of my weekly visits to my Vietnamese hot spot, My Huong Kitchen. Upon entering, the owner, Tracy Wong, shouted, “Jonathan, I saw today that I’m the number one business on Yelp! It’s because of your review more people started eating here, and we’re doing so well now! Thank you, thank you, thank you.” Then her petite 5’1 self ran up to me and gave the mightiest, sincerest hug ever. Maybe a few tears were shed. Maybe. We celebrated with taro boba teas, and my drink never tasted so deliciously sweet. – Jonathan Truong, Senior Community Manager, Atlanta
That time I aced my “final”
My favorite memory at Yelp is the day I found out I got promoted to management. I worked so hard and definitely lived through my ups and downs in the sales role. When I was preparing for my interview, I felt like a college student studying for finals, making sure I didn’t miss anything so that I could make sure I capitalized on the opportunity. I had a meeting with my director and manager, and when they told me the news that I got the role, I couldn’t help but freak out! My computer was overflowing with pings from friends and role models around the office, and I was so excited to work alongside the individuals I had been admiring for so long. It was unforgettable. – Michaela Sinrod, Sales Manager, Yelp HQ
That time I owned the gong
My fondest memory at Yelp will always be that moment I reached above my target goal for the first time. I hit the giant gong that we keep in the office for this very occasion with tears of joy held in my eyes (‘cause big girls don’t cry) and hugged my manager. That moment solidified my confidence in myself, which helped me to build a career here. I am now on the Elite Inbound team, where I set the rookie record for NYC Inbound, have been #1 in NYC twice, and dubbed “Hat Trick Britt”. – Brittany Hardin, Elite Account Executive, Yelp New York
That time we were on a boat
My favorite Yelp memory is the day we went on the EngRec off-sight. We went on a catamaran! It was a warm and sunny day on the bay, and there was a ton of yummy food and drinks. This was such a special outing because it gave me an opportunity to get to know the people on my team better and celebrate all of our great accomplishments. Nobody fell off the boat, so I’d say that’s a huge accomplishment as well! – Mariana Gonzalez, Technical Recruiter, Yelp HQ
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