The Grand Haven-based learning technologies firm Media 1 is marking its 15th anniversary by talking up its recent growth.

The company notes that 1993 was also the year that Intel shipped the first Pentium computer chips, and the introduction of the graphic browser Mosaic launched the first widespread use of the Internet as we know it today.

Media 1 started out as a two-person technical writing team in a home office.

Today it's a team of more than 20 professionals developing custom learning and performance systems for some of the world's biggest companies.

Media 1 continued to grow and evolve as technology changed, offering new services and providing for shifting customer needs. Technical communications soon gave way to Web-based training.

“As the learning and training industry grew up around us, we had to be one step ahead in order to continually provide value,” said Chris F. Willis, founder and CEO. “There’s a huge difference between trying new ideas out on your clients and waiting to see what sticks and constructing well thought out offerings based on best practices and an understanding of how people learn.”

Media 1 has built an extensive portfolio of successful client projects, which include performance support and reference tools, computer-based training, web-based training, text-based and animated scenarios, and ShowMe! and TryIt! software and hardware simulations.

Learning titles developed by Media 1 support business and sales initiatives, product launches, software rollouts, new hire orientations, and customer assistance programs.

Today Media 1 team members are experts in designing, building, and administering award-winning corporate adult learning programs for Fortune 500 companies. They provide clients with a unique perspective on learning development in a number of industry segments.

Willis believes that part of her success can be attributed to her commitment to developing the team and creating a desirable environment where people enjoy spending their work days.

“It is a widely accepted view that those who love their work produce the best quality work," she said. "I believe the same can be said about loving your work environment ... In today’s working world, Americans spend more time at their workplace than the citizens of virtually any other developed country. That being said, why wouldn’t we want our work environment to be a safe, friendly, and healthy place?”

Consequently, Willis has been taking steps to enhance the environment at Media 1 in the hopes of making coming to work a little bit nicer.

“In today’s economic climate, where our margins are being squeezed at every turn, we have to be fiscally responsible," she said. "But we’ve found gold in the little things. It doesn’t cost much to be caring and compassionate. We offer our team members a stimulating, friendly, open environment. We encourage two-way communication and work as a group to achieve the optimal atmosphere for creativity and best professional practices.”

Media 1 is a fast-paced environment, where employees juggle a multitude of client projects on a daily basis. It can be stressful and involve long hours, and Willis believes that she can help nurture the team’s physical and mental health.

For instance, whenever possible, Media 1 offers scheduling flexibility to accommodate participation in community service, athletics, and family needs. To relieve the stress of sitting at a computer and reduce the impact of repetitive use injuries employees gather in the lobby twice a week for a 15-minute exercise break led by a fitness trainer. Pretzels and animal crackers are free and home-made snacks make a regular appearance in the kitchen. As a joint team building activity and marketing effort, the group developed a blueberry cookbook as a way of paying tribute to their roots in West Michigan and connecting faces to names for their clients.

In-service training and lunch-and-learn events are common. One such exercise explored team personalities, matching their behavioral tendencies to their on-the-job skill sets.

“The exercise was both enlightening and entertaining,” said Harrison Withers, the company’s Production Director. “We had a lot of fun, but in the end it was very valuable for team members to learn how to work more effectively with others who approach the world differently than themselves.”

To their surprise and satisfaction, job-share partners Audra Troccko and Vickie Morgan from Media 1 Business Development found that they had identical behavior scores.

Another team-building exercise took place at Grand Haven State Park beach last August as groups attempted to devise the most creative structure out of foam noodles and masking tape.

“I think of my team as part of my family and care about their well-being,” Willis said. “I am rewarded every day by watching them learn and grow in this environment we have
created together.”

More at www.media1.us.