John Haddad

Brand Manager, Weston

What, if anything, are you doing differently?

I’ve been working remotely for almost 2 months, and that’s changed the dynamic with colleagues- not as much face to face time, although we do use Google Hang-Outs  and Zoom a bit. It has been an adjustment for me as I am usually one to swing by for a quick stand up and chat.  I also tended to print things more in the office so I have shifted to more online. 

Are you staying creatively active?

I am, both in my full time job at Hamilton Beach as well as with side freelance writing.  I’ve been doing a lot of web development and digital marketing at work and have written a few pieces lately for some regional publications.

How are you sparking yourself creatively?

I have been walking a lot… in the woods. In state parks, a lot of the James River Park system, and my own yard where I built some raised beds and planted a garden.  I wrote a piece on a DC chef who is an active forager and it re-sparked an interest in foraging for me.  And while i haven’t been all that lucky in my finds (except the Dryad Saddle Mushroom) it has sparked a new discipline of observation of flora and fauna that has carried into other parts of my life and has been a calming influence in these strange days.

View John’s original Capitol Communicator profile here.