TiER1 Blog

Well, not all of them. A group from the Creative Team at our Covington location took a trip to visit our friends in Pittsburgh. Let’s see what the trip was like from each of their perspectives.

Mark H.

 
Going with the “If I had to describe this trip in one word” approach – the word here would be “fraternity,” which Webster defines as:
1. a group of people sharing a common profession or interests
2. the state or feeling of friendship and mutual support within a group

(While other parts of the trip would be better described as “fraternity-like,” as in the Collegiate experience…that’s another story for another time.) The trip served several purposes very well. From getting to know some of my CVG team members much better (who knew Katie was a card shark?), to meeting and having a great time with the Pittsburgh team (including Miss Alexis) and experiencing a really great town (who knew such beauty could produce Steeler fans?).

On a more personal, sappy note – it’s amazing to me how aligned the two branches are at the core. How rare that a company can be sosuccessful at consistently recruiting individuals whose intelligence and talent is only surpassed by their character.

For those of you from CVG interested in planning a similar trip, Megabus is a great option – we spent $10 (total) for 5 round-trip tickets. (Check out our coverage on Channel 5 – http://www.wlwt.com/video/27859509/detail.html . Kinda cruel to shoot someone at 6am – we’re the ones with the glazed over look in our eyes.) It picks up at 4th and Race downtown, and drops you off at the Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. There’s a Enterprise Rental Car location a few blocks away (120 6th Street). We stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites (on Neville Island…not THAT kind of island) – which was perfectly located between downtown and the office.

Mike

 
This was my first trip to Pittsburgh so I was excited to experience the city, catch a Pirates game and check out the TiER1 Pittsburgh office. This was also the first trip to Pittsburgh offered by Megabus. Because of this, while boarding the bus we were all briefly shown on the local news. It was apparently a slow news day in Cincinnati! Off we go with a stop in Columbus and another stop to stretch. Finally, we drive through the Fort Pitt Tunnel and right into downtown Pittsburgh. Bridges, hills, stadiums and inclines! Pittsburgh’s a great looking city.

After checking into the hotel, we ate and then headed into the TiER1 offices. They have a great dynamic. With an open meeting space built to look like a classroom. The mission statement written on blue and green walls. It’s definitely a creative environment. After meeting everyone and finalizing plans for the evening, we headed out for drinks and a ballgame. I definitely recommend PNC Park.

We were able to spend more time in the office the next day and to get to know some of the team members. We were also reminded of how quiet we’ve become while working on the 5th floor. The office environment in Pittsburgh is a little more apt to open conversation and joking around. It was also nice to have a casual space with couches and chairs where someone can work or hold an impromptu meeting. A bunch of the team members met later that evening for drinks. We then headed to Southside Pittsburgh for sushi and then ended the night at the local casino.

It was a great trip. I’d certainly recommend anyone thinking about making it!

Mark M.

 
My time spent in Pittsburgh was an enlightening experience. Having the opportunity to meet everyone gave me a better understanding of everyone’s roles and the kind of projects they most typically are working on.

Here are a few other things I learned:

There is a mannequin head named Alexis that hangs out at Heckman’s desk…

…she/he watches as you work…

…and strikes a pose from time to time.

John Drugo played ball with Jack Ham. Which is totally badass.

There is an alternative exit for members of the black cloth.

Sean & Tony are total BFF’s.

Again, I want to thank everyone for a great experience. Hope to see everyone soon!

Katie

I have always imagined Pittsburgh as a city filled with dirty steel factories, dull buildings and obnoxious Steelers’ fans. I may be right about the Steelers fans, but I was completely wrong about the rest. Not only is Pittsburgh beautiful, it also has Yuengling! 

The TiER1 people and space in Pittsburgh are phenomenal. The space is open, so everyone is constantly interacting and joking around. You can’t be in their office without a smile on your face. They work hard, but have fun doing it. 

Our Pittsburgh co-workers showed us their favorite things around town. First was the unbelievable view of downtown from the Pirates stadium. The buildings look like they are painted on a backdrop. We enjoyed a sandwich layered with bread, ham, coleslaw and fries. A few slices of perogie pizza consisting of crust, mashed potatoes, onions and cheese. A shot called pickle back, which is a shot of Jameson, followed by a shot of pickle juice. Sounds disgusting, but tastes amazing. They even took us to the casino, where I learned how to play blackjack. 

Very similar to Cincinnati/NKY, I found comfort in Pittsburgh immediately. Locals are friendly, and men even give up their seat for you! (Which is something I am not used to!).  Pittsburgh is definitely a city everyone should visit.  I really enjoyed our time there!

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