Today, the Washington Post named Monumental Sports & Entertainment one of the top places to work in the Capital Region. We have a truly enormous amount to be proud of this year, but this honor is near the very top of my list, because it means that others are taking note of the unbelievable team of employees we have here and everything they’re doing to benefit our community and our fans. And even more importantly, because the honor is based in part on employee responses to an anonymous survey, it means that the team here at MSE feels good about the work they are doing. Nothing could make me prouder.

After the Capitals brought the Cup home to Washington, our team at MSE sprang into action to plan one of the best, most joyous, most well-organized Championship parades around – in four days. That kind of success can only come from a team that works efficiently and works well together. I was happy that as a result of that parade, our larger DMV community got to see some of what I see every single day at MSE: competence, energy, passion and fun.

I’m a firm believer in the business of happiness. I think that’s what we do at MSE – we’re in the business of creating lifelong memories for people. And we take that responsibility really seriously. It’s why we’re constantly innovating to improve the fan experience. And why we’re always looking over the horizon for the next big thing in entertainment. From esports – Wizards DG and Team Liquid – to the WNBA, G League and Arena Football League. From the Caps and Wizards to Monumental Sports Network. From hosting some of the biggest names in music and entertainment at Capital One Arena and Eagle Bank Arena to Caps’ workouts at Kettler Capitals Iceplex – our employees work hard to make these experiences second to none for the fans in our community. It couldn’t happen without the amazing people who work here, and I’m so grateful to work alongside the best team in the DMV.

I’m also proud of what a big role they play every day in the community, including volunteering at Martha’s Table Joyful Market in Ward 8, building a new basketball court at Hendley Elementary School, marching in the annual Capital Pride Parade and so much more. My hope is that our employees find purpose in our mission as a “double bottom line” company – that is, a company that does well by doing good.

This recognition today means a tremendous amount to all of us at MSE.