Dairy Queen Blog

Not too long ago, I read a really good article on the power of positivity. In it, the author discussed how a positive outlook on life and a sincere enthusiasm for our daily activities can not only help us to find success in our endeavors and lead happier lives, but it can also help to uplift others that we come into contact with. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to get all “hippie” and “new-agey” on you. And I certainly don’t want to come off as some type of self-help guru with a big book deal and a late-night infomercial. But the point I’m trying to make is that positivity is contagious. While I strive to deliver a dose of positive energy along with the Blizzard treats that we distribute each day, our tour schedule does become a bit busy at times and I sometimes find that the meter on my positivity tank may point a little closer to “E.” But fortunately, I have the honor and privilege of working with some of the most positive and enthusiastic people in the industry and they have been there to help to fill my tank, rather they knew it or not.

As I pulled into the Dairy Queen parking lot on North Sheridan Road in Peoria early Wednesday morning, I remember noticing that I wasn’t feeling quite like myself. Clearly, the long days spent driving, my failure to exercise and my sporadic eating habits were starting to take a toll on my body. While at the store, I had simply planned to have a cup of coffee (or two) before capturing a few video clips of the local crew preparing the Blizzard treats for an event later that evening. But just as I opened the door to exit the van, I noticed a smiling and singing crew already gathered around the Blizzard Mobile in the parking lot. As I walked closer, the entire crew welcomed me with smiles, hugs and handshakes and immediately began joking with me as if we had known each other for years. They were all so happy to see BlizzMo in person and to catch our tour team in action at the baseball game that evening, you would have had no idea that many of them had been preparing Blizzard treats since 5am (and a few had even worked until closing the night before). After I captured a few team photos, Chrissy, Sherri and Andrew showed me the latest dance moves that they perform in the store nightly. They even made up a few DQ songs while they inflated a few balloons. I laughed so hard with the team that I forgot all about my aching back, cramped muscles and coffee urge (check out a few of the videos from this store visit on YouTube and you won’t be able to stop smiling). While catching my breath from a rather long laughing session I asked, “everyday here couldn’t be like this, could it?” To which Chrissy replied, “Everyday! I’ve been here for over 15 years and we have this much fun everyday! You can either dread your life, or you can have fun with it. I choose to have fun.” I couldn’t have put it better myself, Chrissy.

Later in the week, we made our way north to the Windy City – Chicago. Although the forecast initially called for a cold and wet Mother’s Day, we saw nothing but sunshine during our visit to Navy Pier. It was a truly amazing day as families from all over the country celebrated their mothers while enjoying a free Blizzard treat. We captured video clips of countless grateful sons and daughters wishing their mothers a happy Mother’s Day. I even had the pleasure of meeting one of my new favorite Blizzard Fan Club members, Sherri Anderson. During our conversation I quickly concluded three things about Sherri – she absolutely loves her mother, loves Blizzard treats and she is also one of the most positive and sincerely happy people that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. When she mentioned that her mother loved Blizzard treats just as much, I immediately called her mother and spoke to the pleasant Mrs. Anderson and wished her a happy Mother’s Day. Although we only spent a short time together, Sherri’s positive energy stayed with me for the rest of the day and helped me to deliver more smiles to more fans throughout the day.

So maybe we are on to something. Although there is currently no scientific method to measure positivity, we can certainly sense it in everyone that we meet. It benefits us all so much, I wish that there was a way for everyone to experience it. Maybe I’ll figure out a way to put it in a little blue and red cup and sell it worldwide.