Update from the Creators of OfficeNinjas
As some of you may have noticed, we’ve been on hiatus for the past few months. OfficeNinjas has been an incredible journey thus far, and we thought it was time for us to share with you our story and the reason behind our radio silence.
First, to introduce ourselves… we are Nancy and Edwin Salgado and we started OfficeNinjas a year ago. We are in fact, married in business and in life. ;-) When we held our first event in San Francisco, our plan was to simply bring together office professionals for a few drinks and to discuss new technologies. Soon after, office admins from everywhere got wind of our events and shared their excitement and enthusiasm. We quickly realized that these were more than just a night of cocktails, food and technology, we were fulfilling a great need that wasn’t being met. We experienced a dynamic and vibrant community of office ninjas eager to network, learn and share their experiences. And so, our journey began. We produced more tech events and created an active blog that provides free tips, tutorials and news. So far we’ve received event requests from over 25 cities across 5 countries, invitations to partner with 7 of the largest admin organizations/groups, and assistance from dozens of office ninja volunteers eager to help move the OfficeNinjas community forward. While we are not creating the next Facebook (Unicorn Club Member), we strongly feel we’re invested in something that is extremely valuable to a large community of like-minded individuals.
During the last quarter of 2013, we were moving full steam ahead and had several events lined up with other exciting new things in the pipeline. But, as life would have it, we were faced with some personal issues that required us to put things on hold. This past October, Nancy’s mom unexpectedly passed away, the same month that marked the one year anniversary of Edwin’s mom’s passing. Then shortly afterwards Nancy’s grandfather passed away. Losing one of our mothers was paralyzing, but to lose both and a grandparent within a short amount of time was more than we could process. It quickly became obvious that we were not able to manage the day to day of the company and were forced to cancel our planned events.
These past few months have been nothing but a slow motion blur for us. We were deeply moved by all the well wishes and sentiments we received from those (especially our office ninja friends) who offered their help and gave us support in our time of need. The kindness and strength of the OfficeNinjas community reminded us that we owed it to all of you and to ourselves, to not give up, and to continue what was started. OfficeNinjas has become more than just a company, it has become a community of long lasting friendships. It is a place where office ninjas can come together, have an amazing time and access the resources needed to make their lives better.
From the bottom of our hearts, we would like to thank all of you for your unwavering support of OfficeNinjas. We appreciate your patience as we start to roll out more events and online content. In celebration of Admin Professionals’ Day, we will be hosting our first event of the year on April 23rd in San Francisco (2nd Annual Spring Fling Admin Bash). This will not only be our come back event, but more importantly, a celebration to honor all of the hard working office ninjas on this very special day.
If you ever need to get a hold of us, we are just an email away. We’d love to hear from you.
Your friends,
Nancy & Edwin Salgado
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. Losing someone you love is such a difficult thing to get thru and losing three in such a short time (yes, with grief I consider a year to be a short period of time) must have felt unbearable. I have been an Office Manager for the most of the past more than a couple of years lol. I don’t like saying how long because it makes me seem old and I’m really not. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I know that I helped accomplish something that is beneficial to my company. I hope you have an event here in the Phoenix area soon and that I can attend. It sounds like they are a wonderful experience.
Met you at EFAM last year in Anaheim. My sympathies on the loss of your loved ones.
Nancy and Edwin,
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. My condolences to you and your family. Although as tragic as it is, I am glad to hear that you are now back. Missed your updates. It so hard that I’m missting all the fun and exciting events on the mainland but if you ever happen to be in Honolulu, please do let us know. Would LOVE to have an event here too!
Hi Rie, thank you for your note – it means a lot! We are happy to be back and feel fortunate the office ninjas community is welcoming us back with open arms. Honolulu sounds amazing and we will try our best to make it happen! – E&N
Sorry to hear of your loss. I’m glad to hear that you have an event coming up in SF, i hope you decide to have another event in New York City soon.
Hi Madelyn, thank you for your note. We miss NYC and made so many wonderful friends at our last event. We will try out best to be back soon! – E&N
Edwin and Nancy, I realized it had become quiet–I hope you have had some time to reflect and share time with family. We look forward to your rebound–I hope your kickoff event is awesome. Best to you from Boston, Renee
Hi Renee, so sorry there wasn’t an update during the long quiet time, but we are back with more events in the pipeline. Boston is high on the list. We hope to have the opportunity to meet you soon! – E&N
My Master Ninjas,
I am so glad to see you guys back in the saddle with Office Ninjas. I can only imagine what you went through, and you guys have been in my thoughts often. I expect that you both will do wonderful things with Office Ninjas in 2014, and I can’t wait to see your progress. Much love my ninjas.
– C from CM Events ;-)
Aw, thanks for your support Christina! Hope to see you again very soon. – E&N
Nancy & Edwin, I’d heard of your losses and have been holding you in my thoughts and prayers. I know your April event will be absolutely amazing. Best of luck on your re-kickoff! Hope to see you in Seattle in the future!
Thank you, Constance.. our dearest friend from Seattle. :) Hope to see you soon. – E&N
Hi Edwin and Nancy! So happy to hear from you. I am very sorry for your great loss. Be gentle with yourselves. Glad you are back in action. We missed you and are rooting you both on!
Hi Bonnie, thank you so much for being there for us! We hope to see you again very soon. :) – E&N
I’m so glad you’re back in action – I think the rest of the OrgOrg community will agree with me on that one :) <3 you and am so glad to have you as one of our most valued partners.
Thank you, Kim! I’m glad you won’t be working too much on the Admin Event so that you can finally relax and enjoy the celebration for YOU! :) – E&N
Edwin and Nancy, I’m so sorry to hear of your losses. May your memories be a lasting legacy. Hope to see you in July in Milwaukee, WI for IAAP’s EFAM
Hi LaVonne, thank you for your note. I don’t think we will be attending EFAM but we do hope to go to Atlanta for some of your southern hospitality. :) – E&N
Oops, so sorry “Edwin”
I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved family members. Thank you for sharing and I hope that all goes well with your comeback. Thanks for all you do for office ninjas everywhere!
Melissa, our comeback is possible because of people like you. Thank you so much for continuing to support us. :) – E&N
Nancy & Erwin, I am deeply sorry to hear what you have been going through, it is really tough to get back on track, but you are doing so with grace and dignity. Thanks for sharing your story and hope to see you both soon!
Hi Katherine, thank you so much for your kind message. It means a lot to us. Yes, we hope to see you very soon! – E&N
Edwin and Nancy,
I am deeply sorry to hear you have lost these precious family members in such a short time. I have to say that I did miss hearing from you guys… and I am glad to hear you are back and better than ever! A hug to you both and I would like to say that I carry my Office Ninjas bag to work every day. I get many compliments, and it reminds me that what I do here do impact lives. Just like you impact ours, and spread you knowledge to us! Hope to see you soon!
Mari-Chu, you made our day! Thank you so so so much for your sweet note. We can’t wait to meet you one day in person. :) – E&N
Edwin and Nancy — so sorry for your losses. How devastating. My deepest condolences to you both. Will you be holding any kind of Admin Day event in New York City this year?
Hi Bianca, thank you so much for your note. We are happy to be back in action. We’ve made so many new friends in NYC and will try our very best to return this year. – E&N
I am new to the OfficeNinja community, but I am liking what I see. I wold like to extend you my deepest sympathy on your recent losses. I have no idea what you are going through, but can only imagine. If you get to the Chicago Area, I would love to attend an event.
Welcome, Ann! Thanks for your note and for visiting us. We’ve received many requests to host an event in Chicago and have future plans to host an event there. :) – E&N
I am so sorry for all the loss you have both endured. Thank you so much for sharing this deeply personal journey!
Hi Marie, thank you so much for your note. We were contemplating sharing but this community has made us feel as if we were amongst friends. :) – E&N
Edwin and Nancy – I am so sorry for your loss. Many condolences to the both of you and your families.
Hi Kiyomi, the one with the beautiful smile! Thank you for your note. We hope to see you again soon. – E&N
Hi Edwin and Nancy – I’m sure we met at IAAP’s EFAM in Anaheim last year. Thanks for the update, and sorry to hear of your recent losses. I’m hoping you’ll have events in the Washington DC area soon.
Hi Marlene, we had such a great time meeting all of you at EFAM. Yes, Washington DC is definitely on our roadmap. We look forward to seeing you again soon. – E&N