We all know company culture is an integral part of business, but perhaps no one understands this more deeply than F. Ron Smith and David Berg — the ultimate movers and shakers on the SBP team. Often regarded as the go-to source for all things teamwork and collaboration, Smith & Berg know a thing or two about creating a positive workplace atmosphere (hint: lots of laughs and tequila). So, we decided to sit down with the duo to learn more about their tips and tricks on establishing (and maintaining) a strong company culture, even from home — all below.
*Please note that SBP follows all social distancing guidelines; many photos included are pre-pandemic.
Why is having a positive company culture important to you?
It’s simple — people who love their jobs are proven to do better work. We constantly seek to create a positive environment (even if it’s virtual) that our team members can look forward to participating in every day and that pushes them to be the best that they can be.![](https://smithandberg.com/app/webroot/tacos-tequila/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/SBP-Extreme-Shoe-Game-web-size-1-1024x683.jpg)
How do you achieve this with everyone working at home?
Regular Zoom meetings. We transferred our office culture to a virtual culture when we all started working from home and find that if we all stay connected daily, then it’s easy for us to maintain a strong bond.![](https://smithandberg.com/app/webroot/tacos-tequila/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IMG_20201020_150921-1-768x1024.jpg)
How does everyone stay connected and motivated when not working together in the office?
By keeping each other accountable. Each member of the SBP team has a dedicated accountability partner who they check in with on a daily basis. Chatting with other team members keeps you motivated and on task.What’s the biggest, most important piece of advice that you share with team members on a daily basis?
PICK UP THE PHONE. Especially during the pandemic, it’s the perfect time to check in on your clients, many of whom are friends and family.![](https://smithandberg.com/app/webroot/tacos-tequila/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/00100lrPORTRAIT_00100_BURST20200820164504426_COVER_2-1024x768.jpg)
What do you think is the secret sauce for achieving a good work-life balance?
Organize your database and streamline your daily tasks by planning ahead as much as possible.
What non-work-related activities does the SBP team love these days?
We always host Zoom Happy Hour on Thursdays. We get the drinks flowing, chat about irrelevant (and most often irreverent) topics — like what’s on deck for the weekend, what shows we’re watching, etc. — and we’re transported back to our yesteryear office banter.What is your team doing to ensure a strong company culture from home? Share your top tips and tricks with us by emailing [email protected] or tagging us on Instagram @smithandberg. After all — teamwork does make the dream work.
![](http://smithandberg.com/app/webroot/tacos-tequila/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/ZU8A8848neonntrees_rosenstein_-1-1024x683.jpg)