Jun 18, 2023
Work Life
Celebrating Father's Day
When Michael Nichols was a little kid growing up in Daytona Beach, Florida, the sport of NASCAR was something he picked up by osmosis. He didn’t just take in the sport because he lives 10 miles from Daytona International Speedway, he was consumed by it. So, like any father would, Mike Nichols leaned into his son’s passion.
The NASCAR Whiz Kid was born. The Twitter handle has grown to over 1,400 followers, is loved by the stars of the sport, and features one iconic profile photo of Michael and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Michael Nichols became this bowtie-wearing, NASCAR-loving, encyclopedia for that sport that belied his age. Ten years later, now a rising high school senior, his love of the sport has only grown.
In June 2022, Mike Nichols took a job at Group 1001 as the Chief of Sponsorship and Activation leading the efforts around all the company’s sponsorship portfolio. Michael was excited because his dad was now running a department that included close ties to NASCAR, IndyCar, and Formula 1.
Their bond has only grown. Michael has had the chance to attend IndyCar races in St. Pete and Indianapolis, NASCAR events in Daytona and South Carolina, and even had the chance to go to a Pacers basketball game.
“My dad is someone I’ve looked up to my whole life,” said Michael, who is starting to look at colleges. “I want to study motorsports business and I honestly want to have a job very similar to what my dad has today at Group 1001.”
Michael has already started thinking like his dad, too. Michael was the one who came up with one of the activations that the Gainbridge team executed this year. When the father and son were talking about Throwback Weekend at the famous Darlington Speedway, it was Michael who recommended the Mario Andretti paint-scheme. It turned out to be a hit.
“We’ve always bonded over NASCAR because Michael has loved the sport more than anything since he was little, but this job has allowed me to peel back the curtain and show him more of the business of the sport,” said Mike, who manages a team of six people at Group 1001. “Seeing Michael pursue the business of motorsports gives me great joy and I’m sure one day he’ll replace me, maybe even at Group 1001. And although my daughter, ZZ, isn't a motorsports enthusiast, hopefully, she will follow my lead to pursue a career wherever her passion takes her.”
And he’ll probably still be sporting his checkered-flag bowtie.
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David Crull’s job by day is recruiting new talent. He’s a Senior Recruiter at Group 1001 in the Human Resources department. This summer, he’s adding another new piece to his growing family so this Father’s Day is even more special. His wife, Lindsey, is due in August with their third child. They currently have a three-and-a-half-year-old son, Shepherd, and a 21-month-old daughter, June.
David has worked at Group 1001 for a little over a year. One of his passions is health and wellness. He’s an avid runner that has completed four marathons, including the Carmel Marathon this year and six half marathons.
“I love working for a company that believes in the physical well-being of its employees,” said David. “I have a growing family, so my health and being there for my family is important to me. Having access to the onsite gym and personal trainers is a huge benefit. Plus, seeing the company lean into things like the Corporate Challenge is exciting and motivating.”
David was a key contributor during the Indiana Sports Corp Corporate Challenge last year and plans on participating again this year.
Additionally, with the birth of his third child right around the corner, David is looking forward to taking advantage of Group 1001’s generous Parental Leave benefit.
“It’s important for me to work for a company that allows me to provide for my family, but also be present when they need me the most,” said David. “Adding a third child to our family is going to be a big adjustment. Thankfully, Group 1001 prioritizes a healthy balance between work and life. They provide extended, paid leave for parents who add children to their families. This extra time away will be critical to establishing our new normal as a family of five.”
And maybe one day, he’ll recruit his kids to be running partners.
Happy Father’s Day to everyone.
Feb 8, 2024
Work Life
Corporate
Celebrating Black History Month
Every February, the United States honors the contributions, sacrifices, and achievements of Black Americans who have helped shape the nation. We’ve asked several Group 1001 employees how they celebrate Black History Month and what it means to them.
Black History Month originally started as National Negro History Week in...
Dec 4, 2023
Community
Work Life
Group 1001 Employees Make a Difference: Celebrating International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day is Tuesday, December 5, celebrating solidarity through volunteering. The day focuses on driving positive change through volunteering. With an inspired focus on giving back, Group 1001 is always actively seeking to contribute to the communities in which we operate. Our priority is to have a p...
Nov 8, 2023
Work Life
Corporate
Celebrate National STEM Day with Group 1001 Employees
Today is National STEM Day celebrating Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics skills! At Group 1001, hundreds of our employees have STEM degrees that have led them to rewarding and important careers.
STEM Day was created because studies revealed that U.S. students were not keeping up with other countries in ...
Oct 2, 2023
Work Life
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Each year, we celebrate National Hispanic American Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. At Group 1001, we appreciate our diversity and strive t...
Sep 18, 2023
Work Life
Community
Sponsorship
Indy Women in Tech’s Jessica Maginn Awarded Fundraiser of the Year
Congratulations to Jessica Maginn, Marketing Communications Coordinator for Indy Women in Tech (IWiT), for being named Fundraiser of the Year by OneCause’s Raise Awards!
This award acknowledges “the rock stars among us, who aspire and inspire us each and every day. These individuals live out the organization’s mission, ...
Sep 14, 2023
Community
Work Life
Group 1001 Women Help Build Home for Family
Ten women from Group 1001 joined together for one goal: to help build the foundation for a deserving family’s home in Lebanon, Ind.
In August, Habitat for Humanity of Boone County visited the Zionsville office to speak about its mission and volunteer opportunities as part of the company’s 1001 Hours of Impact. Group 10...
Sep 13, 2023
Community
Work Life
1001 Hours of Impact Campaign Exceeds 1500 Volunteer Hours
On July 19 Group 1001 launched 1001 Hours of Impact to engage and unite employees in an ongoing corporate initiative through volunteering and impactful team events. In just six weeks, our employees went above and beyond to secure more than 1500 volunteer hours!
More than 215 employees in 11 different states volunteered...
Sep 7, 2023
Corporate
Sponsorship
Community
Work Life
Indy Women in Tech Summit Shares Strategies for Success
The Indy Women in Tech (IWiT) Summit took place Wednesday, August 30 in Indianapolis. Twenty-two employees from Group 1001 (including volunteers) attended the Summit, thanks to complimentary tickets from IWiT. More than 190 attendees in total enjoyed the session. The Summit was part of Rally, a three-day global innovat...
Aug 21, 2023
Work Life
Corporate
Community
Waltham Office Completes Successful Back-to-School Backpack Drive
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe, Former Pro Tennis Player
This quote describes the recent volunteer activity undertaken in Waltham as employees donated supplies, assembled and filled backpacks, loaded trucks, and delivered 255 fully-stocked backpacks to families in need with el...
Aug 21, 2023
Work Life
Community
Employees Are Making an Impact by Volunteering
Our employees are making an incredible impact in their communities through volunteering. Outside 1001 Hours of Impact, many have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to various causes close to their heart. Whether it was lending a helping hand at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-ups, or support...
Aug 17, 2023
Work Life
Sponsorship
Community
1001 Hours of Impact - Gleaners Food Bank Recap
Group 1001 employees have achieved 850+ hours across the company for 1001 Hours of Impact!
August 9 and 11, 100 employees joined over two days for a combined 284 hours to make a difference for food-insecure Hoosiers across 21 counties. We partnered with Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana for its drive-thru food distribution...
Aug 17, 2023
Work Life
Corporate
Group 1001’s Gu Xie Is Leading the Organization to Be Data Centric in Decision Making
Gu Xie, Head of Data Engineering for Group 1001, is already making huge waves as he approaches one year on the job, leading the transformation of the organization to become data-centric. Gu built an innovative platform from the ground up, focused on new capabilities and data to enable analytic outcomes and empower team...
Aug 2, 2023
Work Life
Group 1001 Employees Are Helping Their Communities
Our employees are making an incredible impact in their communities through volunteering. Outside 1001 Hours of Impact, many have dedicated their time, energy, and passion to various causes close to their heart. Whether it was lending a helping hand at local shelters, participating in environmental clean-ups, or support...
May 30, 2023
Work Life
Brothers Serve in Army Reserves and Work Together at Group 1001
Military Appreciation Month
As we celebrate Military Appreciation Month, two brothers deserve recognition for serving the United States Army and Group 1001. Josh Satterfield, Senior Manager for Clear Spring Life & Annuity Company (CSLAC) and Delaware Life, and brother Isaac Satterfield, Team Lead for Delaware Life, ...
May 14, 2023
Work Life
Celebrating Mother's Day
The story of how Nick Sanchez became a race car driver starts with his mom, Shanie Sanchez, and a Google search. From the time Nick was a small child, he wanted to drive anything with four wheels and an engine: the family's John Deere, ATV, golf cart, etc. So, as Nick tells it, Shanie got on Google and searched, “...
