Today we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Olson Communications. It’s actually 10 years and 4.2 months, but who’s counting? This little company that I founded in a recessive post-9/11 economy has grown from its humble beginnings in the back bedroom of my house to what we think are posh offices in Kierland Commons, one of the projects that long has been part of my history. As our client, Woodbine Southwest, was building Kierland more than a decade ago, I remember saying in a girl-like dream state, “some day I’ll have an office there.” Lucky for me, some day came true and here we sit. The road to get here has been interesting, definitely not a springtime walk in the park, but always exciting. We’ve been greeted by new clients, new industries, new geographic markets, new employees, editors, digital platforms, and a continually changing public relations profession, and all of this keeps our jobs, and our minds, fresh. Every day. And that, dear readers, is what has driven me throughout my career, not just during the last 10 years. Who wouldn’t want this career? Don’t answer that.

I started Olson Communications because I thought “being on my own” would allow me more time with my then 7-year old boys. No one mentioned that business ownership is more than client service, writing and pitching, and that I’d have less time, not more. But creative structuring of my time did give me the flexibility I was searching for, and my boys’ psychologists would tell you it hasn’t impacted them at all to have a busy, night owl mom. They’re 17, soon to be high school seniors, and this is the life they know. And it’s a pretty good one, according to the one boy I polled last night. Never mind that I was withholding food until he answered the question.

We’ve seen so much change in 10 years. Three offices, one acquisition, media friends who have come and gone and dozens of employees and clients. At one count, we determined that more than 30 interns have passed through our doors (at least three a year for 10 years!). That’s casting a wide net into the PR world, so I hope they’ve taken the good of what they’ve learned, and left the, um, not so good. I’m sure there’s something we could have done better to train these young practitioners. But let’s not dwell on that. I’ve learned more from everyone who has worked here or influenced this agency than they possibly could have learned from me, and I’d like to share a little of that with you on this milestone day. In the spirit of lists that PR people love to create…here are my top 10…

1. Be nice, play fair, work hard (You’ve heard that before, but it’s so true, and really is at the core of this company.)

2. Be courageous and forge ahead (Sometimes just leaving the house is courageous. Other days, it’s knowing that you’re leading in one direction and the rest of the industry is going another, and that’s okay. Just do it (sorry, Nike, nothing else fits here.))

3. Surround yourself with people who are good at math (Seriously, this may the key to our longevity in a topsy turvy economy.)

4. Dress for the job you want (Aspire to create a workplace that will attract the best talent. Small companies can offer competitive benefits. Just ask me.)

5. Never stop doing the dishes (Great companies are built on CEOs who are willing to step in on just about any task, even if we have to be taught. PowerPoint isn’t as easy as it looks, people.)

6. Relationships remain at the crux of our business, even in a digital age (IRL still means something, and trusted friends can be made without ever meeting. Trust me on this.)

7.  Don’t live without a professional network (PRSA’s Counselors Academy and Sedona Roundtable are two that I rely on daily for insight, sanity checks and keeping a pulse on national trends.)

8. Exercise and eat well (Just ask my staff how fun it is hearing about cycling, CrossFit, gluten free menus and the benefits of juicing.)

9. Follow your passion and you won’t work a day in your life (No one has ever questioned if I love this business!)

10. There’s humor in everything (Keep it near you and it will calm any storm that hits. Except for when it accidentally creates the storm. Not everyone gets my humor.)

And a bonus:

11. Marry someone who is patient, supportive and likes to talk about PR and business (Thanks, Jody Olson, for continuing to make me think you enjoy these conversations.)

Here’s to 10 more interesting, exciting years for Olson Communications and the rock star practitioners who work here. I wouldn’t be writing this without you!