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 Nothing captures Henkel's (formerly Manco's) pride, spirit and personality better than Duck Challenge Day. Each year, we set aside one special day to celebrate teamwork, creativity and our successes with special friends and colleagues.
Our founder & former CEO Jack Kahl initiated Duck Challenge Day in 1990 with a simple bet. "If we reach $60 million in sales, I'll jump in the duckpond out front." We met our goal, and Jack plunged into the icy water as the Manco partners cheered him on. From then on, a new challenge was issued each year. By 1995, 59 partners had joined Jack for a celebratory swim.
Manco moved to its new headquarters in 1996, and the new pond was too small to continue the tradition. But Jack had a new challenge for us. If Manco reached $175 million, he would shave his head. Once again, we surpassed the profit goal. Jack's haircut made headlines in business publications across the country, and even captured the attention of the National Enquirer.
Partnership Day 2007
 Unlike the highly entertaining, Hollywood-style Partnership Days of the past, the celebration in February 2007 took on a more serious, slower pace with a traditional business meeting format. This afforded the executive team an opportunity to go into more details about the complex conditions of the past year and to prepare all partners for a a year of exceptional challenges in 2007.
With “Trust in Teamwork” as the theme, executives from Sales, Marketing and Operations explained in detail their team’s goals and the game plan to achieve them. Throughout the afternoon, individual partners were presented with the Spirit Award in recognition of outstanding effort in 2006. Community service was also recognized with the presentation of the Henkel Community Service Award to the partner who provided the most hours and effort dedicated to charitable projects in 2006.
Partnership Day concluded with an enthusiastic cheer and a strong team commitment to a successful 2007!
Click here to view pictures from Partnership Day 2007.
Partnership Day 2006
In 2006, our annual event, Duck Challenge Day, experienced a name change and is now known as Partnership Day. This name more appropriately represents our full line of brands.
2005 was a milestone sales year for Henkel Consumer Adhesives! On February 17 our annual celebration took on a nostaligic theme as video took partners back in time to learn and reminesce how this growth occurred within the context of the history of the 70's, 80', and 90's.
Executives boarded an on-stage time machine, the Time Twister, and traveled into the past. Along the way, each executive videotaped events in history, as well as significant moments in the growth of Manco and Ohio Sealants, the cornerstones of our brands, along with Loctite and LePage. Throughout the celebration, partners were recognized for their commitment to our success, teamwork, and community involvement.
Following our trip into the past, the plan for our future was presented by executives in a relaxed, informal setting with goals for the upcoming year clearly outlined.
The 2006 executive challenge pitted CEO John Kahl against VP Rich Lawrence in an unorthodox Sumo match testing their strength, dexterity and stamina. Dressed in cumbersome Sumo costumes, the competitors bounced across stage on pogo sicks, jumped rope, leapfrogged, and juggled an egg in a spoon through an obstacle course. The winners were two charities: the SHOPA Kids In Need Resource Center and the Figleaf Foundation.
Click here to view pictures from Partnership Day 2006.
Duck Challenge Day 2005
On February 18, Henkel partners gathered together to celebrate their annual Duck Challenge Day “feud” style. Hosted by CEO John Kahl, the Adhesives Feud program included a creative summary presented by the executives who oversee the four segments of the company. Each executive also introduced his/her “family team” who came to compete in a game show atmosphere for the ultimate prize of a $10 retail gift certificate for every member of their team.
Each team consisted of seven members, five who competed and two alternates. Over the course of two months, the teams studied facts from a guide consisting of 400 questions and answers. Questions covered product knowledge, company history, fun facts, and annual statistics.
In the first competition, the Henkel Hillbillies (shared services) enthusiastically triumphed over the Mark E. Ting Family (marketing). In the second round, the Red Hot Operators (operations) successfully took on the Stellar Sellers (sales). In the final playoff, the Henkel Hillbillies soundly defeated the Red Hot Operators with a score of 10 to 7.
The lively competition was followed by an informal executive review of the goals for 2005 and the strategies that will be engaged to attain these goals.
A primary goal of every Duck Challenge Day is to educate employees on our company and its products. So it was only fitting that an affiliate’s product became the focal point of the annual executive charity challenge. On center stage, a tug-of-war featured a 200-gallon pool filled with Dep Hair Gel. This dual of muscle and stamina ended with a graceful dive into the gel by CEO John Kahl. Both Junior Achievement of Lorain County and the Avon City Schools were the true winners of the challenge when each received donations in the amount of $2,500 and $2,000, respectively.
Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 2005.
Duck Challenge Day 2004
February 20 marked HCA’s 14th Duck Challenge Day celebration. And what better theme could there be to engage the Henkel employees in their annual event, than North American Idol. Borrowing the idea from a tremendously popular television show, the company was divided into four teams, each being given the challenge to showcase their hidden talents of song, dance, and costuming in competition for a $10 gift certificate to a local retailer for every team member.
Each segment of the program (Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Shared Service) was hosted by an executive who summarized the group’s successes in 2003 and recognized partners with awards for spirit, teamwork, and outstanding creative thinking. With the serious portion of the business program completed, each executive then shared a series of video clips from the “talent” who didn’t make the final cut and introduced his/her contenders for North American Idol.
The winners chosen by guest judges were the Shared Services troupe who performed “Henkel Has Heart and Soul” to the tune of Old Time Rock ‘n Roll. Their act rivaled the best from Broadway and in addition to singers included dancers, a roller skater, hula-hoopers, and some silent stars.
Adding to the day of business fun was keynote speaker Vince Poscente. An Olympic skier and entrepreneur, Vince engaged the audience with his unique style,while instructeing them on his Five C’s for success, always keeping fun in the formula.
A cornerstone of Henkel’s culture is community involvement. In recognition of both their volunteer activities in the community and outstanding academic achievement, two Avon High seniors, Carli Lehr and Aaron Jacobs, were presented with college scholarships. In appreciation for their volunteer activities performed on behalf of Henkel, Avon partner Julie Davis was presented with the Glenn Hilton Community Service Award and Brampton, Ontario partner Oksana Tsolakidis was recognized with the Big Heart Award.
And this year HCA executives took community involvement one step further. CEO John Kahl, President and COO Dan Brogan, and Executive Vice President Bill Kahl competed on behalf of three charities by “rolling for bucks.” Cocooned sticky side out in the company’s flagship product, Duck Tape, together they rolled in a bed of play money to see who could gather the most. As a result, the Boys and Girls Club of Peel, a Canadian branch of the charity, received $2,500; the Avon, Ohio school system received $1,500; and Cleveland-based Esperanza, Inc. received $1,000.
Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 2004.
Duck Challenge Day 2003
On February 21, with a clock ticking “60 Minutes” style in the background, CEO John Kahl served as emcee for the annual Duck Challenge Day event in the role of a news reporter hosting a “Three Hour Special.” The special was dedicated to one story: how , in a year tough for business, one company reached its sales and profit goals -- in fact, had a record year.
Three segments were led by “reporters” who examined the story from the inside with tough, hard-hitting interviews. In the first segment entitled Excellent Customer Service is Linked to Systems, reporter Gene Obrock (HCA’s vice president, operations) examined how the latest technology, teamwork, and innovative programs resulted in excellent customer service, cost savings, and opportunities for productivity improvements.
Reporter Dan Brogan (HCA’s president) interviewed members of the sales team in a segment called Sales Team Tackles Tough Times. The audience heard one success story after another detailing how innovative programs and strong customer relationships led to yet another record sales year. Finally, in Marketing from A to Z, led by reporter Bill Kahl (HCA’s executive vice president, corporate development) marketing efforts were examined, revealing an impressive list of product and program innovations and creative promotions.
Of course, no Duck Challenge Day would be complete without recognition of partners, vendors, and sales reps, as well as the annual scholarship award given to two Avon High School seniors who during their high school years demonstrated outstanding scholastic achievement along with dedicated community service. The 2003 recipients were Nick Urig and Mark Wendell.
Keeping with tradition, executives celebrated the year’s successes by fulfilling a challenge made the previous year: if corporate sales goals were achieved, they would grace the fashion runway in dresses made of Duck Tape. Strutting their stuff to the tune “You’ve Got Legs” (played by the Duck Brand Band), CEO John Kahl, President Dan Brogan, and Executive Vice President Bill Kahl entertained a cheering audience who showed their appreciation with a standing ovation.
Duck Challenge Day 2003 concluded with a short executive review of the goals and expectations for 2004 and comments on how those goals would be tackled.
Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 2003.
Duck Challenge Day 2002
Acclaimed superheroes Batman and Robin hosted a superhero convention at Manco, Inc.'s annual Duck Challenge Day celebration on February 8. The program was like the Manco Duck - fun, friendly, energetic and one-of-a-kind - and focused on company accomplishments, including the announcement of a record sales year of $304 million.
John Kahl, chief executive officer, and Bill Kahl, executive vice president, hosted the event as their superhero alter-egos, Batman and Robin. Chief Operating Officer Dan Brogan was close by as he evaluated the success of 2001.
The legendary superheroes could not travel far without confrontation from their mischievous nemeses. Several villains, Lex Luther, Joker, Riddler and Cat Woman to name a few, revealed themselves as they reminisced about obstacles faced by Manco's marketing and sales departments in 2001. But, as in years past, Manco partners overcame these obstacles, defeated their rivals, and had another successful year. The year was so incredible that a new superhero was born from its success: Adhesives Man. The audience witnessed COO Dan Brogan become Adhesives Man as each department achieved its goals.
During the program, Manco honored its partners with awards for teamwork, spirit, community involvement and outstanding creative thinking. The company also announced the recipients of its annual Memorial Scholarship, awarded to Emily Wysocki and Jason Kodysz, two outstanding Avon High School seniors who demonstrated exemplary academic accomplishment and involvement in their community.
Todd Scott, a famous Canadian duct tape sculptor, also appeared at the event. Todd is perhaps the only artist in the world whose sole artistic medium is the versatile adhesive product. Todd created a commemorative, life-size sculpture of Adhesives Man made entirely of Duck® brand duct tape. Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 2002.
Duck Challenge Day 2001
Manco gathered its employees and special friends for a unique, Saturday Night Live-like celebration called “Duck Night Live.” The program was much like the Manco Duck – fun, friendly, high-energy and one-of-a-kind – and it focused on company accomplishments, including the announcement of another record sales year in 2000. John Kahl, newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Manco, and Bill Kahl, executive vice president, hosted the “Duck Night Live” program as their alter-egos, “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” and “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” from the recent popular films. Several Saturday Night Live-type skits will be performed by Manco’s partners (employees), including a “Weekend Update”, Manco’s very own “Spartan” cheerleaders, a motivational speech performed by Manco’s new Executive Vice President of Sales, Dan Perella (a.k.a. “Matt Foley”), and Chief Financial Officer Marc Fedor will be joined by members of the finance department to announce the record-breaking sales year from the planet Remulak, home to the Coneheads. Tim & Jim, The Duct Tape Guys, also made a special appearance at the event. Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenege Day 2001
Duck Challenge Day 2000
Manco’s Duck Challenge Day 2000 was a gathering of its employees and special friends for a unique, MTV-like celebration called "The DTV Awards." The program was much like the Manco Duck -- fun, friendly, high-energy and one-of-a-kind -- spotlighting company accomplishments, including record sales of $235 million in 1999, (up over 30% from the 1998's sales of $180.5 million). Hosting the event were John Kahl, president of Manco, and Bill Kahl, executive vice president, appearing as their alter egos, Wayne and Garth, from the popular film "Wayne's World." Manco will honor its partners (employees) with awards for teamwork, spirit, community involvement and outstanding creative thinking. In addition, Manco announced the recipients of its first Manco Memorial Scholarship, awarded to two outstanding Avon High School seniors who have demonstrated involvement in their community and academic accomplishment. Also on the program were self-produced videos and entertaining skits from a variety of Manco's marketing and operational departments, and Manco's very own Duck® Brand Band provided live music throughout the show. Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 2000.
Duck Challenge Day 1999
Our last Duck Challenge Day emphasized the importance of teamwork, community involvement and creative thinking. Partners were honored with Spirit Awards for their extraordinary commitment and dedication, while vendors received accolades for outstanding service. The fun of past Duck Challenge Days wasn't forgotten either--John and Bill Kahl hosted their version of The Tonight Show , with skits and guest appearances by Elvis, Brad Pitt's stunt double, and the Duck Brand Band. The evening program featured entertainment by the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and Broadway entertainers, and an inspiring speech by Bob "Mr. Inspiration" Wieland, a Vietnam veteran named "one of the six most amazing Americans in the last twenty years" by People magazine. Click here to view pictures from Duck Challenge Day 1999.
2002 Duck Challenge Day Slide Show
2001 Duck Challenge Day Slide Show
2000 Duck Challenge Day Slide Show
1999 Duck Challenge Day Slide Show
Past Duck Challenge Days Slide Show
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