LaunchSquad

For LaunchSquad’s end-of-year meeting early this month, the team gathered at SF State’s downtown campus, located at the new Westfield San Francisco Centre. Inside tiered-classroom 557, Partner Jesse Odell kicked-off the presentation-packed afternoon by running circles around the classroom to the sounds of the Black Eyed Pea’s chart-toping “Let’s Get It Started.” Following Jesse’s memorable introduction, Partner Brett Weiner introduced the third Weiner baby to his extended family mid-presentation when a slide of a recent ultrasound image flickered on the projection screen. While Brett said he hopes to have a “health baby,” some Squaders are hoping Abigail and Hazel Weiner will have a baby brother come summer.

The afternoon also included Jason Mandell delivering his annual State of LaunchSquad update and Jason Throckmorton reviewing the 2008 Employee Survey. The meeting concluded with a small awards ceremony for outstanding employee performances this year. Some of the “whinnnnas” took home gifts in the categories of Best Pitcher, Rookie of the Year and Team Player.

The following evening LaunchSquad headed over to Bar Tartine in the Mission District for the annual holiday soiree. Recognized as a great place to eat in San Francisco, Bar Tartine did not disappoint the 50 Squaders and guests. As people arrived, guests mingled around the bar, sipping cranberry-prosecco aperitifs or wine and snacked on tasty canapés. The marble top bar was decorated with a spread of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, Tartine bread and accoutrements. Dinner included entrees of local black cod, prather ranch NY strip loin, and potato gnocchi. The fourth course received rave reviews from dessert-lover and veteran-Squader Melissa Biles who couldn’t get enough of the chocolate soufflé cake with vanilla ice cream, brandied cherries and almond toffee. “I love this!” she exclaimed.

While Melissa and others enjoyed the dessert course, Brett rolled up his shirtsleeves and prepared for the premier of the company’s annual holiday movie. Currently, in its fourth incarnation, the now-legendary company movie includes often-hilarious sketches co-written, produced and directed by Brett and Jesse. The movie showcases the Squad’s in-house talent and includes performances from every LaunchSquad employee. Due to the increase in production scale this year, the filmmakers recruited fellow Squader Corey Lewis as first cameraman and production assistant.

The 30-minute short film, “The Audacity of LaunchSquad” included fan-favorite sketches such as a calendar sequence entitled “The Men of LaunchSquad,” which featured Jesse’s pit-bull, Elvis, as Mr. December, and a Brett Weiner-written and performed rap called “Partners.”

The film received two-thumbs up by newcomer Doug Farmer who will now be remembered as the kid from Texas who busted a move in that holiday movie one year.

Here’s to hoping the 2009 LaunchSquad movie can out-do 2008.