Welcome, Cody
We are thrilled to have you on Team NewGround…
Hello Cody,
[Personalized note to each new hire from Kevin.]
Kevin Blair
Kevin Blair
President & CEO of NewGround
ONBOARDING
EXPECTATIONS & FORMAT
As part of your onboarding journey, you’ll be required to watch all of the videos listed below. These have been carefully curated to give you a comprehensive introduction to the NewGround way—our mission, vision, communication style, terminology, and strategic goals.
Throughout this series, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of who we are, where we’ve come from, and where we’re headed. Since 1913, NewGround has been pioneering the way financial institutions and other organizations design, build, and strategize their physical spaces. From branded headquarters to high-performing branches, we help clients activate their space as a powerful tool for growth.
You’ll also learn about the evolution of our company, the core values that guide us, and how we’ve grown into a national leader in strategy, design, and project delivery—all through the lens of a collaborative and innovative culture.
By the end of this onboarding series, you’ll be equipped with the insight and foundation to confidently step into your role and contribute meaningfully to our continued success
.
Let’s get started—welcome to the team!
your
modules
Purpose: Introduce new employees to NewGround’s history, mission, values, and company structure.
Includes:
- NewGround History & Evolution (since 1913)
- Overview of Strategy, Design, Build, Interiors
- Mission, Vision, and Brand Pillars
- Organizational Structure
- Overview of Company Culture
Presented by: Kevin Blair, Maribeth McAnany, Dan Moore
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
Purpose: Deep dive into how NewGround delivers value through strategic insight, branding, and the retail experience.
Includes:
- Strategy Overview (Scott Florini)
- Programs & Services
- Market Studies & Growth Projections
- Feasibility Studies & HQ Programming
- Branding Overview (Scott Florini & Jeff Ensweiler)
- Brand Blueprint, Brand Services
- Retail Team Introduction (Jonathan Meyer & Maura Lynch)
- Hospitality Integration
- Team Setup, Client Process & Case Examples
- Environmental Graphics & Discovery Sessions (Spencer Branham)
- Retail Tours, Discovery Deliverables
- Sensory Experience Overview (Tim Wheeler)
- Sight, Sound, Scent, and Systems
- How We Identify Customer Needs
Presented by: Tim Wheeler, Jeff Ensweiller, Spencer Branham, and Scott Florini
Purpose: Showcase how NewGround takes a project from concept to completion through integrated design and construction.
Includes:
- Design Team Overview & Roles (Bill Bily & Susan Fischer)
- Interior Design, Hospitality Experience
- Furniture Lines, Licensing, Continuing Ed
- Sales & Marketing Process (Bill Bily & Jeff Ensweiler)
- Capabilities Decks, Case Studies
- Construction + Project Management (Mike Crain, Hutt Rubio)
- PM Structure, Roles & Responsibilities
- How We Go to Market
- Sales/Design/Construction Collaboration
Presented by: Mike Crane, Hutt Rubio
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
Purpose: Orient new hires to the people-first culture, employee perks, internal systems, and community at NewGround.
Includes:
- HR Orientation (Kristina Abrenica & Dan Moore)
- UKG App & Portal, Policies, Benefits
- Office Culture & Events (Maribeth McAnany)
- Office Supplies & Store, Office Management (Ron & Maribeth)
- Workplace Values & Collaboration
- Life in the Clayton HQ, Chicago, Waterloo & Beyond
- Marketing & Events
Presented by: Maribeth McAnany, Dan Moore, Danielle Calcara, Cody Goodrich, Emily Rasch
Purpose: Help new employees get hands-on with the systems and processes they’ll use daily. Meetings scheduled by HR to complete the traditional training matrix.
Includes:
- IT Onboarding (Ann Rolf)
- Basic Systems, Tech, Access, Security (Authenticator)
- Timesheets & Expense Reports (Stacie Hertel)
- Microsoft Teams Use
- HR Systems (Kristina Abrenica)
- Benefits Enrollment, Time Off, Policies
- Company Communication Best Practices
Video 1: Welcome to NewGround – Who We Are & What We Do
Video 2: The NewGround Experience – Strategy, Branding & Retail
Video 3: Our Design & Build Process – From Vision to Reality
Video 4: Inside Our Culture – Life at NewGround
Video 5: Tools & Systems – Working the NewGround Way
YOUR
CHECKLIST
- Have you completed all video trainings?
- Are you logged into all systems?
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
- Authenticator
- UKG Dashboard
- Emburse Professional
- Acumatica
- SharePoint
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
STRATEGY→DESIGN→BUILD→INTERIORS
Congratulations—you’ve officially completed your onboarding journey, and I’m thrilled to welcome you as a true Groundbreaker.
You’ve joined NewGround at an exciting time, and we don’t take your presence here lightly. You were chosen because of your talents, your passion, and the unique perspective you bring to our team. We believe in your potential to make a lasting impact—not just on the work we do, but on the future we’re building together.
At NewGround, we don’t just design spaces—we shape experiences, drive innovation, and create environments that elevate brands and connect communities. Now, you’re part of that mission.
Thank you for choosing us. We’re proud to have you on this journey and can’t wait to see how you leave your mark.
Welcome to NewGround—let’s build something great.
Kevin Blair
Kevin Blair
President & CEO
Your
Resources
NewGround brand hub
the complete newground process
NewGround Website
