So, it's been a pretty crappy economy. And, at Fonality we have felt some of this pain. Our primary product is a phone system and companies tend to buy less of these when they are firing their staff. 2009 hasn't been devastating but this certainly doesn't look like the first half of 2008. Has it been all bad news? No. We have used this time to: make ourselves more efficient, invest heavily in R&D, and analyze areas of the business that don't get noticed when you are doubling in size every single year.

But, sometimes when things are down, you just really need to hit someone. So, why not hit your boss? As such, the Fonality employees have decided to have some fun...at each other's expense. They have launched their own official FIGHT CLUB. Our first rule of FIGHT CLUB is: tell everyone about FIGHT CLUB!

So, what does this all mean? Well, it means that in six weeks a bunch of tech geeks, with no previous fighting experience, will be getting into a ring and attempting to knock out or submit each other in a UFC-style MMA tournament. Six weeks isn't a lot of time to get in shape, start eating right, learn how to fight, and learn how to not get hurt. But, six weeks it is.

While risque, the whole endeavor has been hilarious and has notably improved the office morale. I walked out of my office the other day and saw 10 support folks all hanging around an ab roller, seeing who could do more ab rolls. When is the last time you saw a bunch of geeks competing on stomach crunches? :)

So far 17 fighters, including myself, have signed up. It's gonna be wild! Just yesterday a support engineer signed up...in MY weight class. He has 3 years of extensive Karate and Boxing experience. Compare that to my 3 days and..well...I'm not only reaching for the stars but I will likely end up seeing a few in June.

Sincerely,

Chris 'The CEOMFG STFU' Lyman
Class: Lightweight
Fighting Style: Peek 'a BOOM