Lead by Example, Live Generously.
The Tandem Family of Companies’ (TFC) President, Bruce Leon, strives to inspire his employees to be philanthropically-minded and involved in their community in a significant way. Leon, the founder of four companies providing custom and high-touch human resource solutions to hundreds of businesses in and around the Chicago area, has always supported nonprofit organizations in the communities in which he lives and works. “I feel so fortunate to be in my position. I believe sharing my blessings is the right thing to do,” says Leon, who not only financially supports organizations but also volunteers his time and his human resources. Yes, that’s right! Leon has over 125 employees that he wants to influence positively. He has established several charitable programs which encourage and make it easy for employees to live generously.
Volunteer Time
Like a lot of other business owners, Leon matches employees’ donations made to 501(c)(3) organizations all year long. Leon has taken it a few steps further, however, by establishing a Dollars for Doers program. This program awards $250 to any non-profit organization to which an employee donates at least 30 hours. It gives employees an extra way to support their causes, encouraging them to volunteer time.
TFC employees never have the excuse that they do not have the time to volunteer either. The company allows employees to use up to 20 hours of paid work time annually to volunteer. They even organize their own volunteer events throughout the year. This winter, they sent 15 employees to A Safe Haven to work in the food pantry for four hours during the workday. For the past 20 years, A Safe Haven has been assisting homeless individuals and families address the cause of their problem and achieve sustainable self-sufficiency. In case four hours out of the office were not enough incentive, the company donated $30 on behalf of each employee that chose to volunteer.
“We are lucky to have such generous people work at Tandem,” said Leon. “I recognize that not everyone can give financially and want to incent them to give in any way possible.”
This is a mantra of Leon’s often heard around the office. His actions spoke louder than words, however, when he announced at his December all company meeting that he was going to donate $20,000 to non-profit organizations near and dear to his employees’ hearts. Employees were asked to tell Leon the names of the organizations they support and give a few reasons why. With an overwhelming response, Leon ended up donating $21,250 to over 50 organizations.
Leon is a champion of charitable causes and strives to influence employees, colleagues, and clients to make a positive impact in the community.
Leading By Example
Greater Chicago Food Depository
Pancreatic Cancer Network
Gates Philanthropy Partners
Andrew Wommack Ministries
Youth Outlook
PlannedParenthood
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Ronald McDonald House
Crisis Center
A Safe Haven
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Test Positive Aware Network
Toy Express
Gildas Club Chicago
Humane Society of Calumet
Dupage Habitat for Humanity
Salvation Army
West Suburban Food Pantry
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Camp Erin Chicago
Gift of Hope
American Cancer Society
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Paws Chicago
Hephzibah Children’s Association Oak Park
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Reclaim 13
Conquer Chiari Foundation
DuPage PADS
Kenneth Young Centers
AMIT
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist
Impact: A Wesleyan Church
Hatzallah Chicago
The Bridge Teen Center
Pulmonary Hypertension Association
MorningStar Mission
Philanthropic Heart