Issue10_SpringSummer2017

Everybody loves a puppy, right? That is unless you are the security guard at 100 Constitution Plaza, the home of BL Companies’ Hartford office. The plan was easy enough. Visit the Hartford office, as requested by many, with Hugo, the newest addition to the Halotek family. Implementation of the plan took some agility - a BL Companies core value. And out of that agility, the concept behind the BL mascot was born. Here’s how it all went down: As I entered the building with puppy in hand and was signing in to visit the 10 th floor, the security guard asked if this little French Bulldog was a service dog. I said, “No, is that an issue?” and he replied, “Yes, if you want to enter the building with him. We do not allow dogs in this building.” On cuteness alone, I thought he should forego the rules and let us up, but this guard wasn’t budging. I’m not sure how these words formulated in my brain but the next thing I heard was my own voice in a friendly and worried tone, “I’m the Executive Director of Marketing for BL Companies and this puppy has an 8:30 meeting. He is the BL Companies mascot and they are expecting him for a branding meeting. What should I do?” With a very questionable look from the guard, I continued, “Can you call the building

management company to see if they can make an exception for this meeting?” Apprehensively, the guard picked up the phone and from behind the desk this is what was heard: “I have a woman here with a dog that she wants to take to the 10 th Floor.” “No, he is not a service dog” “She says he has an 8:30 meeting.” “BL Companies.” “He’s their mascot.” “Yes. Uh huh. Ok. I’ll let her know.” He then turned to me and said, “You can bring him up – but will need to carry him until you get to the 10 th floor.” With a big BL smile and gratitude, I thanked him very much, took the elevator to the 10 th floor and it was then that the Hartford office was the first to meet BL’s official mascot – Hugo. Upon exiting the building – the guard wanted to know how Hugo’s meeting went and I said “He nailed it!”

To view Hugo’s future adventures on Instagram follow @hugotek_thepup

issue 10 // 13