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We’re entrepreneurs. We know taking risks and meeting new challenges is all part of the business. But at Ideoli, we also know that everything we learn today is going to have an impact on how far we progress tomorrow. How we use that knowledge is going to allow us to take even more risks, meet even more challenges and achieve even more success. That’s why we took some time to reflect back on lessons learned in 2017; because we’re determined to make 2018 even better. Here are some of the key lessons the Ideoli team—from Co-Founders to Brand and Product Invigorators to Applications Engineer—said they learned last year:    Things may take longer than expected but they will get done.   Always keep the customers’ vision up front and center.   Everyone has something important to contribute.   Take pride in your workand customers will recognize your efforts.  The customer is always right. Period. Of course, just as important as what the Ideoli team thinks is what our partners think. Asking for their input, listening to their suggestions and comparing notes only helps us learn more and progress even further.  Reflecting on all we accomplished in 2017 has helped Ideoli get 2018 off to a great start.

It’s true that Ideoli Co-Founders George Stroumboulis and Chris Hartswick travel around the globe, visiting country after country to connect with our partners, and check on production runs and client installations. But they also spend plenty of time in the United States, visiting state after state and city after city, making connections and ensuring projects are running smoothly. And, of course, they never fail to get invigorated by the many cultures and people they encounter along the way.  New York City, perhaps the greatest city in the world, just happens to be the city where Ideoli was founded. So, it’s no secret it’s one of George’s and Chris’s favorite places. And, who can blame them? Manhattan has a rich history and a diverse population that melds a variety of exciting cultures. One of the original 13 colonies and states of the United States, New York state was the site of one of the first major battles of the Revolutionary War and several of the nation’s forefathers were born here. In the 19th century, New York City– once the capital of the U.S.– was one of the primary ports of call for immigrants arriving in the US, with the iconic Statue of Liberty welcoming them to our country. Today, the state’s gross economic product exceeds that of most of the countries around the world. Even after suffering the deadly terrorist attack of 9/11, New York City is still the center of this country’s economy, and remains the world’s financial and cultural leader, setting popular trends in fashion, art and food. Speaking of food, George and Chris never pass up the opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of sampling the city’s wonderful food and drink, which are available on every city block. It’s what keeps them invigorated throughout the year. Here is a list of the top five things they suggest you eat and drink while in New York City: 1. Pizza From family-owned pizzerias that have been around for decades to hipster artisanal pizza restaurants, the pizza they serve in New York City cannot be duplicated anywhere (except maybe in Italy). Try a slice from John’s of Bleecker Street or Artichoke Basille’s Pizza, which has a number of locations. 2. Bagels The city’s other iconic food is bagels. Some say it’s because of the water, but whatever it is, New York City bagels are the best anywhere. For a real treat, try one with lox and scallion cream cheese from Russ & Daughters on East Houston Street. 3. Street Meat (Hot Dogs) When you’re hungry for lunch, just stop at one of the many corner street eateries or street vendors to grab a hot dog for a quick, affordable and satisfying meal. Choose from toppings such as traditional sauerkraut (available at most hot dog stands) to more specialty varieties at these eateries: Gray’s Papaya (2090 Broadway), Crif Dogs(113 St. Marks Place) and Schaller’s Stube (1652 Second Avenues). 4. Acai Bowls If you’re looking for healthier options for breakfast, lunch or a snack, or if juicing is more your thing, then look no further than an acai bowl, one of the city’s latest food trends. It’s basically a thick, rich smoothie that can be topped with any combination of foods, including oatmeal, fruit or peanut butter. 5. Manhattan (Drink) For a cocktail that truly embodies the essence of New York City, you have to try a Manhattan. Rumored to have been created by a bartender at the famed Manhattan Club in the late 1870s, this cocktail is seeing a bit of a revival lately. And why not? It’s classic and sophisticated, and blends whiskey (or bourbon) with sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters. Here’s to New York City! George and Chris are continually inspired and invigorated by the many different people they meet and the cuisines and cultures they discover in New York City– a place they’re proud to call home.

Ideoli co-founders George and Chris recognize that traveling the world to connect one-on-one with our partners and check on production runs and client installations is one of the best parts of their jobs. They never tire of the incredible opportunities they have to explore other countries and never fail to get invigorated by the cultures and people they encounter. One of their recent places to visit is Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. Since the mid-17th century, Stockholm has been the cultural and historical center of the country. It is the country’s largest city and its second largest port. Built on a series of islands, each section boasts its own distinct character.  Gamla Stan, the old town, has architecture from the 16th and 17th centuries. Östermalm is the wealthier section, and in Norrmalm you’ll find the city’s business and shopping districts. Beautiful parks and museums are located in Djurgården while Södermalm will appeal to the more fashionable and bohemian set. A mixture of old bridges and modern overpasses connect the islands to the districts on the mainlands of Upland and Södermanland. From architecture to furniture, Swedes are known for their distinct modern, functional style and examples can be found throughout Stockholm. Visit any of the more than 80 museums, including the National Museum’s design section, and you’ll find examples of art and other treasures. As you walk around Stockholm, take in the city’s breathtaking architecture. Much of it has remained intact since the country has not been at war in centuries. In Stockholm, you’ll also find many places to enjoy a good meal, including Asian fusion and fine-dining restaurants, kebab pizza joints and restaurants that specialize in traditional Swedish cuisine, known as husmans kost. George and Chris did not pass up on the opportunity to enjoy the pleasure of sampling the city’s wonderful food and drink. Along with the folks they met, it’s what kept them invigorated throughout their visit. Here is a list of the top 5 things they suggest you should eat and drink in Stockholm: 1. Ostkaka This simple yet delicious cheesecake is an extremely popular dessert. Made with milk, eggs, sugar and almonds, it is served with the country’s famed Ligonberry jam. 2. Swedish Meatballs Swedish Meatballs are thought of as the quintessential Swedish dish and are usually made with a mixture of beef and pork. They can also be made of other meats and are served with a flavorful gravy, potatoes (often mashed), a bowl of lingonberries and pickled cucumbers. 3. Gravad Lax Raw salmon that has been cured in sugar, salt and dill for a number of days, this is less salty and sweeter than smoked salmon. The dish is often served with boiled yellow potatoes along with a tangy sweet mustard and dill sauce (hovmästarsås). 4. Kanelbulle (cinnamon buns) Cinnamon buns are one of Sweden’s most beloved foods and you can find them in every café, bakery and food store throughout Stockholm . Made from leavened bread dough that is lightly sweetened (known as vetebröd), they can be flavored with such popular Swedish spices as cardamom, saffron and vanilla. 5. Coffee The perfect accompaniment to Kanelbulle is a cup of Swedish coffee. In fact, there is a tradition in Stockhom known as fika, where people sit down to enjoy a cup of coffee while enjoying something sweet. The coffee found in local cafes is stronger than American but not as potent as an Italian espresso. George and Chris are continually inspired and invigorated by the people they meet and the many different cuisines and cultures they get to discover in places such as Stockholm, Sweden. Traveling around the world allows them to connect with Ideoli’s partners and clients while strengthening and building upon the important relationships they have established.