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Handbook Rough Draft


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Originate Storybook

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Employee Handbook June 2014  

 

The key to the kingdom WELCOME  

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WHAT  IS  ORIGINATE?   COMPANY  HISTORY   THE  LEADERS   ORIGINATE  OFFICES     WHAT  MAKES  ORIGINATE  UNIQUE   CHARACTER  OF  ORIGINATE   PARTNERS  NOT  CLIENTS   RECRUITMENT  AND  SELECTION  PROCESS   EMPLOYEE  REFERAL   JOB  TITLES  AND  DESCRIPTIONS   GOALS  

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GETTING  TO  WORK  

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WEEKLY  MEETINGS   RISK-­‐TAKING   TECHNOLOGY  USED  IN  THE  OFFICE   GLOSSARY  OF  ORIGINATE  TERMS   THE  NITTY  GRITTY  

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ONBOARDING  PROCEDURE   WHAT  YOU  RECEIVE   COMPENSATION   HOURS   OVERTIME   BONUSES   BREAKS    

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PAY  PERIODS   PAYROLL   INNOVATION  EQUITY   BENEFITS   DRESS  CODE   COMPUTERS  AND  TECHNOLOGY   TRAVELING  FOR  ORIGINATE  BUSINESS   POLICIES   DISCIPLINARY  PROCEDURE   OFFBOARDING  PROCEDURE  

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QUESTIONS  

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GOOGLE  SITES  AND  WEBSITE     SUMMARY  AND  ACKNOWLEDGEMENT  

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Welcome  

Hey,  welcome  to  Originate!  Everyone  is  so  stoked  you  are  here!   You   are   the   best   of   the   best   and   we   mean   that!   At   Originate   your   position   will   go   as   far   as   you   would   like   it   to   grow;   you   are   in   charge   of   your   success.   This   position   is   unlike   any   you   have  ever  had.  We  want  you  to  be  involved  in  the  growth  and   potential  of  Originate.  So  to  get  started,  we  would  love  to  sync   up  by  grabbing  coffee  to  check  in  on  your  progress  and  career   goals.   Just   ping   us   or   put   the   appointment   on   our   Google   Calendar   and   we   will   accept   it,   no   questions   asked.   Ya   dig?   Also,  when  you  have  some  free  time  to  schedule  in  make  sure   to  read  this  employee  manual,  it  will  answer  any  questions  you   have.  Okay,  any  questions?  No?  Great!       Whoa,  whoa,  whoa,  slow  down  their  partner!  Does  this  sound   familiar?   This   might   have   been   a   similar   conversation   within   the   first   few   hours   of   your   employment.   And   I   am   sure   you   are   dreading   that   you   have   to   read   some   really   dull   employee   handbook.  But  do  not  worry  you  are  going  to  love  working  at   Originate   and   things   will   slow   down.   Okay   maybe   they   will   not   slow  down,  but  you  will  at  least  begin  understand  the  madness   that   is   being   thrown   at   you   and   how   to   manage   it.   The   employee   handbook   is   going   to   become   your   best   friend   and   greatest  resource!  Best  of  all,  it  is  not  boring  at  all;  just  pretend   it   is   a   dear   friend   telling   you   everything   you   need   to   know   about  your  new  job  and  how  to  succeed.  At  Originate  we  care   about   you   and   want   you   to   feel   prepared   in   the   best   possible   way!  So  sit  back,  put  your  feet  up,  grab  a  hot  coffee  and  enjoy   the   Originate   Storybook.   Congratulations   on   your   new   job,   I   mean  new  opportunity!     Disclaimer:  If  the  book  does  turn  out  to  be  really  boring  then  please  break  the  news  to   us  gently;  we  worked  really  hard  and  it  will  hurt  our  feelings.  Thank  you.  

 

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What is Originate?  

Originate  is  a  high-­‐end  software  development  firm  and  product   based   venture   fund   rolled   into   one.   Our   mission   is   to   enable   the   world’s   best   software   talent   to   solve   the   world’s   most   ambitious  problems.  But  that  is  just  what  we  do.  Who  we  are  is   much,   much   more.   We   are   a   company   of   thinkers,   problem   solvers   and   technology   lovers.   Our   staff   strives   to   be   the   best   and   create   the   best   for   our   partners.     We   work   collectively,   collaboratively  and  creatively  in  order  to  branch  out  as  one  of   the  best  software  development  firms  in  the  industry.  Originate,   Inc.   is   not   your   average   software   company,   we   are   the   future   generation  of  technology  and  the  pioneers  of  creative  business   collaboration.          

Company history    

 

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The Leaders  

These   head   honchos   are   the   faces   and   names   you   should   become  familiar  with.  Study  carefully  there  will  be  a  quiz  at  the   end…    I  am  serious,  there  will  be.    

                                                                                         Rob  Meadows                                Jeff  Scheinrock                        Doug  Mandell            CEO/Partner                                            CFO/Partner                                          Partner    

                                                                                           Lloyd  Taylor                        Richard  Morganstern                Erik  Straser        Executive  Advisor                      Senior  Advisor                          Venture  Advisor      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   Dave  Mathews                                                                                                                                                        Advisor                                                            

 

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Originate Offices    

Originate  is  growing  extremely  fast!  We  are  opening  offices  in   the  most  technologically  savy  and  advanced  cities  around  the   United  States  and  around  the  world.  Check  out  all  of  our  offices   and  try  to  visit  them  all.     New  York  City  

                     60  Madison  Avenue,  Penthouse  New  York  City,  NY  10010        

Los  Angeles  

                   10990  Wilshire  Boulevard,  Suite  140  Los  Angeles,  CA  90024        

 

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San  Francisco  

               580  Market  Street,  3rd  Floor  San  Francisco,  California  94104    

Las  Vegas  

The  InNEVation  Center  6795  Edmond  Street,  Suite  160  Las                                               Vegas,  NV  89118     Stockholm  

                     Hus  24  Prästgatan  24  111  29  Stockholm,  Sweden    

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Orange  County    

                   1691  Kettering  Street  Irvine,  CA  92614    

 

Silicon  Valley  

                               298  Sunnyvale  Avenue,  Suite  102  Sunnyvale,  CA  94086      

Hangzhou  

             2  Zijinghua  Road  Hangzhou  310012  P.R.  China    

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What Makes Originate Unique    

Originate  is  a  step  above  the  rest.  We  are  unique  in  the  way  we   do  business,  care  for  our  partners  and  work  as  a  staff.       Company:   We   advocate   for   a   work   hard,   play   hard   environment   in   which   everyone’s   voice   is   heard   and   the   best   solution   can   be   implemented.   What   we   do   is   build   extraordinary  value  for  all  of  our  partners,  team  members  and   stakeholders.  We  strive  to  be  completed  aligned  in  everything   we  do  and  aligned  with  everyone  we  work  with.  Whether  with   partners,  entrepreneurs,  teams  members,  advisors  or  investors   we  open  up  a  line  of  constant  communication  so  everyone  is  on   the  same  page  and  working  toward  the  same  goal.     Partners:   Our   range   of   partners   and   projects   is   diverse;   an   Originator   could   potentially   work   on   a   visionary   MVP   with   a   startup  CEO,  a  well-­‐funded  startup  that  needs  to  scale  past  the   first   million   users,   a   Fortune   500   company   building   a   disruptive  technology  to  stay  ahead  of  the  curve  or  an  internal   “Originate   Lab”s   project.   We   are   not   afraid   to   try   new   methods   to  succeed.  There  is  a  flat  hierarchy  and  small  dynamic  teams   that   change   based   on   the   project,   timing   and   technical/domain   expertise   of   the   Originate   team   members.   We   are   also   not   afraid   to   take   risks   to   gain   significantly   bigger   rewards.   Our   partners  can  feel  comfortable  that  Originate  is  providing  them   with  the  best  quality  service     Staff:   At   Originate   we   treat   our   staff   as   a   collaborative   body.   We   hire   our   employees   who   exhibit   PRIDE.   We   are   extremely   transparent;   our   company   gathers   as   a   whole   every   Monday   morning   in   order   to   discuss   all   aspects   of   engineering   projects,   portfolio   companies,   fundraising,   deal   flow,   office   happenings,   recruiting,  operations  and  demos  of  products.  We  offer  a  20%    

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equity   and   profit   of   all   our   investments   and   partner   projects   through   an   Innovation   Equity   program.   We   encourage   staff   at   Originate  to  working  on  their  own  startup  projects  through  our   Entrepreneur/Engineer  in  Residence  (EIR)  Program.  The  IP  is   owned  100%  by  the  EIR  participants.  Once  a  year  we  also  come   together   as   an   entire   company   during   the   Originate’s   annual   “Attack”  or  our  version  of  a  company  retreat.  The  name  comes   from  the  theory  that  we  do  not  retreat  but  rather  we  attack  all   problems   and   opportunities   to   make   our   company   even   greater.   We   want   everyone’s   voices   to   be   heard   in   order   to   implement  the  best  solution  and  crave  unique  people  with  the   desire  to  promote  different  solutions.    

Character of Originate  

Originate  strives  to  be  a  unique  collaboration  of  hard  work  and   productivity   with   a   mix   of   creativity   and   individual   input.   At   Originate   we   take   our   work   and   image   very   seriously.   We   strive   to   be   the   absolute   best   as   business   partners,   designers,   engineers,   leaders   and   product   managers.   Our   Mantra   is   “Be   Extraordinary  in  everything  we  do.”  Originate  upholds  our  core   values,  People,  Alignment,  Value  and  Risk,  in  every  single  task.   We  hire  the  most  incredible  people  who  meet  and  fit  into  our   PRIDE   hiring   criteria.   We   ensure   alignment   in   everything   we   do  and  ensure  balanced  incentives.  Originate  builds  incredibly   valuable  and  revolutionary  programs  and  software.  This  value   is   found   in   its   financial   upside   as   well   as   the   knowledge   and   experience   we   bring   to   the   development   of   our   products.   Our   partners   also   receive   the   value   of   our   credibility   and   brand   name   in   the   industry   bringing   along   the   resources   to   provide   a   happy   and   successful   partnership.   We   also   are   not   afraid   to   take  risks  in  order  to  gain  significant  rewards.  These  values  are   what  distinguish  our  company  from  many  of  the  other  startup    

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developers   in   the   industry.   On   top   of   that,   we   are   just   really   great  people  to  work  with.      

Partners Not Clients  

So   whom   do   we   do   business   with?   There   are   a   lot   of   aspects   going  into  choosing  a  partner.  Most  importantly  we  look  for  the   the   ability   to   collaborate.   A   major   aspect   of   the   character   of   Originate  is  that  our  “clients”  are  referred  to  as  our  “partners”.   This  might  seems  like  a  complicated  mix-­‐up  of  terminology  in   the   business   realm,   however   it   is   for   good   reason   that   our   clients   are   instead   referred   to   as   our   partners.   According   to   Merriam  Webster,  client  is  defined  as  “a  professional  person  or   organization   for   services”,   whereas   the   term   partner   is   defined   as  “a  person  who  shares  or  is  associated  with  another  in  some   action   or   endeavor;   sharer;   associate”.   This   clear   differentiation   perfectly   explains   Originate’s   goal   in   having   partners   rather   than   clients;   we   work   through   a   unique   partnership   model   that   allows   us   to   collaborate   as   a   single   team-­‐  all  aligned  toward  the  same  goal.       Our   partnership   model   spans   from   applying   Lean   and   Agile   methodologies,  along  with  our  own  Origin  process,  in  order  to   deliver   high   velocity   innovation.   Using   Lean’s   “work   smarter,   not   harder”   alternative   and   the   Agile   movement’s   “incremental”   strategy,   the   partners   and   Originate   engineers   and   project   managers   have   the   opportunity   to   perfect   each   aspect  of  a  project  and  reevaluate  the  it  every  step  of  the  way.   This   is   done   through   a   series   of   “Sprints”   and   evaluations   done   in  two-­‐week  increments.  This  reduces  risk  in  the  product  and   enhances  the  overall  success  of  the  technology.  Another  critical   step   we   take   with   our   partners   is   reducing   our   cash   cost   in   exchange  for  equity,  profit  share,  performance  bonus  or  other    

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creative   incentive   structures.   When   Originate   commits   to   a   partner,   we   commit   to   the   risk   as   well.   This   methodology   is   applied  to  an  external  partner  as  well  as  with  internal  projects   under  “Originate  Labs”.     To   give   you   an   example   just   at   what   we   have   been   busy   working   on,   below   you   will   find   a   brief   list   and   description   of   some   of   our   partners.   A   comprehensive   list   of   partners   past   and  present  can  be  found  on  the  Originate  Google  Site  or  on  the   Originate  website.     • Angie’s   List:   Angie’s   List   is   a   centralized   place   where   users   can   find   high   quality   service   companies   and   health   care   professionals   in   over   700   categories.   Originate   worked   with   Angie’s   List   by   providing   ideas   for   product   vision,   design   and   software   engineering.   Using   the   Origin   process   Originate   was   able   to   develop   Angie’s  List  while  also  introducing  the  SnapFix  app  in  just   12  weeks.       • BetTracker:   Named   EGaming   Review’s   Best   Sports   Application   of   2011   and   the   #1   betting   app   in   the   Apple   App   Store,   BetTracker   is   an   immersive   and   interactive   experience  for  sports  spectators.  Users  get  constant,  real-­‐ time  updates  and  win/loss  probabilities  for  their  favorite   sports.   Originate   was   pleased   with   the   development   of   the   app   based   technology.            

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    • EduSchedu:   A   prime   example   of   including   employees   passion’s  into  our  endeavors  is  EduSchedu.  Designed  and   created   by   two   Originate   employees   under   the   Entrepreneur/Engineer  in  Residence  (EIR)  program  (will   be   explained   in   the   book   at   a   later   point),   the   academic   planner   and   lesson   planning   tool   for   educators   simplifies  and  organizes  the  preparation  process  to  make   it  easier  to  share  with  their  students  and  colleagues.       • NewAer:   Originate   has   begun   to   work   with   investment   partners,   Intel,   In-­‐Q-­‐Tel   and   T-­‐ mobile   to   enhance   the   NewAer   technology.   NewAer   is   the   next   generation   of   peer-­‐to-­‐peer   communication   and   proximity   location   that   will   be   perform   functions   based   on   who   or   what   is   detected   around   its   space.         • Refollow:   Originate   has   partnered   with   Refollow,   a   Twitter   account   management   tool   that   will   boost   your   followers   and   help   build   your   online   reputation.   Originate   has   created   a   platform   with   simple  layout  and  easy  to  use  tools  to  connect  with  people   on  Twitter.    

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Recruitment and Selection  

Originate   takes   a   unique   approach   to   acquiring   its   staff.   From   the  process  we  use  in  the  hiring  process  to  the  way  we  handle   Originators   during   their   employment.   Originate   only   hires   people  who  are  excited  about  working  at  Originate  and  want  to   accomplish  great  things.       Our  recruiting  process  is  different  in  itself.  We  allow  for  many   scenarios   to   play   out   when   hiring;   we   can   finish   the   entire   process  in  2  days  or  it  can  take  up  to  a  month.  We  do  not  limit   ourselves  to  one  process  in  order  to  get  the  best  talent  that  is   currently   out   there.   Our   recruiting   department   is   also   extremely   flexible   and   has   decision-­‐making   authority   to   find   holes/   deficiencies   in   certain   areas   to   avoid   the   need   for   a   person   becoming   painful   to   the   organization.   And   if   we   stumble   upon   a   great   candidate,   we   do   everything   we   can   in   order   to   utilize   amazing   people.   For   Engineers,   the   talent   department   determines   who   is   interviewed   and   the   Directors   of  Software  do  not  review  resumes.  We  do  this  so  that  we  can   hire   the   most   talented   Originators   as   possible,   not   just   those   with  a  fancy  resume.  In  the  engineering  interviews,  candidates   are  asked  to  write  code  so  they  can  prove  their  actual  skills  as   well   as   tested   with   the   proprietary   “Originate   Talent”   code   assessment.   For   all   of   our   candidates,   the   CEO   has   the   final   say   on   whether   or   not   they   are   Originate   worthy,   often   times   providing   the   most   technical   grilling   of   any   interview   in   the   series.   Lastly,   though   we   do   pay   slightly   less   than   the   market   rate  we  do  this  to  ensure  that  everyone  has  “skin  in  the  game”   and  enables  us  to  have  employees  who  want  to  be  here.  Salary   is   not   a   determinative   factor   for   employment   at   Originate;   people   are   here   because   they   want   to   work   for   this   company  

 

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and  it  is  not  a  place  that  puts  people  above  or  below  others.  We   are  a  team.     As   for   you,   you   are   here   for   a   reason.   Your   cunning   smarts,   ingenious   imagination   and   of   course,   devious   good   looks   are   some  of  the  factors  that  brought  you  into  this  position.  Unlike   most   large   companies,   Originate   does   not   focus   only   on   resumes   for   potential   new-­‐hires.   The   leadership   at   Originate   believes   however,   that   a   company   based   on   success,   positive   morals,   potential   and   growth   is   created   through   an   employee   base   of   people   with   those   same   ideals.   Thus,   you   were   hired   because   of   for   your   intelligence,   ability   to   perform   and   adaptability   in   one   of   the   fastest   growing   startup   companies   in   the   industry.   An   Ivy   League   diploma   certainly   helps   your   chances  for  one  of  the  coveted  Originate  titles  but  you’ve  got  to   have   the   right   stuff   to   make   the   final   cut.   So   what   is   this   stuff   we   are   talking   about?   To   get   right   down   to   it,   Originate   hires   employees  with  PRIDE:     Productive:  Originate  Staff  have  the  innate  ability  to  get  tasks   done   in   a   timely   manner   without   or   without   direction   from   their   supervisor.   One   Originator   has   the   ability   to   accomplish   the   tasks   of   three   employees   working   at   another   company.   Yeah,  you  are  that  good!  Note:  You  are  a  superstar  employee  if   you  have  the  ability  to  read  you  supervisor’s  mind  and  get  the   work   done   even   before   they   ask,   but   do   not   worry   you   are   still   hirable  if  you  do  not  possess  this  God-­‐given  talent.       Resourceful:  Originators  are  all  around  amazing  people.  Even   though   you   can   solve   problems   quickly   and   in   revolutionary   ways,  you  are   also  extremely  humble.  Your  self-­‐awareness  and   respectfulness   is   a   diamond   in   the   rough,   which   is   not   taken   lightly   here   at   Originate.   Your   honesty   and   openness   with   others   is   extremely   valuable   and   makes   our   partners   even    

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more  willing  to  do  business  with  us.  Our  partners  know  when   they   come   to   Originate,   they   are   going   to   be   getting   the   top-­‐ notch   technology   from   a   top-­‐notch   staff   that   is   easy   to   work   with,  listens  to  suggestion,  has  creative  ideas  and  at  the  end  of   the   day   are   easy   to   work   with.   This   is   so   rare   in   a   technology   company.     Intelligent:  It  goes  with  out  saying  that  anyone  who  works  in   the   technology   industry   needs   to   be   smart.   But   you   are   the   cream  of  the  crop,  the  crème  de  la  crème,  the  bees  knee’s,  the   cat’s   meow,   the   cat’s   pajamas,   all   that   and   a   bag   of   potato   chips…   okay   I   think   you   get   the   point.   But   don’t   forget   not   only   are  you  smart  you  are  extremely  modest.  You  are  basically  the   Clark  Kent  of  the  technology  world.  In  the  office  you  come  off   as   humble   Clark   Kent   but   when   you   are   doing   your   job   or   programming   you   are   Superman   (or   woman)   and   your   intelligence   really   shines   through!     Dynamic:  Google,  Fortune  Magazine’s  2014  Best  Place  to  Work   For,   uses   a   test   called   the   “Layover   Test”   as   one   of   its   hiring   criteria.  Basically  this  test  is  when  the  company  looks  beyond   GPA   and   resume   and   accesses   as   to   which   applicant   you   would   rather  be  stuck  in  the  airport  with?  Google  is  not  seeking  a  new   pen  pal  but  is  looking  for  the  candidate  that  can  challenge  their   thinking,   bring   new   perspectives   and   help   the   company   to   grow  to  its  fullest  potential.  Originate  seeks  the  same  traits  in   its   staff   believing   that   what   a   person   believes   and   their   passions   is   almost   important   as   the   institution   they   have   trained  at.       Enthusiastic:   What   is   your   passion?   Originate   wants   employees   who   are   excited   and   dedicated   to   their   work.   We   firmly   believe   that   your   desire   to   want   to   build   a   great   product  

 

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is   the   driving   force   behind   our   success   and   growth   as   a   company.    

Employee Referral  

We  believe  that  cool  people  hang  out  with  other  cool  people.  So   if  you  have  friends  or  family  who  you  feel  can  be  a  good  fit  for   Originate  and  really  understand  the  vibe  of  the  company,  then   please   refer   them   to   your   supervisor!   Also,   you   benefit   from   having   super-­‐awesome   friends.   Originate’s   Employee   Referral   Program   will   rew   So   if   you   do   not   have   really   humble,   down   to   earth  and  smart  friends  then  go  out  and  make  some.  Not  only   will  it  get  you  some  extra  green  in  your  pocket  but  you  have  a   new  friend  and  Originate  will  become  even  more  amazing!    

Job Titles and Descriptions With  just  over  138  employees  there  are  a  lot  of  positions  that   you   will   ask,   “What   the   heck   do   they   do?”   To   ease   your   mind   and  clear  up  some  confusion,  this  list  is  a  break  down  of  what   each   position   is   all   about,   most   of   the   descriptions   being   written  by  the  person  themselves!  If  you  have  more  questions   about   the   position,   then   find   the   person   and   ask   them!   They   won’t  bite…  well  maybe  Russ  Logan  will.   Executives   • Chief   Executive   Officer   (CEO):   the   fearless   leader,   director,   decision   maker,   leader,   manager   and   executor;   values   the   importance   of   happiness   and   collaboration   of   Originate  staff     • Chief  Financial  Officer  (CFO):    

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• • • • •

  Partner:     Executive  Advisor:     Senior  Advisor:     Venture  Advisor:     Advisor:  

  Software  Production   • CEO  of  OLabs:     • VP  of  Software  Production:     • Director  of  Software:  works  closely  with  the  Director  of   Engineering,   focuses   on   the   development   of   internal   cultural   and   software   methodologies   to   empower   engineers   to   consistently   build   to   the   highest   technical   standards     • Director  of  Engineering:     • Design  Director:  kevin  smith     • Director  of  Organizational  Development:     • Director   of   Technical   Training:  leads  the  effort  toward   the   building   of   Originate   University   and   provides   technical   training   and   technical   guidance   to   internal   and   external  engineering  teams    

 

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• Quality   Assurance:   applies   the   appropriate   amount   of   quality   practices,   methodology   monitoring   and   testing   tasks   to   development   processes   assisting   the   product   management  and  engineering  teams  to  better  ensure  the   production  of  the  solution     • Product  Manager:  works  with  our  partners  to  make  sure   Originate   is   building   the   right   products   and   then   does   whatever  it  takes  to  get  it  done     • Project   Manager:   the   person   who   keeps   a   project   moving   forward,   constantly   knowing   where   we   are   and   where  we  need  to  be  to  make  sure  we  complete  on  time   and  on  budget     • Project   Coordinator:   assists   the   Project   Manager   in   overseeing   project   timelines,   setting   priorities   and   milestones,   communicating   with   partners,   and   ensuring   the  overall  success  of  the  project     • Designer:  tracy  fu     • Software  Architect:  denis  tarima,  eric  kramer     • Software   Engineer:   designs,   develops,   and   maintains   software   applications,   typically   in   teams   with   other   engineers,  and  works  closely  with  product  managers  and   designers  to  create  incredible  software     • Software   Engineer   Intern:   similar   responsibilities   as   a   Software  Engineer  but  work  under  the  guidance  and  help   of  a  mentor     Strategy    

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• VP   of   Strategy:   works   on   the   business   end   of   Originate   by   structuring   and   managing   investments,   evaluating   solutions   roles,   providing   strategic   advising   and   performing  work  in  the  non-­‐software  category     • Director  of  Products  and  Services:   • Analytics   Architect:   works   with   the   Strategy   team   to   benchmark   company   goals   and   objectives   and   design   solutions   for   measuring,   testing   and   optimizing   the   product  of  an  engagement  

  • Growth   Hacker:   Growth   hacking   is   a   hybrid   between   a   marketer   and   coder,   looking   to   answer   the   traditional   question   of   “How   do   I   grow   my   company   or   product?”   with   A/B   tests,   viral   campaigns,   community   connection,   and   social   channel   traction,   then   ensuring   the   validated   methods   are   embedded   in   the   core   of   a   company   or   product     • Experience   Innovator:   collaborates   with   others   to   create   seamless,   user-­‐centered   experiences   both   on   and   offline     • Innovative   Designer:   manages   the   design   and   production   of   media   for   Originate;   designs   logos,   websites,  apps  and  T-­‐shirts,  films  and  edits  videos     • Business   Coordinator:   works   with   the   Strategy,   Solutions   and   Operations   teams   to   support   business   development   and   financial   functions   within   the   organization     Solutions    

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• VP   of   Solutions:   brings   in   and   maintains   relationships,   establishes   new   partnerships   and   ensures   that   Originate   is   working   to   build   product   solutions;   responsible   for   creating   solutions   instead   of   working   as   a   sales   department     • VP  of  UX  (User  Experience):    

• UX   Lead/Innovator:   researches,   defines,   designs,   and   validates  successful  product  experiences  that  are  aligned   with  business  goals  and  user  needs     Operations     • VP  of  Operations:  russ     • Director  of  Finance:     • Staff   Accountant:   completes   daily   operations   such   as   payroll,  project  tracking,  and  general  accounting     • Operations  Manager:  monty     • Project  Coordinator:  payton  miller     • Business  Evangelist:  joe  harte     • Recruiting   Coordinator:   provides   support   to   the   recruiting   team   by   coordinating   the   logistics   of   the   recruitment   process,   tracking   and   reporting   numbers   and   metrics,   assisting   with   event   coordination   and   performing   other   administrative   duties   that   support   the   recruiting  team  as  necessary    

 

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• Office   Manager:   In   charge   of   overall   office   administration,   take   ownership   to   provide   good   and   efficient  daily  office  operations  and  employee  support     • Executive   Assistant:   enhances   the   executive's   effectiveness   by   providing   information   management   support   and   representing   the   executive   to   employees   and   the  public     • Administrative   Assistant:   facilitates   office   logistics   which   includes   tracking/ordering   equipment,   setting   up   conference   calls,   processing   invoices,   and   researching/implementing  new  office  initiatives     • Office   Assistant:   responsible   for   the   overall   maintenance,   cleanliness,   operations   and   the   day-­‐to-­‐day   of  the  office;  honorary  coffee-­‐guy  or  gal         • Human  Resources  (HR)/  Operations  Intern:  organizes   essential   information   regarding   the   company   and   its   portfolio;   assists   the   Operations   Team   with   the   day-­‐to-­‐ day  tasks    

Goals Originate   is   always   looking   toward   the   future.   We   hope   to   become  one  of  the  largest  names  in  the  tech-­‐startup  company   and   be   able   to   hold   our   own   against   the   big   boys.   Thus,   our   company   has   outlined   some   detailed   goals   in   order   to   soar   to   the  top.   1  Year  Goals:    

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• Create   a   functional   leadership   model,   outlining   and   distinguishing   the   different   sectors   of   the   company   (Business   Development,   Product,   Design,   Development   and  Operations)   • 1  successful  exit  of  an  Originate  partner   • See  1  deal  in  the  top  100  deals  of  the  year   • Add  employees  to  our  ever  expanding  company  (40  to  the   US,  5  offshore,  2  in  Europe)   • Promote   clear,   consistent   and   constant   communication   within  the  company   • Additional  training  and  mentoring  for  Originators   • Encourage  employees  to  contribute  in  areas  beyond  their   normal  scope   • Celebrate  more  wins  for  the  company   • Hold  up  to  20  events  per  year   • Free  up  more  CEO  time   • Start  building  more  Originate  Labs  projects   • Build  a  closer  relationship  with  Switch   • Continue  to  raise  the  quality  in  our  partners   3  Year  Goals:   • Establish  a  presence  in  the  Europe  and  South  America   • Promote  a  credible  and  working  EIR  program     • Better   and   make   Innovation   Equity   program   more   credible   • Hire  250-­‐300  top-­‐notch  employees   • Have  6  successful  partner  exits   • Establish  40  self-­‐sufficient  portfolio  companies   • Create   5   offices   that   are   self-­‐sufficient   and   can   manage   cash   flow,   resources   and   leadership   responsibilities   independently   • See  5  of  the  top  100  deals  of  the  year  and  do  2  of  them   • Promote  successful  fund  operation    

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• Enact  10x-­‐100x  speed  bar  for  90%  of  employees   • Host  60  events  a  year  with  at  least  5  per  office  per  year   10  Year  Goals:   • Have  500+  employees  in  at  least  8+  offices   • Generate  significant  value  to  employees     • Establish   credibility   so   Originate   is   the   first   though   for   anyone  starting  a  tech  company   • Enact  10x-­‐100x  speed  bar  for  100%  of  employees   • Been   successful   in   building   50   companies,   products   and   startups   • Hold  100  events  a  year  

 

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Getting to Work   Now  that  you  understand  Originate,  lets  get  down  to  business.   First  off,  take  a  deep  breath!   Everyone   is  nervous  on   his  or  her   first   few   days.   There   are   a   lot   of   questions   that   need   to   be   answered   and   things   to   get   figured   out?   Where   do   I   sit?   Who   do   I   work   with?   Where   is   the   bathroom?   How   many   cups   of   coffee  should  I  drink  each  day?  In  due  time,  these  things  will  be   answered.  This  guide  should  answer  your  questions  and  make   the   transition   into   your   new   position   much,   much   easier.   Just   know   that   you   deserve   this   job   and   you   were   chosen   because   you   were   the   best!   The   hardest   part   is   over!   So   lets   learn   all   about  the  operations  of  Originate.  

Office Atmosphere A   day   in   the   life   of   an   Originator   will   vary   from   person   to   person,   depending   on   your   job   title   and   what   you   do   for   the   company.   Overall,   the   office   atmosphere   at   any   Originate   office   is   very   similar.   You   will   find   that   employees   are   very   self-­‐ motivated,   hard   working   and   task   oriented.   You   are   often   in   charge  of  your  own  projects  and  the  work  you  get  done.  This  is   not   to   be   said   that   we   just   let   our   employees   run   ramped   throughout  the  office  letting  them  have  absolute  freedom  but,   when   your   project   manager   or   supervisor   assigns   you   a   task   you’re  you  are  expected  to  get  it  done  in  a  timely  fashion.  We   will  not  follow  you  around  and  make  sure  it  gets  done,  unless   of  course  it  is  late  or  forgotten  about.  These  tasks  do  not  have       a  certain  way  to  complete  them.  As  the  person  who  owns  this   delegated   task,   you   have   the   freedom   to   come   up   with   revolutionary   and   more   productive   ways   to   get   them   done.   We   find  that  giving  Originators  some  wiggle  room  to  complete  the    

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tasks   the   way   they   see   fit,   sparks   imagination   and   creativity   within  the  realm  of  productivity.  This  might  be  different  from   the  way  you  normally  work  but  trust  me  you  will  come  to  love   the   flexibility   it   provides   and   probably   see   better   results   in   your  work  because  of  it.     Originators   are   usually   hard   at   work.   Often   times   this   means   that   engineers   or   other   office   staff   are   heads-­‐down   in   their   computers   with   headphones   requiring   total   concentration.   Other   times,   it   will   be   a   loud   collaborative   environment   to   provide   a   medium   for   new   ideas   and   forward   thinking.   At   many   times,   staff   will   be   Skyping   or   “pinging”   other   staff   members   in   different   offices   all   around   the   world.   The   sky   is   the   limit   here   at   Originate.   One   is   not   limited   to   the   people   just   here  in  the  office  but  can  talk  to  and  work  with  anyone  in  any   office!   This   is   just   another   way   be   focus   on   becoming   larger   and  more  global-­‐minded.     You   are   probably   thinking   that   everyone   in   this   office   is   amazingly   talented,   smart   and   very   focused.   You   assume   correctly   because   everyone   is   hired   because   of   their   talent,   but   do  not  fret  we  are  not  just  a  work-­‐only  environment!    We  like   to   have   fun,   tell   jokes   and   have   meaningful   relationships   with   our   coworkers.   Originators   are   extremely   down   to   earth   and   very   approachable!   In   fact   they   welcome   conversation   to   any   and  all  employees  no  matter  what  “level”  of  the  company  they   might   be   (though   we   do   not   focus   on   rank).   So   if   you   are   an   intern   and   you   want   to   talk   to   the   CEO   about   a   suggestion   on   ways  to  make  Originate  better,  than  do  not  be  afraid  to  talk  to   your  EA  or  Supervisor  and  have  them  set  something  up!  He  will   talk   to   you!   We   want   open   communication   and   friendly   encounters   taking   place   in   our   offices.   Otherwise   how   would   our  office  grow?        

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So  basically  in  our  offices  you  will  find  the  staff  working-­‐hard,   communicating   with   one   another,   coming   up   with   innovative   ideas   and   growing   the   company.   These   are   people   who   genuinely   love   their   jobs.   This   is   just   a   glimpse   of   the   type   of   work  environment  we  have  tried  to  create.  I  am  sure  because   you  were  hired  under  the  PRIDE  Originate  standards  that  you   are  going  to  be  able  to  fit  into  this  type  of  working  atmosphere.   You   are   going   to   do   great!   Don’t   worry   the   first   day   is   absolutely  the  most  overwhelming!      

Weekly Meetings On   top   of   working   to   finish   up   your   assigned   tasked,   you   are   going  to  have  a  plethora  of  meetings  to  attend.  Some  are  more   personalized   to   your   own   projects   whereas   some   are   company   wide.  This  is  a  list  of  just  a  few  meetings  you  should  expect  to   have   each   week.   Other   meetings   will   pop   up   and   you   will   probably  be  really  busy!     Weekly   “All   Hands”   (30minutes   –   1   hour):   Every   other   Monday  at  11am  the  company  gathers  as  a  whole  via  Webex  to   completely   divulge   what   is   happening   at   the   company.   This   is   an   opportunity   to   hear   and   give   company   wide   announcements,   view   demos   of   products,   meeting   new   employees   and   understanding   what   is   happening   inside   Originate.   We   want   our   staff   to   have   a   full   understanding   of   what   is   happening   around   them   even   if   they   do   not   have   a   role   in  a  specific  project.     All   Office   (30minutes   –   1   hour):   Each   office   will   hold   their   own   all   office   meeting   in   which   every   staff   member   will    

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present  what  they  have  been  working  on  each  week  as  well  as   any  other  personal  announcements  they  might  have;  we  like  to   know   about   each   other’s   lives   too!   Each   office   will   schedule   this.       All   Department   (30minutes-­‐   1hour):   Your   department,   for   example   Software   or   Operations   might   want   to   hold   a   weekly   meeting  to  sync  up  as  a  whole.  This  will  provide  that  everyone   is  working  as  a  collective  body  toward  the  same  goal.     1-­‐on-­‐1   (15minutes   –   1hour):   Your   supervisor   may   want   to   spend  a  few  minutes  each  week  one-­‐on-­‐one  with  you  in  order   to   catch   up   and   see   what   you   have   been   doing   as   well   as   address   any   other   issues   you   might   be   having.   This   is   a   time   to   come   prepared   and   ask   questions.   In   order   to   do   your   best   work  you  need  to  be  prepared.       Project  Sprint  (10minutes  -­‐30minutes):  A  quick  check  up  on   your  progress  and  time  to  ask  questions.  Your  project  manager   will  schedule  the  time  and  facilitate  the  meeting.  

Risk-Taking While   reading   this   you   might   start   to   wonder,     “does   anyone   ever   make   any   mistakes?”   In   this   environment,   everyone   is   very   intelligent   and   they   want   to   do   their   best   work.   These   are   the   people   we   want   to   hire   but   these   Type   A   personalities   also   come   with   a   major   downfall:   perfectionism.   In   a   workplace   that   is   full   of   very   smart   people   doing   really   incredible   things   it   can   be   very   intimidating   to   fail.   We   want   to   encourage  you  to  take  risks  in  your  work  because  often  times    

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these  will  provide  great  rewards  for  your  projects  and  for  your   team.   But   sometimes   these   risks   are   failures   and   you   feel   like   you   have   made   a   huge   mistake.   Mistakes,   no   matter   how   big   or   how   small   are   okay;   we   all   make   them,   no   one   is   perfect.   But   it   is   important   to   remember   to   learn   from   these   mistakes.   Take   the  lessons  and  apply  them  into  your  next  attempt.  Never  give   up,  no  matter  how  challenging.         To   avoid   making   small   mistakes,   do   not   be   afraid   to   ask   questions.   If   there   is   something   you   do   not   understand   or   maybe   you   do   not   know   where   something   is,   just   ask!   We   all   had   our   first   day   at   sometime   and   we   are   not   going   to   hold   it   against   you.   In   fact,   we   will   be   impressed   that   you   had   the   sense   to   ask   before   you   just   did   it   on   your   own.   See   look,   the   handbook   is   giving   you   award-­‐winning   tips   to   succeed!   You   already   have   this   incredible   head-­‐start   against   many   other   employees.      

Technology Used in the Office

  To   stay   connected   with   each   other   we   use   a   variety   of   technology   in   the   office.   And   if   you   are   not   familiar   with   how   it   works  or  what  it  is,  this  transition  can  become  very  confusing.   This   guide   has   compiled   a   list   of   a   few   different   technologies   that   you   should   come   to   love.   Some   are   very   standard   and   some   might   be   relatively   new   to   you.   Though   these   will   not   answer   all   of   your   questions   it   will   at   least   give   you   some   exposure   to   what   technology   is   used   in   the   office.   If   you   have   any   questions   or   confusion   about   these   products   talk   to   your   Supervisor  or  EA  for  clarification.    

 

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• Cell   Phone:   Most   of   your   communication   via   phone   call   or   text   messaging   will   be   completed   on   your   cell   phone.   We   do   not   have   an   office   phone.   If   you   need   reimbursement   for   minutes   or   texts   talk   to   your   Supervisor  to  work  out  these  details.     • Evernote:   A   system   to   take   notes   and   then   easily   share   them   with   your   colleagues.   Go   to   evernote.com   to   download  the  information  and  learn  more.     • Gmail:   Every   employee   will   be   given   a   Gmail   account   with   an   @originate.com   email   address.   Your   email   will   be:   [email protected].   This   is   an   easy   way   and   probably   the   most   used   way   to   stay   connected   and  have  access  to  everyone’s  contact  information.         • Google   Calendar:   Your   meetings   and   appointments   will   be  added  to  your  Google  Calendar.  This  is  found  on  your   Gmail   account   then   you   will   be   able   to   access   your   calendar.  Add  your  own  appointments,  invite  others,  view   other  employees  calendars,  etc.       • Google  Docs:  A   word   processor   that   can   be   easily   shared   with   other   authors   to   allow   them   to   edit   the   document   without   sending   it   back   and   forth   through   email.   Can   create   word   documents,   powerpoints,   excel   spread   sheets,  etc.       • Google   Hangouts:   A   program   similar   to   Skype   in   which   you   can   video   chat   or   screen   share   with   anyone   in   your   Google+  circle.     • HipChat:   This   is   similar   to   an   instant   messaging   system.   Your   EA   or   the   Onboarding   specialist   will   setup   your    

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account   using   your   Originate   email.   You   have   access   to   Originate  groups  and  it  is  a  useful  way  to  quickly  connect.     • Pivotal   Tracker:   A   project   management   tool   but   you   might  come  across  Pivotal  Tracker  during  your  time  here.     If  you  will  use,  you  will  receive  training.     • Skype:   Many   employees   prefer   to   use   Skype   for   communication.   You   may   use   your   personal   account   or   create  one  for  business.       • Webex:   The   system   we   use   to   hold   bi-­‐Weekly   All   Hands   On   Meetings.   If   you   wish   to   set   up   Webex   meetings   contact   your   EA   for   training   or   to   schedule   a   Webex   to   be   scheduled.      

Glossary of Originate Terms Has   anyone   asked   you   to   “Ping   me”?   Or   maybe   shouted,   “let’s   sync   up!”   If   you   were   like   most   of   us,   these   words   and   the   unfamiliar   terminology   might   have   caught   you   off   guard   and   left  you  asking  “What  did  he  or  she  just  say  to  me?”  Never  fear   friend,   we   have   your   back.   This   guide   is   a   list   of   terms   that   you   will   come   face-­‐to-­‐face,   or   maybe   I   should   say   mouth-­‐to-­‐ear   with,  during  your  time  at  Originate.  Hopefully  this  glossary  will   turn  you,  “What  the  heck?!”  to  an  “Oh,  yeah,  I  got  this!”     •

 

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The Nitty Gritty By   now   you’ve   settled   into   your   new   workspace,   set   up   your   fancy   laptop,   found   out   where   the   Keurig   is   and   of   course   have   tested  every  flavor  of  K-­‐Cup,  and  you  are  ready  to  get  down  to   business.   But   wait?   You   have   more   questions.   And   these   are   the  kinds  of  questions  you  don’t  really  want  to  have  to  ask,  you   wish  you  kind  of  just  knew  the  answers!  These  are  the  boring   (but  very  important)  things  like  payroll,  time  off,  and  holidays.     At  Originate  your  wish  is   our  command,  so  here  is  everything   you  want  to  know  about  all  of  those  technical  aspects  of  your   employment  with  us.    

Onboarding Welcome  to  the  Originate  team!  This  is  the  process  to  get  you   officially   all   settled   into   the   Originate   system.   The   Executive   Assistant,   specifically   the   EA   in   charge   of   onboarding   procedures,   will   be   taking   care   of   you   during   this   process.     After   your   interview   and   before   you   start   your   first   week   here,   there  is  some  required  paperwork  we  need  to  have  so  we  can   pay   you!   Pay   is   nice,   right?   We   know   you   love   Originate   so   much  but  you  want  to  get  paid  too!   So  make  sure  you  get  all  of   this  paperwork  in  or  the  EA  will  probably  hunt  you  down!     • Signed  Offer  Letter   • Employee  Information  Sheet   • Submit  I-­‐9  and  provide  appropriate  documentation   • Complete  W-­‐4   • Read  and  Sign  Arbitration  Agreement   • Employee  Inventions  and  Confidentiality  Agreement    

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• Complete   Employee   Direct   Deposit   form   and   submit   voided  check   • Sign  Acknowledgement  and  Agreement  Statement  (from   Employee  handbook)  

What You Receive Compensation Hours Overtime Bonuses Promotions Breaks Pay Periods Payroll Innovation Equity Benefits Dress Code  

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Computer and Technology Travelling for Originate Business Policies Disciplinary Procedures Offboarding Procedure

Questions This   book   should   have   covered   ALL   of   your   questions!   Hopefully   by   now   you   have   a   good   sense   of   what   Originate   does   and   the   type   of   environment   we   have   created.   If   not,   stop,   go   back   and   read   from   the   beginning   because   obviously   you   have   been   skimming   or   falling   asleep.   Just   kidding.   If   you   do   have   other   questions   about   the   company,   who   we   are,   who   our   partners   are   or   whatever   else   you   want   to   ask,   then   here   is   a   handy-­‐dandy   guide   of   who   to   get   in   contact   with.   Also,   remember   never   be   afraid   to   ask   a   question!   Originate   promises  an  environment  for  active  learning  and  interaction.     Question   Who  to  Contact   General     Your  Supervisor  or  your  Executive   Assistant  (EA)   Human  Resources   Your  EA,  Human  Resources  Coordinator   and  Recruiting   or  Director  of  Organizational    

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Development   Payroll   EA,  Staff  Accountant  or  Director  of   Finance   Operations   EA,  Operations  Manager  or  VP  of   Operations   IT   [email protected]  ,  EA  or  VP  of   Operations   Project  and  Product   Director  of  Products  and  Services   Sales  and  Business   VP  of  Strategy  or  VP  of  Solutions   Development   Strategy   VP  of  Strategy  or  VP  of  Solutions   Development   Engineering  Director,  Architect  or   Project  Manager     To   contact   the   above   people,   ask   your   EA   for   their   contact   information   or   search   for   them   on   the   Originate   Site   or   website.      

Google Sites Page & Website   Two   other   very   helpful   resources   are   the   Google   Sites   and   Originate  Website.  Thanks  to  the  HR  Intern,  AnnE  Diemer,  the   Originate  Google  Site  is  fully  underway!  With  this  site  made  for   internal   usage,   you   can   find   out   the   latest   and   greatest   of   Originate’s   undertakings!   If   you   are   looking   for   project   information,  just  click  on  the  tab  called  Projects  (go  figure)  and   start   scrolling   and   clicking   to   your   hearts   content.   Want   to   find   out   contact   information?   The   site   has   a   comprehensive   employee   directory!   The   google   site   also   is   chalk   full   of   other   important   tidbits   such   as   travel   information,   human   resource   documents,   office   information,   marketing   information   and  

 

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more.   Basically   if   you   need   anything   just   spend   some   time   on   this  site  and  you  will  be  sure  to  have  your  question  answered.     The  second  very  helpful  resource  is  originate.com.  This  is  what   we  present  to  the  public.  If  you  need  more  help  understanding   the   brand,   want   to   read   stories   about   each   of   our   partners,   need   employee   information   and   more   then   the   website   is   a   great   place   to   obtain   this   information!   Using   these   two   resources  will  give  you  the  inside  scoop  on  all  things  Originate.    

Summary & Acknowledgment

 

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