Another Reason Logos Is the Coolest Place to Work

Outdoor Center

No doubt you’re familiar with Logos Bible Software—a cutting edge Bible study library and array of powerful tools.  But behind “Logos the product” is an equally cutting edge “Logos the company”—a bona fide incredible place to work.

Right along with the outstanding health benefits, a culture that encourages personal growth (e.g., an annual “Read for Cash” program), and various annual cook-offs (see pics), one of the coolest things about working at Logos is the Outdoor Recreation Center.

So that I could give you a better idea what the Outdoor Center really is, I recently sat down with the guy behind the idea: IT director Jim Straatman.

Stephen: First off, what exactly is the Outdoor Center?

Jim: Well, when you walk into the Outdoor Center, the first thing you see is a bike shop with professional grade tools and tuning equipment. There’s also equipment for tuning skis and snowboards, as well as an inventory of outdoor equipment for employees to checkout and use whenever they want.

Stephen: What’s the background story? How did it start?

Jim: I regularly send hardware acquisition requests for developers and IT to Bob. One time, only half seriously, I sent in a request for a bike shop. To its core, Logos is all about being the best place on the planet to work, and part of that vision includes encouraging employees to pursue outdoor hobbies. In fact, that’s the whole reason why we moved to Bellingham in the first place—for quality of life. A bike shop seemed to fit really well with that vision.

Bob looked the request and said, “Make it happen.” And things have just developed from there.

Stephen: What’s Logos ultimate goal for the outdoor center? An emphasis on certain niche sports or something more broad and comprehensive?

Jim: Some of both, really. Since it exists to supports employees’ lifestyles and interests, we want it to be whatever Logos employees make of it. Whether that means it caters to a few sports or many activities is really up to Logos employees. In fact, if people got into water polo we’d help them with that, too!

It’s similar to our free beverages (editor’s note: this includes espresso machines, sodas and juice of all types, milk, etc.), and believe it or not, the Outdoor Center costs way less than free drinks but the benefits are obviously huge!

Stephen: What kind of equipment does the Outdoor Center have?

Jim: So far there’s a racing canoe, tents, sleeping pads, snowshoes, a full bike mechanic tool set, bike tubes and valve stems, ski waxing equipment, and ground floor bike parking. But there’s a lot more in the works.

Stephen: Do people tend to use the equipment on their own, or has the outdoor center helped Logos employees build better relationships with one another outside of work?

Jim: The latter. For instance, many people have started riding together. And several employees have lost substantial amounts of weight—some as much as 40 pounds!

Aerial view

Needless to say, the Outdoor Center is a pretty sweet perk for working at Logos Bible Software. And really, it’s just one of many. In fact, the Logos Music Center is in the works as you read this.

If Logos sounds like the kind of place you’d like to work, you’re in luck! We’re hiring. Why not take a look at the positions we have available. Then hit the Tweet and Like buttons above to tell your friends. The key to even better software is more great employees, so help us spread the word!

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Stephen Smith
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Written by Stephen Smith
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