“Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each year, CQL team members take time to reflect on what we are grateful for as we approach the U.S. Holiday of Thanksgiving. We are excited this year (and extremely thankful) for our new team members from Riess Group and enjoyed having everyone worldwide share what they were most thankful in 2025:
Akhtarujjaman Shuvo: I’m thankful for everything I have, especially my family and the blessing of having a remote job.
Andrea Ramirez Perez: I’m thankful for my body and all the fun things it allows me to do. I’m thankful for being healthy. I’m thankful for having a remote job that lets me connect with team members across the globe and learn from different cultures. I’m thankful for the CQL team and its kindness. I’m always thankful for music and everything it allows me to feel. And I’m thankful for being a human being, or experiencing this life, with all its beauty and depth.
Andres Smerkin: I’m incredibly grateful for my family. I don’t know what I’d do without them. I’m grateful for my work because I’ve been able to collaborate with big brands on very interesting projects that have taken my career to the next level. I’m also very grateful for all the people I’ve met along the way. I’m grateful to be healthy. I have an eye condition where sometimes they get filled with fluid and I can’t see, but it’s been over 2 years without a relapse, so I’m grateful for that. I’m grateful to live where I live. I love the mountains, and I had the luck to be born two hours from the tallest peak in the Americas—the best place to be born on this continent.
Andrey Teslya: I am thankful CQL for having an opportunity being part of the great international team; my wonderful family and friends that always support and keep me energetic to overcome more and more.
Andy Thayer: I’m thankful for friends, family, and our healthy newborn son!
Betsy Petrovic: I’m thankful for family this year – my husband and kids and a God that loves us and continues to bless us. I’m also thankful for the extension of our CQL family; what a blessing to have such amazing people to work with each day!
Bogdan Oasa: I’m thankful for having a job that allows me to provide for my family, which just got a little bigger with the arrival of our new baby.
Brooks Whitehurst: I’m so thankful for my family; my wife, our daughter (4) and our son (1.5). This season of life is total chaos sometimes (haha), but is so special and sweet as well. I’m also incredibly thankful for our group of friends here in Austin, TX who support us in so many ways and treat our kids like their own.
Daniel Jablonski:I am thankful for my continued health, my family and the for my position at CQL. I am also thankful for our awesome teams, our clients and the great work we get to work on every day.
Darian Bonnell: I am thankful for my relationship with God, His mercy and His Grace. I am thankful that He has surrounded me with a wife who has the same amount of reverence for the Lord as well, and for kids that are learning that a relationship with Him is life changing. I’m also thankful to work alongside people who make me think harder, learn faster, and bring out my best on every project we take on together.
Dave MacArthur: As we gather around the table this year, my heart is truly full. This time of year always serves as a wonderful reminder to pause and appreciate the abundance in our lives. I am incredibly thankful for:
– Family and Friends: The people who fill my life with love, laughter, and support. Their presence makes every day brighter.
– Health and Well-being: For the ability to enjoy the small, beautiful moments and the strength to face challenges.
– Opportunities and Growth: For the chances I’ve been given to learn, work, and pursue my goals.
– The Simple Things: A warm home, good food, and the everyday comforts that often go unnoticed.
Wishing everyone a day filled with delicious food, wonderful company, and moments of sincere gratitude. May your holiday be blessed!
P.S. I’m thankful AI could write this for me, because I could never spit this out.
P.P.S. I really do wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.
Dave Barr: I’m thankful for my family, my health and this incredible team at CQL! I’m thankful for our team’s resilience, commitment and trust as we navigate this dynamic and fascinating industry together. We step up when asked (or without being asked) and deliver for our clients day in and day out. As we enter the holiday season I’m filled with gratitude for all that our team has accomplished and excited for what’s ahead! Wishing those who are celebrating a fantastic Thanksgiving! I’m glad to be on this journey with all of you!
Emanuel Radoi: I’m thankful for this life, with its ups and downs, for having a loving wife alongside me on the journey, for being healthy, and for what I am able to do with the cards I’ve been dealt. Also pizza, that’s a given.
Jen Sipich: So thankful for my family and friends. I’m also thankful for our new Team and am looking foward to many adventures together!
Jessica Coleman: *I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow with a wonderful new team!
*I am thankful for what my career journey enables me to do for those I love. And that my life vision (humble homes in nature) for my family and those dearest around us, is slowly – slowly – starting to become more of a reality. Onwards.
*I am thankful for my husband – in particular, his patience, humor and kindness.
*I am thankful for the hard times, that remind us how precious this life really is.
*I am thankful for the peace and presence I have been able to cultivate and the gifts it brings me daily.
*I am SO thankful to nature and music and animals for anchoring me in the moment, and showing me magic in every day little things.
Jhonny Barrios Sandrea: *I am grateful that my son and wife are healthy.
*I am grateful to have a remote job that allows me to provide for my family and ensure they are not in need.
*I am grateful to have peace in my life.”
Justin Finnegan: I am thankful for for my family, friends and the opportunity to work with such a great group of people
Karen Luce: So many things that I’m thankful for: My family first and foremost and also having challenging and fulfilling work.
Katrina Manansala: I’m thankful I got to experience the gentle water birth I always hoped for and grateful my husband was by my side through labor until I gave birth. It was painful, but also the most fulfilling experience of my life. I’m grateful for the joy of becoming a mother and for working at a company that offers flexibility, making the challenges of being a first-time mom more manageable.
Kevin Messing: This year, I’m especially grateful for my family and the friends in my life who feel like a peaceful refuge from the everyday noise. And every (okay, “almost every”) morning, I wake up excited for what’s ahead, and that is a rare gift.
Kira Marzec: I am thankful for this moment in life where work, family and friends are so fulfilling. I appreciate every minute. Happy Thanksgiving!
Krysta Stone: I’m grateful for my health, my family and all of the kind, smart and interesting people at CQL.
Lauren De Guia: Thankful for having an amazing family and great opportunities that I got this year.
Leslie Salerno: I’m thankful for my family and being able to work in a place where I get to do what I love.
Louis Grabowski: Family, Job, Strong Drinks, and a shop to keep my projects going.
Mary Krause: Very thankful for a life full of God’s blessings of family, friends, good health, and a happy life. This year has been extra special with a new home, amazing vacations and weekend travel, and a wine club membership that keeps my glass full.
Micah Lunt: I’m thankful for family, friends, and a very short daily commute up the stairs.
Mike Riess I’m very thankful for my mom and dad and being able to talk to them so often. I’m very thankful for my fiance who makes me laugh every day. I’m thankful for a fulfilling job and life that isn’t what I expected but is so much fun!
Michal Kuchta: I’m grateful for my daughter and wife, for being healthy, for having a great job, for being able to do what I love with wonderful people. I’m grateful that my car hasn’t broken down too much this year 😅
Oleksandr Sokhan: For my wife, that suports me through my upps and downs, and being my best friend all these years. Friends who dont forget me, even though I often forget to call.
Paulo Limp: I’m grateful for my grandmother to still be among us. She’s 96 years old, she’s frail, but she’s mentally healthy and a delight to spend time with.
Ryan Kroening: I’m thankful for my family and how healthy and ahead of the curve my daughter has been. She’s tackling teething like a champ. I am also thankful for my health…I need to feed my volleyball addiction as long as possible 🙂
Scott Forden: I am thankful for my amazing Border Collie who entertains and challenges me. I am thankful for Drum & Bass music that drives and inspires me. I am thankful for my career, and for all the wonderful people at CQL. I am thankful for Pineapple Mango juice made by Tropicana. I am not being paid by Tropicana to advertise this—it is just a really good juice.
Sue Hunter: I’m thankful for my wonderful family who supports this dynamic adventure known as CQL as well as the teammates I get to work with daily. Additionally, I am grateful for my good health, endless music streaming on Spotify, and amazing books to read and share with my friends and colleagues.
Tara McGrath: I am thankful for this new opportunity at CQL to meet new people and learn new things. I’m thankful for my healthy children and husband and grateful to them for making life fun and interesting all the time!
Tom Douangmixay: Absolutely I am grateful for my immediate and extended family in support our life with my husband and amazing daughter who is in uni in the UK. Plus thankful for my CQL family for all the support in bringing us together. Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Tom Font: I am thankful for my family and that they are all healthy. I am also thankful for the opportunity to be part of the CQL team.
Valerie Vos: I’m grateful for my incredible family and friends, and the opportunity to learn from them. I’m grateful for a career that challenges me to think in new and creative ways. And I’m grateful for the knowledge and wisdom I have gained over the past year.
Waqas Abid: My family 🙂 My constant source of strength and support, always there through every challenge and celebration. Their love and understanding make even the toughest days feel lighter. My friends, too, have brought so much laughter, encouragement, and shared memories that make life brighter and more meaningful.
Wendi Magee: I am thankful for my friends, coworkers, and family, who keep me laughing through the craziest of times!
Zion Emond: I’m thankful for a supportive family and church community, along with amazing coworkers.
We wish you all a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!
