Driving mission success in the workplace

Bridges Consulting is a story of humble beginnings. Founded nearly two decades ago by Chuck Faughnan, Sr., it is now led by Chuck Faughnan, III. Although Bridges works hard to maintain a family-focused, small-company culture, their reputation is one of industry pacesetter and agile innovator. The 100-plus person team of cyber intelligence experts helps both commercial and government clients solve security and vulnerability challenges. Put another way, this computer and network security company protects sensitive information and shapes big data into confident decisions.

Bridges’ clients are not the only ones making confident decisions. Recently, Bridges’ leadership decided that they needed to relocate their headquarters to not only support the next growth phase, but to strengthen the company’s connection with potential employees, clients and the local community. Bridges was so committed to this effort that they refreshed their brand to attract the next generation of talent and wanted their office to reflect this update. The new office was also an opportunity to reinforce its unique culture and value set while providing the workspaces employees needed to excel. Chuck and his team at Bridges engaged JLL’s Brad Crosley, Jim Cahill, and Amanda Rosenthal to help find a space that spoke to the company’s future while maintaining their core identity.

Given their client mix, Bridges needed an office that offered both secured and unsecured space with flexible lease terms to accommodate contract needs. Although Bridges’ leadership conceptually understood what they wanted from their new workplace, they relied on JLL’s expertise to understand how that vision aligned with what employees needed to do their best work. Brad, Jim and Amanda helped Bridges interview employees of all levels and tenure to gather insight on what workplace features were most important to them. This process of exploration, discussion and analysis culminated in a presentation to Bridges’ executive committee that guided the company’s search for its new headquarters. After a thorough market search, Bridges decided that 7880 Milestone Parkway in Hanover, MD offered everything they needed and more. While only four miles from its former location in Annapolis Junction, this new space represented a new chapter for the company.

So what makes the new office a transformative space for Bridges? For one, there’s the innovation lab where members of the technology team literally take apart, test and build new products. There are plenty of gathering spaces and collaboration corners. In fact, every element was deliberately designed to cater to visitors, including clients, friends and future Bridges employees. Brad, Jim and Amanda brought in JLL project management pro Maria Demma to manage the entire space build out. At 15,000 square feet, the space is large enough to host events, yet intimate enough to feel like home. It might also feel like an aquarium. CEO Chuck Faughnan, III, or C3 as he is known, loves to scuba dive and the fish tank connects him to this passion, one he believes helps spur his creativity and helps him relax. Others have quickly caught on to the benefits as well. They are planning to bring in more chairs that face the fish tank to meet demand.

Functional branding techniques utilized throughout the space help communicate the company’s mission and values. Big screens display Bridges’ people and technology, and you’ll find visual representations of the company’s core values, integrity, innovation and impact. From the beginning of its search, the JLL team was a true partner to Bridges and this collaborative effort really speaks for itself.