The Origination of the Name Orpical

I was stuck on the New Jersey Turnpike on a Friday afternoon, the summer heat bearing down as traffic crawled slowly toward the Jersey Shore. Frustration mounted as cars halted abruptly, leaving me with nothing but time, irritation, and thoughts.

It was a particularly challenging time, marked by professional setbacks and strained business relationships. Sitting idle in traffic intensified my frustrations. Yet, as I waited, my mindset gradually shifted from irritation to reflection. I began contemplating my future—not just the kind of business I wanted to create but also the type of people I desired to surround myself with as I started a new entity. In addition, I questioned who I aspired to be as the leader of this yet-defined company.

Reaching for a notepad I kept handy in my car, I began jotting down words and ideas—keywords that could define the culture and identity of my envisioned company. I knew a new start just started.

The first word I wrote was integrity. There was something missing in many relationships after the market crash brought on by Lehman Brothers and the entire banking crisis. Passion was written next, followed by disruption, which was quickly crossed out. Disruption is such an overused word, I thought. While the word Commitment did not make the list, this is by design. I know that for this to be real, there has to be a commitment to each word. Other words quickly followed, including Respect, set off to the side on the notepaper as a word that would surely make the list. I can now tell by my scribble that I was unsure how to spell the word altruistic, which is pretty funny.

While we were still not moving, I started to play with the letters to form a word. ECOCALI was one word, followed by CIPACOE and EPICOA. There were over ten words listed on the notepad, but nothing seemed right.

Looking at the list, I knew each trait resonated deeply, each word carefully selected from personal experiences and reflections. Scribbles filled the page, crossed-out attempts at acronyms, and humorous, experimental combinations scattered throughout the margins.

After a day or so of reworking these ideas, inspiration struck. The letters finally began to form something meaningful and unique. Carefully combining the traits, I crafted the word Orpical.

Orpical:

? Optimistic: We would consistently expect the best outcomes for our employees and clients, emphasizing positivity as a cornerstone of our interactions.

? Respect: A steadfast commitment to consistently considering and treating everyone we encounter courteously.

? Passion: Cultivating an enthusiastic engagement toward the well-being of people, exploring opportunities, and protecting our planet.

? Integrity: Aiming to be known individually and collectively as a company that maintains unwavering honesty and moral principles.

? Curiosity: Fostering an environment where teaching, learning, and growth are continuously encouraged and celebrated.

? Altruistic: Ensuring profitability with a purpose—dedicating resources to contribute positively to the welfare of others.

? Loyalty: We adhere firmly to our commitments and values and are united in our company's stance and actions.

Orpical became more than a mere name—it embodied a collective aspiration, a clear commitment to shared values among all who would be part of this journey.

I know that perfection is unattainable, both personally and organizationally. Still, I was determined that Orpical would stand for something far more significant than market success. It would symbolize a culture rooted in positive attributes, guiding every interaction and relationship with employees, clients, vendors, or partners.

Today, Orpical continues to grow, driven forward by the foundational values first imagined during that reflective moment on the New Jersey Turnpike. What began as scribbles on a notepad amid traffic frustration has become the cornerstone of a thriving and meaningful organizational culture, resonating profoundly with every member of our expanding team.

Edward DuCoin

Follow us at: Orpical on LinkedIn

I highly recommend you also follow my partner, who is now President of Orpical - Stefan Schulz.