ThrottleNet Madness: Brackets, Chili, and Champion Moments

Every year when March rolls around, college basketball fans everywhere gear up for the thrill of March Madness—where dreams are made, brackets are broken, and underdogs rise. Here at ThrottleNet, we embrace the madness in true TN fashion—with a healthy dose of competition, camaraderie, and chili.

That’s right, this year’s ThrottleNet Madness Bracket Challenge and Chili Cook-Off delivered on all fronts, giving our team the perfect excuse to come together, have some laughs, and flex our competitive muscles both on the bracket board and in the kitchen.

Let’s take a look at the highlights and honor the champions who emerged from the chaos.

Bracket Challenge Showdown: KJ, Jake & Michael Reign Supreme

There’s nothing quite like filling out a March Madness bracket. You start out confident. You’ve done the research (or just like the mascot names), you’ve got a Final Four in mind, and you’re ready to prove to everyone that this is your year. Then Day One happens… and half your picks are already toast. Sound familiar?

But while some of us were left scratching our heads over shocking upsets and busted brackets, a few stayed locked in and made the right calls all the way through.

Congratulations to this year’s bracket champions:

• KJ – First Place
  KJ didn’t just survive the madness—he dominated it. His picks were sharp, his confidence steady, and his score kept climbing with each round. Whether it was luck, skill, or a secret algorithm, KJ took the crown and earned himself some serious bragging rights around the office.
• Jake – Second Place
  Jake’s bracket was a masterclass in finishing strong. Even with a few curveballs thrown his way, he managed to keep his predictions intact and made a strong push all the way to the championship game.
• Michael – Third Place
  Rounding out our podium was Michael, who proved that staying cool under pressure pays off. His bracket was balanced, bold, and most importantly, he picked the champion correctly.

Chili Cook-Off: The Heat Is On

While the basketball drama played out on the court, we kicked off our office celebration with something that brought everyone to the table: The ThrottleNet Chili Cook-Off.

Held on the opening day of March Madness, this event has quickly become a TN tradition. It’s our way of warming up to the season—literally—and adding a little spice to the workday. There’s something special about seeing your coworkers trade their keyboards for crockpots and compete to see who can whip up the tastiest bowl of chili.

This year’s showdown featured a mouthwatering variety of chilis, from classic and hearty to spicy and adventurous. The smell of simmering meat, beans, and secret spices filled the office, and the only thing tougher than picking a winner was resisting a third (or fourth) helping.

After everyone had sampled the contenders and cast their votes, one chef stood above the rest:

Support Engineer John took home the gold with a bold, unforgettable recipe that struck the perfect balance of flavor and fire.

John’s chili had the perfect kick—not too hot, not too mild—and a rich, smoky depth that had everyone coming back for seconds. Turns out, he’s not just quick with support tickets—he’s got serious culinary chops, too.

Why We Do It

At ThrottleNet, we’re proud to be a team that takes IT seriously—but never takes ourselves too seriously. Yes, we deliver top-tier support, strategic planning, and cybersecurity protection every single day. But we also believe that building a strong company culture is just as important as building strong networks.

Events like the Bracket Challenge and Chili Cook-Off give us a chance to hit pause, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate what makes our team special. It’s about shared moments, a little friendly competition, and giving everyone a chance to shine—whether on a basketball bracket, behind a ladle, or in the way they show up for each other and our clients.

We work hard. We play hard. And we know that investing in our people and creating a fun, connected environment pays dividends—in morale, collaboration, and the overall experience we deliver to every client we serve.

Ready for Next Year

So what’s next? Well, KJ, Jake, and Michael are likely already planning their defense for next year’s bracket challenge. John is probably perfecting his recipe in secret. And the rest of us? We’re counting down the days to do it all again.