New Year, New Esteem and Awards
One of our favorite traditions to ring in the New Year is our annual company meeting! It is a time for job updates, sharing of important dates, and networking. This year, we added awards and recognitions to that list!
We usually have our meeting in the second-floor training room at the Kent City offices, but the Welch Team has officially out-grown our conference room! This year, we rented out the gymnasium at Casnovia Old School for extra space. As you can see in the pictures, the extra space was definitely worthwhile.
Our sign-in table
Dan presenting to the group
Listening intently
Every year, we welcome the new-comers and acknowledge work anniversaries in 5-year increments.
The first group is our 5-year employees: (left to right) Marty M., Andrew F., Isaac H., Cody H., and Roger H.
5 year anniversary
Our 10-year employee: Valrie W.
10 year anniversary
And our 15-year employees: Jeff V. and Adam C.
15 year anniversary
A full house (or full gym)
We set up tables and enjoyed pizza during the meeting
Some may be surprised to hear that Welch Tile has an apprenticeship program! This means that we hire and train our apprentices in the “Welch Way” of installing tile. This is an accomplishment-based program, including 500 hours of work and online modules. We were very proud to announce two employees graduating the Apprentice Finisher program: Cody V. and Theo S.
Apprentice Finisher graduates
This year, we added two new awards: Rookie of the Year and President’s Award! Rookie of the Year went to Joshua C. Our C.O.O., Steve, stated, “This year’s Rookie of the year award has honed his skills in our newly developed underlayment service line. His passion for learning new things, pride in quality work, and respect for others, reflects our company values and thus is being recognized.”
Rookie of the Year, Josh, and Steve
The President’s Award was presented by Welch’s President, Dan, to Brady K. Dan notes, “(Brady) started working with Welch Tile on April 18, 1994. Over the last year, (he) stepped in the gap, taking on additional duties and responsibilities while still completing 72 projects with his residential team. We are grateful for his dedication and commitment to keeping our projects moving forward in 2020.”
Dan and President’s Award Recipient, Brady
We also had a fun contest award winner! Derek D. won our annual Big Buck contest with a 10 point with a 17.5” spread!
Steve and Derek (a.k.a. Mr. Big Buck)
Thank you to all of our wonderful employees who attended this event!
Steve presenting
The whole team
What a joy it is to work for Welch!