There was a lot to celebrate at GBI’s Annual Meeting in May. Held in our home city of Wenatchee, Washington, this year’s meeting commemorated GBI’s 100th anniversary. As part of the centennial celebration, GBI presented the first-ever Legacy Awards to eight current and retired employees, each of whom has contributed to our company’s success.
“This year’s honorees exemplify why we started the Legacy Awards tradition—each has made a lasting impact on our company and their contributions have helped us reach this 100-year milestone,” said Chad Goodfellow. “We are so happy to be able to celebrate their hard work and dedication with these inaugural GBI Legacy Awards. Each award is so well deserved!”
Corporate Secretary Lesli Lehrman and retired General Superintendent Danny Collier were each presented with the 2022 Dale Moore Goodfellow Way Award, which recognizes an individual who lives “The Goodfellow Way.” Known for her extraordinary work ethic and boundless positivity, Lesli is the embodiment of “The Goodfellow Way.” Like Lesli, Danny epitomizes “The Goodfellow Way.” As the founding leader of the Maui Region’s field mentoring program, he developed the next generation of leaders and demonstrated how to live “The Goodfellow Way,” both on and off the jobsite. Prior to that, as a GBI Foreman and Superintendent, Danny oversaw projects that were pivotal to the success of the organization.
Superintendent Bob O’ Connor and retired Foreman Einar Frimodt were the recipients of the 2022 Bud Junger Field First Award. Both were recognized for their steadfast commitment to GBI’s craft employees and the field work environment. Throughout his career, Einar was willing to travel anywhere he was needed and brought positive energy and a can-do attitude to every jobsite. As a Superintendent, Bob has a lot on his plate, but he always finds time to offer support and guidance whenever it is needed. He is highly respected by his colleagues, who describe him as “the ultimate problem-solver.”
Regional Vice President John Hovde and retired Senior Contracts Manager Millie Septimo were both honored with the 2022 Bill Gates Customer Service Award. They were recognized for going above and beyond the call to ensure GBI provides the highest quality of service. As Regional Vice President, John is widely regarded as an indispensable leader who provides first-class customer service. Like John, Millie earned a well-deserved reputation for delivering top-notch customer service. She may be retired, but she has certainly left her mark on the company.
Accounting Department staff member Nicole Brown and retired Receptionist Denise Orr were each presented with the 2022 Jim Goodfellow Sr. Community Service Award. Whether it’s emceeing the annual Apple Blossom Pageant or helping coordinate GBI’s Charity Golf Classic, Nicole will seize any opportunity to help. The same can be said about Denise, who, among other things, formed GBI’s “Aloha Spirits” team for the American Cancer Society’s annual Chelan-Douglas Relay for Life event.
Congratulations to all the recipients!
