JULY 13, 2021
Introducing: Larry at Large
We’ve all enjoyed Larry Rybacki’s “Thoughts from the Shower” series; now he’s expanding his repertoire. Larry has stepped out of the bathroom, and taken the show on the road. He has launched a series of interviews with key industry players, starting with American Water President and CEO Walter Lynch. Check out this video as Larry and Walter discuss matters both business and personal, and find out what advice Walter would offer to his 23-year-old self if he could go back in time.
SIGMA Supplies Material for Manatee County SEWRF Headworks Project
When Manatee County on Florida’s west coast launched a major wastewater project, they brought in Ferguson’s Gary Morgan, Plant Outside Sales Representative, to procure the construction material. Gary’s first call was to SIGMA; he explains, “This was a really high-profile job, and Manatee County has very high standards. With the health considerations surrounding this type of installation, there is no room for error. I knew I needed a trusted partner who I could rely on, and SIGMA came through ahead of deadline at every step.”
 
The project was complicated; it involved a 42” MJ Cross and gate valve that connected four different lines. Everything was underground, and it had to be perfect. The contractors, Poole and Kent Company of Florida, are known to set and uphold the highest industry standards, and they made the schedule their top priority—the tie-in date was critical, and there were a lot of logistics to manage. Gary continues: “The specification required a Permox lining, which added another logistical consideration. SIGMA managed this perfectly, and everything came in ahead of schedule. SIGMA’s Territory Sales Manager Danny Feregrino was also available pretty much around the clock to address any issues that arose. Fortunately, the installation went really smoothly, but it was great to know we had technical support if it was needed.”  
 
SIGMA supplied the following material for this project:
 
  • SIGMA One-Lok model SLDE 42” wedge-style restraining glands that were electrodeposition coated and provided with blue fluoropolymer coated hardware.
  • Mechanical Joint SIGMA fittings with Permox linings.
 
SIGMA’s National Product Manager Steve McDonald comments, “SIGMA was pleased to be involved in such an important infrastructure project. The teams at Ferguson, Manatee County, and Poole and Kent are all respected professionals in the field, and partnering with them is always a great opportunity.”
 
The Manatee County project is ongoing, and is anticipated to be completed and fully operational on schedule.
 
For information on SIGMA’s Pipe Restraint Product Line, please contact Steve McDonald at smd@sigmaco.com.
Check out this Webb-Site: Shortages and Outages 

By Joe Webb, National Sales Manager
Shortages and outages are the main topic of the day. They headline most industry meetings, customer calls, and strategy sessions. Virtually every interaction opens and closes with the question, “when will the logistical constraints ease up?”.
 
The pandemic has caused shortages and outages that have affected the marketplace with regard to the products themselves, as well as the raw materials, affiliated supplies such as pallets and containers, limited vessel space, and ever-increasing production and logistical costs. In addition, labor has been affected globally due to shutdowns and other pandemic-related issues, and this has also disrupted production along the length of the supply chain.
 
We don’t have a crystal ball, but the prevailing thought is that these disruptions will continue through the remainder of this year and possibly into 2022, unless demand slows due to inflation or further scarcity of product.
 
SIGMA’s sales team is doing an excellent job in this challenging time, working with our customers and providing the most accurate lead time possible. Our long-standing relationships with our suppliers date back over 35 years, and our in-country, boots-on-the-ground presence in all SIGMA facilities ensures that we have accurate information and that we procure product as quickly as possible under these difficult circumstances. In short, these trusted partnerships help mitigate some of these challenges.
 
Our sales professionals are committed to open, honest communication and that has been the SIGMA standard since we opened our doors in 1985. Despite the fact that these days we often have to deliver messages that are not what the customer wants to hear, we will always tell the truth, and uphold the highest standards to integrity and transparency through good times and bad. 
SIGMA Supplies Junction Boxes for use on NJ Turnpike
When Campbell Foundry needed junction boxes for projects throughout the state of NJ, they called SIGMA. The products, which are galvanized steel, are installed as part of the concrete structures that form the bases of the light poles on the New Jersey Turnpike and other areas around the state. They are in particular demand by electricians and electrical contractors. Campbell Foundry President Greg Campbell explains, “The products are great. We need about 400 of them a year, both domestic and imported, to fulfill our customers’ orders. SIGMA is a reliable supplier, so we were able to source what was needed. SIGMA Territory Sales Manager Kevin Flanagan adds: “We do a lot of business with Campbell Foundry; they are a valued customer and SIGMA was happy to work with them on this.”

For additional information on this and other products, please contact Joe Webb, National Sales Manager, at jw2@sigmaco.com or 513-374-0187.
Product Spotlight: Insulated Foam Plugs
SIGMA offers a wide range of insulated foam plugs, and currently has a stable inventory of DMPlugs, Valve Box Plugs, and Meter Pit Insulation Plugs. READ MORE ...
A Great Event for a Great Cause!
The 28th Annual Rybacki Memorial Invitational will be held September 10, 2021 at the Haven Club in Boylston, MA. This year, proceeds will support Dr. Mary-Ellen Taplin’s Prostate Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Larry Rybacki explains the decision to support this work: “We have two long-time Rybacki Memorial supporters who have been battling prostate cancer, and they rave about Dr. Taplin. She lost her husband to cancer 15 years ago and is very committed to finding a cure for prostate cancer. She is currently working on several promising projects.”
 
For information on how to support the Rybacki Memorial and Dr. Taplin’s research, please contact cdayotas@sigmaco.com.
Meet SIGMA: Kyle Czajkowski, Operational Support & Supply Chain Assistant
SIGMA is pleased to welcome Kyle Czajkowski to the Operational Support Group. Kyle will primarily handle matters pertaining to transfer and freight. He will undergo a structured training program to ensure that he has a full understanding of product, process, and the industry as a whole. Eventually, Kyle’s responsibilities will expand to include Supply Chain matters for Pipe Restraint Products, MJ and Flanged Accessories. and all domestic vendors for Extended Products.
 
Kyle comes to SIGMA with an inventory management background. He began his career with WeWork in New York, when the company was pursuing an IPO—which failed. Kyle describes the experience, “It was a lot of upheaval—I saw the good, the bad, and the ugly, so it was great experience for me at the beginning of my career. I’m really grateful to have had that opportunity, because it prepared me for just about anything.” Kyle’s approach to work prioritizes transparency; he continues: “Communication is the key, especially in this climate with shortages and other consequences of the pandemic. I’m eager to learn and it’s been great getting up to speed with the amazing team here at SIGMA.” Kyle holds a degree in Statistics from The College of New Jersey. An identical twin, he enjoys spending time with his best friend and twin brother Jason. He also enjoys watching sports, particularly the Giants, Yankees, and Miami Heat.
 
Kyle can be reached at KCzajkowski@sigmaco.com or
(609) 489-6782. 

Welcome to SIGMA, Kyle, and best wishes for much success!
SIGMA Shout Out: Marie Moskowitz
Marie Moskowitz, Sourcing and Procurement Group Associate, has been a valuable member of the SIGMA team for 23 years.  Her Supervisor, Sean Salins, Supply Chain Manager, calls her “a dedicated worker, a go-to person, a great ‘all-rounder’ and someone always willing to step up and help.” Marie is responsible for the processing of all Shipment Records coming in from every Supplier to every SIGMA Location— she enters the shipping information on the containers for waterworks and OEM products. She also coordinates the receipt of goods for all regions, and manages inquiries and POs for fittings on a day-to-day basis. Sean continues: “A colleague like Marie is invaluable—she is incredibly hard working, often  working into the late evening  to complete her work. She doesn’t let anything carry over to tomorrow; that’s Marie!! And her collegial spirit adds to the culture of SIGMA—whether it’s covering the phones at reception or testing the new ERP system, Marie is there for us. She also helps arrange lunches and other activities that keep the team together.” 

We are pleased to give Marie a SIGMA Shout out, and thank her for her excellent work!
Happy SIGMA-Versary!
SIGMA considers our people to be our most important resource. Our employees make the company a success every day with their skill, dedication, professionalism, and hard work. We know that without them, there is no SIGMA, so from the bottom of our hearts, we thank the following employees for their long service, congratulate them on these milestones, and wish them continued success:

30 Years

Albert Whetstone, Operations, Southeast Region
Dana Wax, Branch Manager, West Region
Kathy Searles, Business Development Manager, OEM
Al Richardson, Sales Manager, Southeast Region

25 Years

Jim Stohr, Branch Manager, Southwest Region
Lawrence Goff, Operations Supervisor, Northeast Region
Earle Young, Internal Quality Control, Northeast Region
Raju Kakani, Vice President, Information Systems & Services, Northeast Region

20 Years

Smith “Junior” Baker, Internal Quality Control, Northeast Region
Winfred Spivey, Operations, Southeast Region
Karen Barone, Accounts Payable Manager, Northeast Region
Julie Bell, Inside Sales, Northeast Region

10 Years

Meridith Fodera, Receptionist, Northeast Region
Spotlight on SIGMA 

We at SIGMA place tremendous value on our SIGMA family. With that in mind, we celebrate the joy and success of our employees and their loved ones, and we share their good news...  
From the Northeast Region:
Congratulations to Sandra Salins, Finance Associate, and Sean Salins, Supply Chain Manager on their daughter Sarah’s graduation from Notre Dame High School. Sarah also received the school’s AP European History Award and the Cocurricular Achievement Award for Outstanding Leadership. She will study Architecture at Temple University this fall.
Double congratulations to Lori Grant-Peters, Engineering Assistant! On April 20, Lori welcomed her first grandchild, Wesley Owen Wilkins (WOW!). Wesley was born on in Naples, Italy, to his proud parents, Erinn and Ryan Wilkins. Wesley weighed 8 lbs, 8 oz, at birth, and measured 21 inches. Grandma Lori had the distinct pleasure of meeting Wesley in person on a recent trip to Italy—they are already buoni amici! Lori also celebrated the graduation of her son, TJ, from New Egypt High School on June 21. TJ plans to enroll in Brookdale College’s utility program this fall and plans to become a lineman for JCP&L. 
Congratulations to Melissa Perrine, OEM Business Development Associate, who welcomed the arrival of a baby girl. Olivia James Kerins was born at 5:53pm on April 27. She weighed 7 lbs, and measured 19 inches long. Melissa and Olivia are doing great and enjoying their morning walks on the boardwalk. 
Congratulations to Becky Matthews, Accounts Payable Associate, on joining the grandma club! Becky’s oldest daughter, Julia, and her son-in-law Brandon welcomed a beautiful baby boy named Leo on May 20th. Leo weighed in at 6 lbs, 15 oz, and measured 20 inches in length. Mom, Dad and Leo are happy and healthy, and Grandma Becky is over the moon!
Congratulations to Craig Schapiro, National Customer Service Manager/OEM Sales/Product Manager, on his son Jayce’s graduation from high school. Jayce graduated from Freehold Township High School where he was a member of the varsity basketball team for three years. An academic star as well, Jayce was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the Latin Honor Society. Jayce will attend The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) this fall to study Accounting.
From the Western Region:
Congratulations to Branch Manager Dana Wax, whose granddaughter, Allyssa Clear, graduated from Western New Mexico University with a BSA in Accounting.
In Memoriam
With great sadness, SIGMA mourns the passing of R. Saravanan, a Quality Engineer in our India operations. Mr. Saravanan was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in April. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Saravanan's beloved wife and baby daughter. SIGMA is collecting monetary donations to provide for the family. Please contact Dave Press at dp1@sigmaco.com for details.
SIGMA sends our deepest condolences to Larry and Chris Rybacki on the passing of Chris’s beloved brother Randy Drapeau, 63. Randy was deeply devoted to his wife, his four children, his large, extended family, and his wide circle of friends. He was known for his sense of humor, his warmth, and his passion for golf, old cars and classic rock. Randy will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Our sympathies to his family and friends.