Fall, 2023

Vacation Policy Update!

Hello Team SR!

Welcome to the second edition of our Quarterly Tradesman Newsletter. I remain privileged and honored to serve as your President/CEO, and I am grateful to be on this exciting journey with you all. I’ve pledged to work alongside each of you to make Stewart Richey the best it can be for us as employee-owners. Additionally, our goal is for Stewart Richey to be the company of choice for those who desire to work in the trades. While the competition to be the employer of choice is challenging, I'm confident we are well positioned to capture everyone's attention with our commitment to improving and expanding our bold list of benefits. That said, I am thrilled and honored to share some exciting news with you.

For years we have heard comments about the need for additional flexibility with paid time off. Rest assured we’ve listened and now it’s time to deliver! Starting January 2024, Stewart Richey will implement the following changes to its current vacation policy: 

-Roddy Grimes, President/CEO

Trades Proud!

We continue to share our Trades Proud stories. In our first edition of The Tradesman, we shared with you: Concrete and Metal Building Systems Trades Proud Videos. In this second edition, we are pleased to share: Electrical, Fire Protection, and Painting Trades Proud videos. I look forward to sharing all these videos, as we complete them.

In closing, I encourage you to be PROUD of the work you do and encourage those around you to consider the Trades as their career path.

#teamstewartrichey #proudtobeinthetrades

-Roddy Grimes, President/CEO

Safety Snapshot!

We focus a lot of the company’s time and energy on safety. We talk a lot about safety. That’s because it is important, important not just for the wellbeing of you and your family, but each one of you is important to us too! A large part of our job in safety is to help you to form a safe attitude. To encourage you to want to be safe and to think safety at all times. Although we focus on safety on the job, off-the-job safety is important to us too.

What you do on your own time is your own business, but we are all part of a team, and it’s only natural that we are concerned about each other’s welfare, both on and off the job. At work, you are part of a safety network that extends through all divisions. There are rules and regulations to follow and takes everyone to keep this safety program going. But off the job, you are on your own. You can leave your safety glasses off when you’re remodeling the kitchen, and you can balance a ladder on a box when you are painting the peaks on your house. You probably wouldn’t hear a word out of anyone. However, it would take an immature person to deliberately leave safety at work. Still, there are times when we all get a little careless.

-Brandon Vickous, Safety Director

-Image by macrovector on Freepik

Doing Some Good for the Neighborhood: Jesse Young

Stewart Richey is proud to recognize Jesse Young for his outstanding dedication as a mentor in the community. Alongside Jesse's role as a Foreman at Stewart Richey, he serves as a mentor at The MARC Center (Men's Addiction Recovery Campus). Jesse proudly took on this role 7 years ago after completing the program himself. He explained that he went down the wrong path from the ages of 14 to 28. Alcohol and prescription medications ultimately drove him to explore stronger substances. Because of his dedication, the center has awarded him the Exceptional Alumni Award. He has also visited his high school in Henderson, Ky to share his story and raise awareness among the students.

Jesse explained that The MARC Center is an alcohol and drug rehab facility funded by the state. This is a six-month program that consists of 12 different steps. During these steps, clients learn discipline, accountability, responsibility, and independent living skills. He explained how The MARC Center provides a second chance for these clients to change their lives, even assisting them in finding employment before they leave the program.

-Tiffany Shoemake, Prospecting and Marketing Coordinator

Employee Spotlight: Emily Leeper

Join us as we shine a light on an exceptional figure, Emily Leeper. As a custodian of our company's core values, she embodies dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. Emily has been selected as the focus of our employee spotlight, not only for her outstanding work ethic but also due to her active participation in our featured project, OI Glass.

Emily is a WKU alumni, where she earned her bachelor's degree in architectural sciences with a minor in construction management. Following her graduation, she embarked on her professional journey in the construction industry in Lexington, Ky. Shortly thereafter, Emily returned to her hometown of Bowling Green, commencing her tenure at Stewart Richey in March of 2013. Her initial role was as a detailer in the Structural Steel Division, making effective use of her AutoCAD expertise. Approximately a year and a half later, she seamlessly transitioned into her current role as a Project Manager within the same division.

-Tiffany Shoemake, Prospecting and Marketing Coordinator

Structural Steel

Stewart Richey’s Structural Steel Division has recently secured the OI Glass project with Scott, Murphy and Daniel, a momentous achievement as it stands as the largest contract ever awarded to its Structural Steel Division, spanning an impressive 163,000 square feet. At the heart of this endeavor is Steve Montgomery, the dedicated general manager of the Structural Steel Division, whose role in this project is truly invaluable. I had the privilege of speaking with him about the accomplishments and challenges encountered so far.

One of the most significant accomplishments achieved by the division during this project has been effectively managing the overlap with concurrent assignments. As Steve pointed out, the division typically operates as a "one-job shop." Given the sheer scale of this project, Steve applauded his team's remarkable dedication and their strenuous efforts to ensure the seamless execution of multiple tasks.

-Tiffany Shoemake, Prospecting and Marketing Coordinator

-Images: O-I Glass

The Tradesman Podcast: Sammy Sanders

On this episode of The Tradesman Podcast, Jim DeCesare delves into the world of Sammy Sanders. Sammy has been with Stewart-Richey for nearly 10 years, primarily focusing on Structural Steel. However, he's recently taken on the role of Fleet Management, a transition that seamlessly aligns with his prior experiences in the realm of motorsports. Sammy's background includes a multifaceted journey as a driver, fabricator, and various roles within professional racing teams. Sammy’s leadership and drive to be the best applies to any industry.