President Teddy Roosevelt used to say, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.”
More than a century later, those words still hold water – even here at Kris-Tech. Sometimes work isn’t easy, but when some people might turn cold, others use kindness to get the job done.
It takes a special person to keep a cheery, positive attitude with everyone yet stand up for the company when necessary. This month’s award winner walks a tightrope, performing the perilous highwire act of balancing delicate conversations and maintaining strong customer relationships.
From managing customer and vendor relationships to serving as a guiding force for KT’s CARES Team, February’s Employee of the Month winner wears many hats. But, like everything they do, they handle it all with a bright smile and a sparkling attitude.
We’re incredibly proud of this month’s winner: AP/AR Analyst Kelly DeRochie!
Kelly is an influential part of the Finance team, using her skills to stay ahead of issues, solve problems quickly, and minimize disruptions for customers, vendors, and Kris-Tech.
“She approaches each interaction with professionalism, tact, and a deep understanding of maintaining positive partnerships for our sales team,” VP of Finance Bob Pagano explained. “Her ability to communicate with diplomacy and persistence makes her an invaluable asset to our financial team.”
Her calm demeanor and kind yet firm persistence have reaped dividends for the company. Through Kelly’s diligent work, Kris-Tech has already recovered tens of thousands of dollars this year without damaging delicate partner relationships.
“She’s an invaluable asset to our financial team,” Pagano said.
Beyond her office role, Kelly is an active member of the KT Cares team and participates in every event, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a strong culture.
As an integral member of Kris-Tech’s “Engineering Island,” Kelly has cemented herself as a cultural cornerstone, elevating the company with a seemingly endless supply of good vibes.
“Kelly brings energy and positivity to the office every day, kick-starting our mornings with dad jokes, fun stories, and a ‘get it done’ attitude,” Pagano said. “She embodies our core values, is a fantastic ambassador for Kris-Tech, and makes our workplace a better place for everyone.”
Kelly DeRochie is February’s Employee of the Month, but she wasn’t the only one vying for the award. Our nominees included:
Glenn Rothe – Glenn’s work has been exceptional on all fronts. It seems like he’s everywhere on the production floor, building machines, repairing others, and coming up with solutions to complex mechanical problems. On top of this, he’s also a knight in shining armor, taking on small tasks all over the facility.
He embraces every situation and delivers the best results, no matter the circumstances. When handed a project, Glenn shows his resilience, experience, knowledge, communication skills, and critical thinking.
Roger Frye – When the new ERP rolled out, it presented a unique shipping challenge. While it may technically fall within his purview, Roger’s effort and diligence are commendable.
He’s worked hard to support his team and marshal outside resources and is never afraid to ask for help or support – all with a generally positive and calm demeanor. Roger also keeps us on track through critical daily meetings, including the daily production meeting.
Kelly joins an action-packed group of Employee of the Month winners, which includes David, Justin, and Drew. Come back in a few weeks as we add another name to the list of 2025 Employee of the Year nominees!
