We’ve all been there before.
Long days, long nights, and occasionally long days turning into long nights, and into long days again.
Times like that risk turning you into Phil Connors embarking for Punxsutawney on February 1st. Not the fully redeemed version of Phil in the 3rd act, but the self-destructive and bitter Phil from Acts 1 and 2 (Shoutout to Groundhog Day)!
For Kris-Tech, our recent ERP launch was what you might call “an undertaking.” Every day, our team showed up and put in long hours, just to do it again the next day. And the next one. And the one after that.
But for three KT team members, pressure makes diamonds. Getting ERP launched successfully was an all-encompassing project touching nearly every department. These three showed up and showed out when the lights were brightest, leading the way into a new age of growth.
That’s why for the FIRST time ever, we have THREE Employees of the Month. Congratulations to January’s winners; David Albright, Justin Blakeslee, and Drew Herbert!
Immediately after launching the ERP system, there were still items to set up to quote and process open orders from the legacy system.
“David jumped right in, setting up a workflow that made sense to everyone,” Sales Director Aaron Reighard explained. “He came through January with a positive outlook and pleasant demeanor, keeping himself calm alongside those around him – like Ty Webb at Bushwood Country Club.”
Beyond ERP, David’s support has been invaluable during one of Kris-Tech’s RFP projects.
“The customer is asking progressively specific questions with less forgiving timelines,” Reighard said. “Like John Winger in Stripes, David immediately jumped in to rescue the team from a tricky situation.”
For his part, Justin Blakeslee has been the Bagger Vance of ERP.
Before the project’s launch, Justin worked across departments, coordinated efforts, and practiced patience with internal and external stakeholders. In short, he was helping the company find its groove and improve its game.
“Justin built a strong and consistent rapport with the ERP consultant team, serving as a translator between the ERP Team and our internal stakeholders,” Director of Supply Chain Marcus Tagliaferri said. “He was pivotal to explaining Kris-Tech nuances and processes to the external ERP Team and vice versa, explaining the new system to the Operations Team.”
But commitment comes in many forms. Justin’s role touches nearly every department, from IT, Finance, and Material Management to Supply Chain, Shipping, Receiving, and Production. Because of Justin’s work, KT developed a “one band, one sound” mentality.
It’s tough to launch any new technology without a capable IT department. That’s where Drew Herbert comes in.
In the days leading up to and after the ERP launch, Drew was KT’s boots on the ground, fixing issues on the fly to keep the company moving. He built relationships across all three shifts while staying calm under pressure, letting his quiet confidence and effective communication skills lead the way.
“Drew went far beyond the classic IT fix of ‘Have you tried restarting your computer?'” VP of Finance Bob Pagano said. “He was on the floor, actively troubleshooting, providing immediate and long-term solutions, offering training, and giving hands-on support to keep production moving and products shipping.”
Commitment comes in many forms. Our three award winners were pivotal in getting the ERP project done, but they also put in the time to ensure its success.
“Each of them spent countless hours, late days, early mornings, and even weekends working through the ERP implementation,” Tagliaferri said. “They weren’t afraid of a challenge. Instead, they worked hard to find solutions.”
Pagano summed up all three winners with a similar sentiment.
“Their contributions exemplify the teamwork and dedication that keep Kris-Tech moving forward.”
As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.”
In this case, the ERP project wouldn’t have been as successful without the help of a lot of people, including:
Joe Serra
Nate Sharron
Garrett Grinnell
Charles White
Jackie Cullop
So, while David, Justin, and Drew took home the Employee of the Month honors, more than a few people played their part to perfection.
There you have it! Our first nominees are locked in for this year’s Employee of the Year award. Come back in a few weeks to find out who will join them in February!
