During the 2021 Virtual Team Gathering the Braen Leadership Team introduced the Values Award Program. At our 116th event, which was held in 2020, the Leadership Team had noted that they were going to be rolling out the new program, however, due to COVID-19 and the circumstance of this past year, it was not rolled out as originally planned, but the goal was to remain as true to the original plan as possible.
Supervising managers were asked to nominate employees that they felt live by Braen’s core values, and there were over 30 nominations for this year’s Values Award! The nomination process consisted of interviews and an extensive discussion amongst the Braen Leadership Team to determine who was deserving of the award. The Braen Leadership Team narrowed down the nominations down to two employees for each core value, Service, Integrity and Respect and one overall winner.
The winners of the Service Award were Tom Lynch and Rich DeBonte, who practice servant leadership as they meet the needs of others. Tom and Rich resemble service not only internally, to everyone they work with on the Braen Team, but externally as well, as they encounter Braen’s customers and/or vendors. Rich says, “I am humbled to be one of the recipients of the first Value Awards given by Braen Stone. It’s an honor to work for a company that recognizes the contributions of its employees.”
The Integrity Award was granted to Kevin Harmyk and Wilbur Corter, who consistently practice and reflect Braen’s businesses beliefs. Kevin and Wilbur continue to always stay true to their promises, always operate with consistency, and make sure everyone is treated with respect. When asked what winning this honor as meant to them, Wilbur noted, “I am proud to work for a company who acknowledges its employees,” and Kevin continued saying, “I am partial to C. S. Lewis’ quote, ‘Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.’”
Carl Ross and Jennifer McMaster, who both ensure that everyone counts and is treated equally, won the Respect Award. Carl and Jennifer lead by example, care about everyone they meet, and always have the best interest of the company in mind. Carl noted, I would like to thank Braen Stone and the Braen family for choosing me for this award. I Am very humble for this recognition,” and Jennifer continued saying, “Thank you! An abundance of gratitude for the presentation of receiving the ‘respect’ value award. I am enamored with honor and blessed to be a part of an extraordinary company! ‘Let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.’”
The Overall Award was granted to Mark Deighan. Mark continuedly resembles all three core values, service, integrity, and respect. Mark is always happy to help others and live out the Braen Core Values. Mark says, “Other than his family, being named the Vision and Values winner is my greatest honor. I have a great team!”
Congratulations to all the Values Award winners!
