It has been a while since we have seen a “real winter” around here. We always have some cold, ice, and snow, but this last year, we had all three in abundance. This return to a sustained cold winter has added challenges for everyone. Our customers needed more fuel to stay warm. At least prices remained lower than in recent years, but let’s just say it was a challenging winter for all.
With March 7th being Employee Appreciation Day, we wanted to highlight the force behind the modern miracle of home comfort on demand. One might take this for granted, but it takes a terrific team to make it happen. We could not have delivered on our promise to keep our customers warm without our amazing employees. As the days get warmer, we want to thank the following employees.
Our Delivery team – Corey and Matt
Through ice, rain, wind, and snow – they safely deliver fuel to our thousands of customers. This is no small task. Imagine sitting in the cab of a truck hauling flammable materials on slippery roads. There is no room for error. While customers do their best to plow and sand, drivers must decide if the access is safe for our truck. Once on-site, it’s time to do safety checks, haul the hose, and make the fill, print the ticket. Reverse all the above, and do it again and again, maybe while sleet pelts you in the face. It may be daytime – it may be in the middle of the night. Our delivery team is comprised of hard-working tough individuals who deserve our respect and gratitude.
Our Office team – Judy and Lynn
These key employees are typically the first point of contact for our customers. Their warm voice must shine through – even when the pressure is on. They handle all the customer requests, delivery orders, statements, payments, marketing, bookkeeping, reporting, and organizing. No matter what they are working on, when the phone rings they need to change gears, respond to the request, take notes, have 100% accuracy, and always (again) remain friendly – even if the customer is having a difficult time. Our office staff have kept up good spirits during this busy winter and what a difference that made to fellow employees and customers alike!
Our Mini-Mart staff – Garrett, Luis, Ashley, Lisamarie, Mariah, Jami-Lynn, Roberta and Josephine
At S&D, we are lucky to have the warm and welcoming Mini-Mart connected to our heating business. Every day, in the early morning hours until well after sunset, our clerks keep the store clean and well-stocked, the coffee hot, and the deli items fresh. Having the S&D office connected to the store creates a larger team on site, and the Mini-Mart and office support one another where possible. The store is staffed by 9 clerks and Kristin, our Manager. From food prep to inventory and stocking, to register oddities, they must be adaptable and ready to help with a smile. Paperwork is constant and deliveries are frequent. With multiple shifts to cover a day, teamwork is essential. Closing the store for a day is not an option. The Mini-Mart has never been in better hands and the employees deserve our appreciation and gratitude. Stop by next time you are in Cincinnatus and you’ll see why!
So, cheers to t all of you. You make the tough times easier, the good times better, and the future brighter!