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MILWAUKEE/NARI HOME IMPROVEMENT COUNCIL HONORS “EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR”
March 22, 2010

MILWAUKEE, WI – The Milwaukee Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the area’s leading home improvement and remodeling industry resource for more than 48 years, honored three member company staff people as “Employees of the Year” at the association’s monthly membership meeting earlier this month.

The Awards recognized three employees of Milwaukee/NARI member companies who not only perform admirably, but also go above and beyond their job description day after day.  The three winners were:

Steve Albright, Service Manager with Seider Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis.: With the company for five years, Albright has completely revamped the Service Manager position during that time.  Seen as a team-player, he has introduced preferred service agreements to even out the company’s revenue streams, created an employee review grading system, and constantly looks for ways to improve efficiency and decrease costs.  By his choice, he is the back up on call technician every day of the year, and he will come in on the weekends if needed for emergency calls or for opening the parts room for the on call technicians.  Recently, due to a shortage of staff, he considered postponing a major surgery in order to help out on service calls.  However, it was important that he have the surgery promptly, but he was back on the job surprisingly fast and eager to get back to work.

Anna Janke, Operations Manager with i Design 4 Interiors, LLC, Brookfield, Wis.: Starting with the company three years ago as operations manager, Janke constantly strives to put the company and others before her own needs with a positive and professional work ethic.  She is also an interior designer and is able to train and motivate company designers to become the best that they can be.  Working part-time so she can be home with her 3-year-old son, she spends evenings making sure company work is done.  Always available for phone calls to help whoever is in need, she is motivated by the outcome of her work and the people with which she works.

Mike Kosanke, Installer for AB&K Bath and Kitchen, Greenfield, Wis.: With the company for seven years, his employer says he represents many of the characteristics that make a truly exceptional employee:  positive attitude, committed, willingness to learn, and ability to think “outside-the-box.”  The company has received more positive compliments about this employee than any other installer, as   customers go out of their way to send e-mails or contact management to say they were delighted with this employee and his workmanship.  Often the last person on the job, he takes care of service issues and punch list items.  He’s very conscientious, and listens to customers concerns and empathizes with them.   Everyone appreciates his “no problem” response to issues, and he is positive about the company, co-workers, and his customers.  Always on-time and putting forth 100% on all he does, he’s willing to do what it takes to get the job done.  He comes up with solutions for many of the challenges we face on remodeling projects.  An excellent communicator, client’s express how much they appreciate him taking the time to explain things and show them how things work.  Plus, his kindness extends beyond the workplace.  For many years, he helped an elderly man that lived across the street from him, using vacation time to take the neighbor to a doctor’s appointment or provide whatever assistance was needed.

“We congratulate the 2010 Employee of the Year winners and recognize them for their efforts on behalf of their companies,” said Diane Ausavich, CR, Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council president.  “Selecting three winners for this award from the many that are nominated is always difficult, but those who judged the submissions believed Steve, Anna, and Mike had unique qualifications that separated them for the other nominees.  Because of individuals like these three honorees, as well as the other fine employees that were nominated, Milwaukee/NARI and its member companies offer area homeowners peace of mind when it comes to home improvement and remodeling.”

The Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council was chartered in July 1961, as a Chapter of the National Home Improvement Council. In May of 1982, the National Home Improvement Council merged with the National Remodelers Association to form NARI – the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. With over 900 members, the Milwaukee Chapter is the largest in the nation.

The Council’s goals of encouraging ethical conduct, sound business practices, and professionalism in the remodeling industry have led to the growth of the remodeling industry nationwide and made NARI a recognized authority in that industry.

For more information on the Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council or to receive a free copy of the annual membership roster listing all members alphabetically and by category, and the booklet “Milwaukee/NARI’s Remodeling Guide”, call (414) 771-4071.