Issue 12, 2022

Find, Friend & Follow Us Issue 12 | 2022

2 10 11
Take charge of
Sprint toward Kicking off a strong seasonal depression
gym savings soccer career

BUILDING THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAY

The spirit of giving at each of our company locations shines Their work must support at least one of the Foundation's four
bright year-round with fundraisers and community service service pillars: health & wellness to support the growth of
projects. The 2023 Giving Campaign built on that tradition as we healthy families, youth enrichment to encourage the successful
raised nearly $235,000 for the Do it Best Foundation and United development of children, the arts to support our vibrant
Way. community culture, and the community to develop stronger
connections. You can see how grants are making an impact on
“Words cannot express the gratitude for contributions of every our @DoitBestFoundation Instagram account.
size that will ensure children and families in every community we
serve have access to quality healthcare, nutrition, education, and This year, we launched a
more,” said President and CEO Dan Starr. campaign called The Big Give to
give one non-profit a boost to
This year, we expanded our generosity to include the Do it Best launch a brand new initiative.
Foundation during the campaign and look forward to growing Dozens of organizations applied
the Foundation’s footprint in all of our communities in 2023. The for this grant to earn $100,000
Do it Best Foundation was established in late 2019 and is quickly along with a match through
gaining momentum. fundraising of up to $150,000
total. The recipient for this special
Creating the Do it Best Foundation award is Neighborhood Health.
One of our company’s core tenets is our commitment to serving Funds from The Big Give will help
others—not just our member-owners, but our communities, too. them address healthcare needs in
In the past, Do it Best supported many worthwhile organizations a neighborhood with the highest
by funding a wide range of projects. There was an opportunity infant mortality rate in the
to streamline how we allocated funding, and that’s why we region. Thousands of expecting
launched the Do it Best Foundation. Team members from each mothers, new mothers, and
division are on the Foundation’s grant committee to ensure we’re their children will have access to
making the maximum impact possible with the dollars we award critical healthcare.
to organizations.
continued on p.2
Awarding Do it Best Foundation grants
Funds raised by the Foundation go to 501(c)3 organizations
in the communities surrounding our offices and warehouses.

© 2022 Do it Best. All rights reserved.

INSURANCE TIPS YOUR SECOND PAYCHECK:
CRUNCH ON SAVINGS WITH
FROM INSURANCE COORDINATOR GYM REIMBURSEMENT
CHELSEA ORT
With the new year approaching, be sure to submit your
USE REMAINING FSA FUNDS reimbursement form for your health club membership
in 2022 to receive your company reimbursement.
If you selected the Preferred Provider Option (PPO) for your healthcare Remember, Do it Best covers half of your health club
and funded a flexible spending account (FSA) in 2022, check your fees, up to $300 each year. Scan this QR code to fill
remaining balance and then make plans to use it up or risk losing out the form. You can also find the form by visiting
what’s left. You can continue to use any 2022 FSA funds that are left Workbench, hovering over the Information tab,
through March 15 on any eligible 2022 or 2023 expenses. Anything selecting Health Benefits & Wellness,
left after that date is forfeited, so be sure to use those funds! You’ll and clicking on the Health Club
have until March 31 to file for reimbursement. Reimbursement Form link under the
weightlifting photo.
Co-pays and deductibles are the most common uses for FSA funds,
but other eligible expenses include dental, optical, and many over-the- Reimbursement requests from 2022
counter medications and health care supplies. The expenses can be for will be accepted through February
yourself, your spouse, or your dependents. For a rundown of 28, 2023.
FSA-eligible items, visit fsafeds.com.

BEST PLACES TO LIVE, WORK, AND PLAYcontinued from p.1

Funding the Do it Best Foundation
Your generosity during the 2023 Giving Campaign will help us give back to our communities. In addition to staff pledges, we also get
funding to support the Foundation through:

Open Buying Days: Vendors and W arehouse sales and auctions: The Fore the Cause golf outing: We invite
manufacturers pay a fee to participate Fort Wayne warehouse underwent a big vendors and influential community
in Open Buying Days to introduce new clean out this year. Team members could members to an annual golf tournament
products to our Merchandising team— purchase these items at a discount while each June to raise money through entry
similar to the TV show Shark Tank. That helping the Do it Best Foundation. fees, raffle tickets, and more.
fee goes to the Foundation.

Encouraging organizations to apply for grant funding
As the Do it Best Foundation becomes more visible in our communities, you may have friends, family, or neighbors ask you for
donations—or how they can apply for funding from the Foundation. First, let them know that the Foundation supports 501(c)3 non-
profit community organizations and agencies that are committed to serving the needs of others. The Foundation awards grants to
selected organizations that provide services in areas in which Do it Best team members live, work, and play.

You can then direct them to doitbestfoundation.org. Here, eligible organizations can apply for a grant. All applications are reviewed
by the grant evaluation committee each December and June. Grants have been given to organizations in Northeast Indiana and in
several warehouse communities. We want to extend its reach to more locations. Encourage your favorite local charities to apply. This
is a small step you can take to make a big difference in building the best places to live, work, and play.

EASY ACCESS TO Misplaced your most recent copy of Family News? You can easily access an electronic
FAMILY NEWS version any time by signing on to Workbench from work or home. We archive an entire
year’s worth of issues in the Family News section.

2 Issue 12, 2022

above & beyond PROMproOudTpIaNreGnts OUR whats happening family news access TOP WOMEN
COMPANY CULTURE focus on health RECOGNIZED IN
THE WINDY CITY
The Business Forum, a large group of
Home improvement industry leaders
current and retired Fort Wayne business from across the country gathered
in Chicago November 8–9 for the
and community leaders, gathered at Electric Top Women in Hardware & Building
Supply conference. Sponsored by
Works on November 16. President and CEO HBSDealer and Do it Best, the event
highlights the continually growing
Dan Starr had the opportunity to speak to role of women in home improvement,
from retail store managers to vendors,
the importance of moving the Do it Best manufacturers, and distributors.
The evening's highlight was the
ays and annthioveeairmdsaqmruieeasrrsteerosutrosetlhvheeesEaillnethcttahrniecdcWsoaofmertmkysucnaimtyp, us career opportunities presentation of Rising Star and
Business Excellence awards, which
provide mentorship opportunities for were dominated by Do it Best
members and staff.
r second pasycchhoeockls nearby, and tocealetbtrraatcet and retain top blood donors
talent in the region. Divisional Merchandise Manager Jenna
Myers was recognized for Business
DRIVING INNOVATION WITH OPEN BUYING DAY Excellence and her service to members to
ensure they have products their customers
Our semi-annual Open whats happening family news access want and need.
Buying Day on November 1
brought items we’ll soon be able to offer
above & beymoenmd bers. Qualified vpenroduodrspamreenttws ith
our Merchandising team to present their
company and products, as well as learn
about the requirements to become a
Do it Best vendor.

“Vendors participating in Open Buying Merchandise Manager Brad Schieber and Associate

Day have the opportunity to quickly get Merchandise Manager Aly Ruby explore new

their products in front of thousands of product opportunities for members.

independent business owners around

ays and anntSihtveoerfwsleaortirheld.s “tDhirsocuogvheriohnuegranletehxwtaennvdseinvsaedfeodtriysstarinbdutiinonnonvaecttiawvreeoerpkrr,oo”pdspuaocyrtstsuVpnPlitaoiyefss Merchandising Jason
an important role in further

enhancing our members’ growth. We support our newest vendors with featured placement at

our markets. We’re strongly committed to delivering solutions-oriented products for our store

owners and Open Buying Day continues to deliver outstanding results.”

WMS LAUNCHES IN LEXINGTON

Team Lexington is on the road to real time with the new Warehouse
Management System, or WMS. “The transition was smooth on
October 28 thanks to so many bright minds and hands in this project,” said National
Logistics Manager Steve Rose. “We look forward to integrating WMS in the rest of our
warehouses next year. Sikeston will launch WMS in January.”

Issue 12, 2022 Store Development Manager Cherié
Jacobs has been instrumental in
envisioning store formats for members and
was recognized as a Rising Star.

3

VETERANS DAY
Saluting our Veterans
Do it Best is proud to have so many veterans and active military personnel across the
company in a variety of roles. Thank you for your service to this country and our members.

DIXON
Left to right: Tom
Davis, Beth Robinson,
EJ Statsi, John
Simpson, and Mary
Gutsche

FIELD TEAM

Kevin Scott Ron Steve Jesse Ron
Berry Kinkella NaSal Pettinger Sarenana Skinner

FORT WAYNE
Left to right: Jason Cluts, Wesley Schooley, James Barrett, Ryan Robie, Dan Walton, Brian Reed, Dan Dietlin

Not pictured: Stacey Crosby, Ryan Dunbar, Bob Grabowski, Steve May, Joel Moore, Korrey Short, Ty Sordelet

LEXINGTON Thomas DeMarco
Left to right: Crai Hall Gilliam
Norris, Colleen
Myrick, Kelsey
Butler, Barbara
Walker, Stanley
Williams, Bernard
Walker, Eric Derrick,
Mike Thomason

4 Issue 12, 2022

MEDINA
Left to right: Regina Edgin, Laura Vidmar, Rob Curnoe, Bradley Gerber, Jarrod Rhodes, Paul Kowalski, Kyle Slykhuis,
Bill Lundstrom

MESQUITE
Left to right: Mike
Ethington, Sean
Birch, Dan Green,
Steven Engstrom,
Cole Atwood

Veterans from the entire city are honored MONTGOMERY
annually with the 1,000 Flags Over Mesquite Left to right: Peter Mango, Glen Johnson, Zach Hoffert, Rich Sager
tribute. Team Mesquite's employee board
sponsored a flag for each veteran in the Not pictured: Conrad Rosales, John Soultanakis, Jerry Wilson
warehouse.

SIKESTON
Left to right: Bryan Marshall,
Hykeem Hammonds, Louis
Chamberlain, Dustin Wells,
Logan Caines

Not pictured: Kodi Ballard

WACO WOODBURN Carl
John Villanueva and Cody Knox Left to right: Isai Aguilar, John Messer, Randy Oatney Garrett

Not pictured: Jason Suggs Thank You for your Service 5

Issue 12, 2022

WHAT'S HAPPENING: Check out these team members who brought their
DRESSED FOR SPOOKY SUCCESS best costumes to celebrate Halloween.

FORT WAYNE
Team members celebrated the season with pretzels and cheese. The top individual costume was Sales Support Manager Coley
Arnold, who dressed as Eddie Munson from the Netflix hit Stranger Things. The top group costume prize went to the Ecommerce
team dressed as Ms. Pac Man.

LEXINGTON
Team Lexington spread out their festive fun throughout October ahead of
their WMS launch at the end of the month. They held a costume contest,
pumpkin carving contest, and coloring contest for children of team members.

MESQUITE
Fifteen team members dressed up in costumes and modeled them in front of an entire break room for voting. Department Manager
Cole Atwood took first place in the costume contest as Chewbacca. The force was with several warehouse leaders decked out in
Star Wars garb.

6 Issue 12, 2022

Mesquite also hosted a trunk or treat for team members and their families. More than
50 kids were part of the fun. In the midst of grabbing treats, everyone enjoyed line
dancing as the sun set over the beautiful Mesquite desert.

WOODBURN
Team Woodburn held a Halloween spirit week with daily themes including Disney,
Do it Best attire, and costumes of choice.

Issue 12, 2022 MONTGOMERY
Montgomery did the monster mash
with costumes to smash and great
treats. Chris Olivero won everyone
over with his sloth costume.

7

BREAKING BREAD WITH A SECOND FAMILY

Many warehouse teams celebrated Thanksgiving with a special lunch during the week of November 14.

LEXINGTON
A feast of ham, turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and
gravy, green beans, rolls, and banana pudding left team
members with big smiles on their faces.

MONTGOMERY
Team members enjoyed celebrating the holiday with turkey,
ham, and all of the fixings catered by Louhgrans Restaurant.

MESQUITE
The employee board organized a Thanksgiving potluck
lunch. Enough food was brought to fill several break room
tables. The turkey didn’t tire them out—the team still picked,
packed, and shipped $654,000 of member orders that day,
too!

SIKESTON
Team Sikeston honored their veterans and shared blessings in
an annual Thanksgiving tradition. The meal was prepared by the
Sikeston High School Culinary Arts students and was a big hit
among the team.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES As Do it Best continues to grow, there may be career opportunities
AT DO IT BEST
for you to pursue within the company. External candidates apply at
doitbestcareers.com. Internal candidates should use the link provided
on Workbench and apply by logging in to my.adp.com.

8 Issue 12, 2022

SOCCER KICK OFF

WACO
Team Waco skipped out on the turkey for a Texas-sized
chicken fried steak meal with all of the fixings and
desserts.

More than 40 team members took time away to de-stress and participate in
a soccer kick off competition on November 22. The winning kicker was Keith
Crump, who took home $50!

ABOVE AND BEYOND: GRAPHICS
TEAM DAZZLES AT FESTIVAL OF TREES

Copywriter Macenzie Ritchie, Digital Asset Administrator Laura Wiseman,
and Graphic Artists Deb Turner and Terri Wunderlin continue a longtime
Do it Best tradition of entering a tree in the Fort Wayne Embassy Theatre’s
Festival of Trees. Festival goers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite
tree this holiday season. Once Terri learns what the festival theme is each
year, she gets inspiration from related Christmas songs or movies. Then,
she gets to work designing it and creating ornaments and accessories by
hand with the team. This year’s tree design is titled “Savor the Traditions
of Christmas,” and showcases
gorgeous red, gold, and white
ornaments and poinsettias. The tree
was awarded the top prize for Best
Traditional tree by festival judges
ahead of the event.

This month, the tree will be
raffled off in the Fort Wayne
office with proceeds going to
Parkview Christmas Families to
ensure hospitalized children get to
celebrate the holiday season.

Issue 12, 2022 9

CELEBRATE SAILING TO A NEW CHAPTER

Territory Sales Territory Sales Manager Jim
Manager Bob Brophy celebrated 13 years of
Yarborough and service with his retirement on November 25. His
his wife Karen career in the industry spans over 40 years from
welcomed their owning a large home center in New England
fifth granddaughter to being a general contractor before joining us
Scarlett Christine in 2009. He’s stepped into a variety of roles,
Dahm on October 25. including new business manager and paint
development manager, to ensure members are
Graphic Artist proudly served. His team and members say his
Suzy Smith and superpower is his friendly demeanor.
her husband Steve
are overjoyed to “While traveling with Jim and a member recently, the member told
welcome their first him he’s the best rep they’ve ever had,” says Regional Sales Manager
grandchild Charlotte Bob Harville. “He combines a servant’s heart with a capacity to listen,
June. She was born empathize, and counsel from a position of strength and experience.
on November 10 to Simply put, you’ll never find anyone who doesn’t respect Jim and his
parents Hank and desire to help. The entire team and region will miss him.”
Melissa Smith.
In his retirement, Jim plans to spend quality time with his wife Lynne, two
grown sons, and take the opportunity to better himself. If you’re around
the coast of Massachusetts next summer and see someone fishing or
sailing, it’s probably Jim.

Ecommerce Manager Brianna Wells, her husband Josiah, PROUD PARENTS:
and their son Jude are gearing up for a second bundle KICKING UP RECOGNITION
of joy. They were showered on November 16 by the
Ecommerce team. Building Materials Trader Soren Schamberg’s daughter Leah (white
jersey) kicks her soccer dreams into high gear. Last summer, we
10 highlighted her selection for New York State’s Olympic Development
Program. Now, she’s getting recognition by the Poughkeepsie Journal as
one of the league’s Section IX All Star 11 players to look out for in the
state.

“This is a dream
team made up
from all teams
in the state, and
I’m so proud
since she’s only
a sophomore in
high school,”
says Soren. “Last
year she received
an honorable
mention when
the same list
was made. Our
family can’t wait
to see her grow
in her sport.”

Issue 12, 2022

SAFETY CORNER Presented by Mike Morris Welcome
USE CANDLES WITH CARE Doto tihte Best

Many of us will use candles in holiday season traditions Family
and receive them as gifts. They’re pretty to look at and
smell great, and it’s important to keep safety in mind as Dixon
candles lead to thousands of home fires each year. Sidney Cook
Chloe Hargitt
DID YOU KNOW? Austin Olson
Kyle Sweet
December is the peak month for home candle Fort Wayne
fires. More than one third of home candle Cason Amornarthakij
fires start in a bedroom. Three of every five David Badyna
candle fires start when objects, like blankets, James Barrett
are too close to the candle. Tahnea Cayce
Jesse Cookson
If you’re burning candles at any time of year, Mykaela Crowell
make sure you: Andrew Davis
Makenzie Eggebrecht
• U se candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip Peter Haydock
over easily Kelly Puente
Sophia Tichenor
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface Emilee Vance
• L ight candles carefully with hair and any loose Mesquite
Hugo Contreras
clothing held back Spencer Cox
• P ut out a candle before it gets too close to the Charles Leavitt
Jawarra Smith
holder or container Felisha Valenzuela
• N ever use a candle if someone is using oxygen in Woodburn
Andrew Blankenbaker
your home Field Staff
• H ave flashlights and battery powered lighting John Carrier

options to use during a power outage Issue 12, 2022

FOCUS ON HEALTH:
OVERCOMING SEASONAL DEPRESSION

In between less daylight, lower temperatures, and holiday expectations—
seasonal depression most likely affects at least one person you know. In fact,
21 million American adults suffer from it. Symptoms of depression include
changes in appetite, abnormal sleeping patterns, feelings of hopelessness
and emptiness, guilt, and decreased energy. Here are some strategies to
overcome the winter blues.

• Exercise: A daily 30 minute walk is proven to help prevent depression.
• E njoy sunlight: As little as 15–30 minutes of sunlight, best in the early

morning, goes a long way to alleviate winter blahs.
• G et enough sleep: A lack of sleep can take a toll on your mood. Aim

for 7–9 hours each night.
• M oderate alcohol consumption: Alcohol is a depressant, which

means it affects your natural level of “happy chemicals” serotonin and
dopamine.
• A djust expectations: Don’t let visions of perfection spoil this season.
Learn that things like gifts, food, and company are good as is.

Find, Friend & Follow Us

DECEMBER

BIRTHDAYS

December 1 R Tyler Surrell X Gonzalez P December 16 Donna Lent L Judy Taulbee R
Kenny Austin R Larry Walker R Paul Meyer R Trevor Bishop D Steve Markley F December 28 F
Vickie Brown X Terri Wunderlin F Lyndsey Steffen F Joel DeShazo W Bev Meyer R Ryan Akers R
Roy Jones R Carolyn Turner R Nury Johnson R Jesula Pierre Gustave N June Gibson D
Clyde Rushton F December 6 Mary Vandermierden C Gary Jones D Colleen Reglin D
Brian Schneider N Christian Dunnavant C Cameron Westrich C Norma Pugh M December 22 Tony Singley R
Michael Smith L Ed Gonzales W Lyz Bertorelli N Jeff Thomes M
Stanley Williams R Ken O'Meara S December 11 Steve Short R Liz Bitting M Stephan Walter M
December 2 C Dorothy Pace L December 29 F
Cindi Baker F Sandy Pace P Carly Bassett F December 17 Jason Cluts F Kevin Comella R
Dylan Daigger W Wayne Earley R Tim Boes X Dan Haas F Lauren Mungovan F
Angie Isnogle R Consuelo Soriano W Greg Mann R Kevin Caldwell F Nevaeh Hixenbaugh M Joy Petrie F
Sylvia Pina R Debra Moore C Trikia Ferguson L Gail Price R John Sargent R
Curtis Pingel W December 7 Joan Pierce R Jason Wynkoop F Jackie Smith L
Theresa Reuter M Jacqueline Gorzny D December 12 Ray Treen R
Julie Reyes R Kevin Rosenbalm R Leeann Cliff R December 18 December 23 December 30 M
Cara Simmons D Sallie Shealy L Lisa George F Randi Linthicum W Cal Bada F Jacob Buff X
Mark Slezak F Shanda Trobaugh D Jessica Keel M Jack Ollom M Kristie Biros M Tommy Chaney S
Tyler Yocum M Paige Morris M Sharon Wiegman R Stephen Caughman L Joe Klamic F
December 3 C December 8 Brad Woolace F Dan Dohanyos M Jeff Malmon R
Amy Hood C Keith Barnes L December 19 Belen Martinez X
Dawn Minnick M Jason Bauman F December 13 Amanda Bledsoe L Nick Wies X Roy Resendez F
Beverly Rettig F Amelia Wilson N Jeff Shumate P
Brent Revelle R Tyquesha Cleaves C Gabe Arnold F Steve Dawson R Mike Stahle R
Jarrod Rhodes X Jim Cox R Mary Black R Mary Donna R December 24 Nick Talarico N
Amanda Roy F Spencer Cox S Deanna Kimpton M John Llewellyn M Pam Graham R December 31 S
Colleen Summey M Jeff Louden F Dan Livingston N Manuel Lujan S Jeanett Hoffman F Camerino Bautista R
Amanda Verstrat F James Mason R Jaime Portillo N Ed Pownall R Aaron Marker F Chris Blattner F
December 4 R Chris McKie L Corbin Prows F James Temple X Linda Moss L Will Gallego D
Yvonne Bynum F Mike Pennington R Tim Thao P Jerry Wilson N Roy Wilson L Michael Halverson
Tyler Dull R Diane Rodabaugh R Jim Troiano
Scott Hofrichter F December 14 December 20 December 25 Dick Welch
Denise Piwinski X December 9 Javier Chavez P Teresa Breeden C Kiante Cyrus L Desuree Young
December 5 C Rayetta Collier C Milton Kasten R John Dugos M Carol Lyons R
Cindy Adkins R Vicki Colson R Kathy Landis F Randall Glover D Charlie Martin R
Curt Frase D Robby Ehlerding F Linda Sheridan R Rodrigo Gonzalez
Jenna Fritz Cheryl Graham M Carlos Valadez P Altamirano P December 26
Alberto Gonzalez Jim Burton R
Heather Gosche Dave Grames F December 15 Anne Guest F Jackie Dixon R
Luba Katterhenry Dana McGill C Quinn Dominy Randy Horrell R
Crystal Matthews Joyce Needham R W Bill Sandul R Brad Drysdale F
Trent Emerick F Sue Johnston R
Rhonda Rains W Linda Klenke R Floyd Stilson F Ivory Robinson C
Bernard Walker L Perry Kuzma X
December 21 December 27
December 10 Ken Potter F Randi Bentley M Michelle Baker
Drew Banyas X Joseph Sawicki R Dorothy Carter W F LEGEND
Todd Harris X Travis Stewart R Ray Dulak W
Toni Gallardo R Cindy Miller M Dixon . . . . . . . . D
Pam Kaiser L Kay Glastetter R Fort Wayne. . . . . F
Julia Mendoza De Thomas Lacy X Miguel Munoz-oropeza S Lexington . . . . . L
Medina . . . . . . . M
ANNIVERSARIES Mesquite . . . . . . S
Montgomery . . . N
1979 F Leroy Pierce F 2007 2014 Kathy Landis F Woodburn. . . . . P
Betsy Buuck Bree Oltmans Padilla D Brent Watts W Mary Hensley F Retiree. . . . . . . . R
2008 2018 Sikeston. . . . . . . C
1987 1999 Jeremiah Blaugh 2015 Keith Barnes L Waco. . . . . . . . . W
Carolyn Ransbottom F Dora Martinez Joe Baker F Julia Monterroso Field Staff . . . . . X
2010
P Greg Lincoln F Amanda Verstrat X Rachel Beran D
Jose Garcia D Ashley Black F Sonia Santillan Garcia N Russ Kathrein F
1989 2001 2011 Patti Shumpert L Jason Stofleth F Xavier Jaime P
Dawn Williams F Sherry Snowman N Shawn Pullin C Will Ryan C Greg Jackson D
Curtis Dannenmueller C John Villanueva 2019 2021 S
1992 Susie Lukefahr C Kim Currier P 2016 Jackie Smith F Caitlyn Geist S
Don Eskew W Eric Luna Martinez S Micah Swerens F Juan Vite-Romero S
2002 Michelle Moore
1996 Maria Rios N W 2017 2020
Barb Clarkson F W Andrew McDermitt F Nick Poling F
2005
1997 Tiffany Mahlan F L Eerik Hale X Christian Causey L
Tawanna Jones L Francisco Ojeda Negrete P Matthew Gunnels C
Chris Mettler F

Birthdays & Anniversaries Issue 12, 2022