Issue 01, 2023

Find, Friend & Follow Us Issue 1 | 2023

2 2 8

Relaying New Year, Healthy comfort
Philanthropy new HSA funds food swaps

It's Electric! Building Momentum in Fort Wayne

In early December, our Fort Wayne office moved to Building 26 on the historic
Electric Works campus—a recently completed redevelopment project bringing
new life to northeast Indiana. Getting ready for the relocation was a year in
the making, requiring us to sort through 75 years of material. Unneeded office
supplies were donated to community organizations. IT and other volunteers spent
countless hours preparing the new building to be ready for the first wave of
movers on December 5.

CAPTURING COMPANY HISTORY
Take a peek at some of the moments leading up to our relocation to Building 26.

We found a number of personal We found new homes for duplicates of
items that Don Wolf, the company's historical items from our archive. The NHPA,
second CEO, stashed away. Don was the industry trade association behind Hardware
a humble man and never touted Retailing magazine, will display these items in
his personal success. It was always their headquarters as they share the story of
about the members or the team. independent home improvement businesses.
But there were a number of honors Pictured is NHPA's COO Dan Tratensek.
and mementos he received as HWI's
leader from 1967–1992 that needed a
new home. We returned them to his
son Rick, who expressed his family's
thanks for the opportunity to see
these accolades for the very first time.

Digital As team members cleared out What do you do with a pallet of souvenir HWI
Communications their workspaces and supply 50th anniversary Coke bottles from 1995? You
Specialist Daniel closets, we created quite a connect with the Coca-Cola Collectors Club of
Walton is our pile of three ring binders, America President Robert Mathison. He and
dedicated archivist, desk organizers, and office his sister drove from Minnesota on their way
who sorted out pieces supplies that are not needed. to Atlanta, taking the last of these bottles for
of company history Merchandise Manager Nicole their club while providing a donation to the
to keep, display, and Kepler stepped in to collect Do it Best Foundation.
give away. He came boxes of it to donate to Fort
across an old Ace Wayne Community Schools. continued on page 3
Hardware lapel pin—
an odd piece for our
collection believed to
have come from former CEO Don Wolf’s travels
in the 1960s. He received a grateful response
from Ace’s Chief Marketing Officer upon its
return.

© 2023 Do it Best. All rights reserved.

above & beyond proud parents whats hapabpoevnein&gbeyond family newps raocucdespsarents whats happening fam
INSURANCE TIPS
YOUR SECOND PAYCHECK:
HSA INCENTIVE ON THE WAY
FROM INSURANCE COORDINATOR

CHELSEA ORT If you’re on the Consumer Directed Plan (CDP), you can expect your

NEW YEAR, NEW INSURANCE CARDS first Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution to be in your account
on January 15, 2023. The amount will vary depending on the

You should have received your new insurance card number of family members on your plan and whether you completed

from Unified Group Services. If you haven’t, please biometric screening and the Health Risk Assessment to qualify for
ays and annkieveeprsaarnieseye on youhremaltahilaannddsarfeeatych out to mceawreeitrbhoirapthnpdoyartyusnaintidesannainvearsdadriietsional incenhteivaelt.hOaunrd HsaSfeAtyprogram hacsafrueellryomppoovretdunfirtoiems Old
National to UMB. If you haven’t already, use the information you’ve
questions or concerns. Then, be sure to present your
received by mail to set up your new account so you can begin paying
new card during your first visit for services in 2023 so
qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses with your HSA.
they have it on file.

GIVING OVER THE TOP RELAYING PHILANTHROPY
IN WOODBURN
An exciting update since the last issue of
Family News was published—we surpassed
our Giving Campaign goal! We're proud of the Do it Best
team’s generous spirit during our campaign to benefit
the Do it Best Foundation and United Way agencies
across the country. Team Woodburn put us over the top
to raise nearly $245,000.

Fort Wayne kicks off the Giving Campaign with a presentation
and breakfast.

Montgomery Department Manager Gerry Carrick had the honor Team Woodburn was recently recognized for once again being the
of presenting a check to the United Way on behalf of the team. top fundraiser for their local Relay for Life, an event put on by the
American Cancer Society. Team members raised more than $50,000
through their annual garage sale to ensure cancer patients and
their families get much-needed support during treatment. General
Manager Blaine Oswald (far right) and team member Karen
Wagenman (second to right) welcomed Relay for Life representatives
to the warehouse as they expressed their gratitude for the
opportunity to give back.

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 1, 2023

It's Electric! continued The local CBS affiliate aired a live broadcast from the Electric Works campus
from page 1 to show how each tenant, including Do it Best, drives the local economy
forward.
Team members were
encouraged to take
one last Nelson Road
selfie before heading
to Electric Works.
Software Engineer
Adam Porter ensured
Mr. Friendly got one
last selfie too!

The Electric Works campus used to be a GE When President & CEO Dan Starr moved to Electric Works, his furniture
transformer manufacturing plant. At the holiday went to the office of Kevin Morse, the new CEO for Goodwill Industries of
open house on December 10, GE retirees were Northeast Indiana. Goodwill is a long-standing partner with Do it Best for
invited to share their decades of stories and donations of clothing and household items that fund their job placement
memories from the campus. They’re excited about programs for people facing barriers to employment.
the historic revitalization of the campus.
President and CEO Dan Starr participated
Not all heroes wear capes! in an Engage Indiana event the week before
The IT team and other team members moved to Electric Works
volunteers spent several to discuss the importance of developing
nights and weekends strategies to attract and retain talent. The
nailing down each detail number one word used by Fort Wayne
of a large-scale move and business leaders to describe opportunities
completing tasks outside in the region was “momentum” due to
of their job description ongoing development, like the Electric
without hesitation. Works project. The campus is also home to a STEAM high school, offices
Security and Ops Divisional for local colleges, a healthcare clinic and pharmacy, and a variety of local
Manager Rick Krebs businesses. This provides an opportunity to build up a campus community
brought everyone food as with networking events, mentoring, internships, partnerships, and more.
a thank you.

From bricks to blocks, retirees who built up our Check out Dan’s appearance on Inside INdiana
company are honored on a wall near the staff Business with Gerry Dick recorded after the Engage
entrance at Electric Works. At our old HQ, each Indiana panel discussion.
retiree was honored on a brick outside. Retirees
were able to pick up those bricks at a Christmas Our focus on retaining and attracting top talent
Luncheon on December 14. will ensure we serve all of our locations, members,
and the home improvement industry even more
successfully for decades to come.

Issue 1, 2023 3

ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR CELEBRATE
ON-TIME DISPATCH
Graphic Artist Deb Turner celebrated her
Leaders in Woodburn hosted a special lunch on December 8 60th birthday on October 9 with her team.
to recognize the receiving and stocking teams for flexing
from their normal job duties to fill orders and load trailers.
The teamwork helped improve on-time dispatch routes to our
members.

The Graphics department surprised Graphic Artist Terri Wunderlin for her
60th birthday on December 5.

Ecommerce Customer Service Representative Cindy Adkins was spoiled
by her team with a sweet 60 celebration for her December 5 milestone
birthday.

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.

4 Issue 1, 2023

PROUD PARENTS: Welcome
PARRA PERFORMANCES SPARK HOLIDAY JOY Doto tihte Best

Director of International Sales Christian Parra is a proud papa as his wife and three children Family
graced Fort Wayne stages during the holiday season. In the Fort Wayne Ballet’s Nutcracker,
his wife Maria played Mother Ginger, son Matias was a bonbon and party boy, and daughter Dixon
Bianca was a sheep, bonbon, and party girl (yes—three roles!). His oldest daughter Juliana Travis Baxter
took the role as the cook in Frozen Jr. with the Fort Wayne Youth Theatre. Aubry Gordon
Jacob Graff
QUENCH YOUR FURST FOR HOLIDAY SPIRIT Tasha Harpole
Alexys Hawley
Caleb Furst, son of VP of HR Gary Furst and power See the Jordan Hendren
forward for Purdue's basketball team, went viral for Furst Elf Austin Kobbeman
his Buddy the Elf-inspired Twitter posts promoting the for yourself. Jared Ross
university's annual food drive. Jenna Ruter
Tony Singley
Issue 1, 2023 Dariyus Westmorland
Taylar Wright
Tammy Zigler
Fort Wayne
Dylan Brown
Natalia Camacho Quiros
Rachael Driscoll
Dylan Hopper
Richard Schraeger
Jimmy Sturm
Mesquite
Connor Gardner
Stephanie Lawrence
Samantha Perkins
Montgomery
Gregory Harmer
Skye Sebesta
Steven Weckeman
Sikeston
Bree Barnett
Christopher Bryan
Logan Caines
Amy Cobb
Emily Coffee
Houston Graham
Emily Head
Joycelynne Jackson
Garrett Livingston
Brittany McElhaney
Michael Odell
Dustin Wells
Woodburn
Cesar Correa
Christian Garcia
Carlos Garcia Gallardo
Adrian Hernandez Urenda
Leonardo Mercado Rodriguez
Manuel Ponce
Joshua Ramirez Alonso

5

RINGING IN A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON

Check out the unique Christmas celebrations across the company.

FORT WAYNE
Team members, retirees, and their guests enjoyed a holiday open
house on December 10 to learn about the history of the new
headquarters, mingle with Santa, and check out stops around the
building to honor those who have shaped our company.

Then, a Christmas luncheon on December 14 allowed team LEXINGTON
members and retirees to spend time with one another. Attendees Team Lexington had the opportunity to bring little ones to
enjoyed sweet sounds from members of the Fort Wayne the warehouse for holiday fun on December 10. Santa gave
Philharmonic, great food, and messages of gratitude from Dan each child a gift, and everyone could make an ornament,
Starr and President Emeriti Mike McClelland and Bob Taylor. color, pin the nose on Rudolph, participate in the bean bag
Retirees also had their first chance to pick up commemorative toss, play bingo, and snack on doughnuts.
career bricks from the Nelson Road location.
Issue 1, 2023
6

MESQUITE
It was a celebration meant to make a difference in Mesquite. The team kicked off the holiday season on December 9 with a catered
dinner at Oasis Golf Club. General Manager Gary Loosle was thrilled to welcome 125 team members, retirees, and guests. They also
hosted a live auction at the end of the night to raise more than $1,600 for the Mesquite Police Department's Shop with a Cop program.

Sikeston also continued
their tradition of
adopting a family for
the holidays. This year,
the team came together
to get everything on
the Christmas lists for
two boys and two girls
between ages 3–7 in
foster care—including
two tablets. Department
Manager Mark Ponder,
along with Renea
Ruppenthal, Beverly
Rettig, and Lisa Cobb,
worked with local
agencies to give the kids
a special experience with
exclusive Santa time in
the break area.

SIKESTON 7
It was a big night for Sikeston
team members, retirees, and
their guests as they filled the
KC Hall in Kelso, MO, for their
annual Christmas party on
December 3. For the first time
ever, the team had a photo
booth in the festivities, which was a huge hit! Attendees also
enjoyed great food, dancing, and gifts. Department Manager
Mark Ponder gives kudos to the employee board for making
this, what many called, the best holiday party yet.

Issue 1, 2023

SAFETY CORNER Presented by Mike Morris
PREVENTING SLIPS AND FALLS

Slips, trips, and falls are the leading causes of injury each winter
in the U.S. These safety tips should be top-of-mind for everyone in
your household when there are slippery conditions.

• I f you can, drop your items off at the door before parking
the car. Having your hands full can affect balance and reduce
your hands’ ability to act as a safety net when you fall.

• W hen you park and open your car door, test your footing
before putting your weight on one leg to get out of your car.

• T ake small steps, shuffle your feet, and slow down when
walking across a slick parking lot.

• A void uneven surfaces and black ice where possible. Also
note that elevated surfaces like ramps and stairs may be more
slippery than the ground below.

• W ear winter boots outside for more traction. Bring a change
of shoes to wear inside to prevent slippery floors.

CHECK OUT THE Our Safety Tips of the
DIGITAL SCREENS Week are now on digital

screens at all locations.

FOCUS ON HEALTH: SIMPLE SWAPS Issue 1, 2023
FOR HEALTHIER COMFORT FOODS

When the snow falls, it’s easy to opt for hot comfort foods
like cheesy casseroles, creamy soups, and loaded potatoes.
Since we tend to move less in the winter months with
inclement weather, it’s important to eat smarter. These
simple swaps on your favorite dishes can drastically
reduce the amount of sugar, fat, and calories in your diet.

• O pt for applesauce instead of oil, butter, or
margarine in baking recipes.

• I f you’re feeling soup, go for broth-based instead of
cream-based recipes.

• G reek yogurt is a great replacement for sour cream
or cream cheese, and it serves as a great source of
protein.

• C hoose fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Find, Friend & Follow Us

JANUARY

BIRTHDAYS

January 1 January 6 Carl Estes Jr R Destinee Jackson L Justin Thomas M Brian Leiby M
Coley Arnold F Cathy Boling R Greg Lincoln C Nathan Selvey F Donnevin Wolfe F Laiza Lozano W
Betsy Buuck F Kathy Dreyer R Greg Morgan C Doug Shewell R January 22 Kelly Miller F
Richard Crickmore R Rich Espinoza R Christian Parra F January 18
R Becky Schmidt Michael Bauman R January 28
Gussie Cushing R Greg Girton R Christanne Bauer-Deitering F Mark Geffert M Rodney Hughes D
Curtis Dannenmueller C Fred McCowan W January 12
LuAnn Davies F Mary Meyer R Johana Pina N
Jeremy Hill P Leon Owens C Brandon Drake W Alex Jones D Donna Springer R Ron Roberts L
Cindy Irie R Bob Sanders R David Ford
Betty Laidig R Cynthia Schrader S Gloria Gowan W Sharon Lehman R January 23 Jason Suggs W
Audine Love R January 7 Joe Merdian R Bryant McClellan F Peggy Chen F Taylar Wright D
Dotti Roland R Kodi Ballard C Jason Stofleth D Andrew Nava D Bobby Larson R January 29 S
F January 19 R Jackie Delgadillo
January 2 Karen Criswell R January 13 Bobby Mitchell
Jeff Bogenpohl C Anthony Romero N Alton Hervey C
Boyce Boese C Greg Fuller F Jose Cholula N Pauline Hange R January 24 Deb Martinez F
Alene Eftink R Shelby Gallardo D Bill Corley R Brian Beggs
Rosemary Hughes D Tyler Mosher F Scott Hahs R Jim Lawson F Anita Boutureira D Christian Martinez N
Suzy Smith C Bailey McBurney N Jo Ann Bowers N Ryan Robie F
Claire Locker R Jenny Wagner F Gary Haverland D Chris Olivero N Debbie Clark R Jody Schmall D
Tiana McGowan D January 8 W Ceirah Heyneman F Danny Price F Beatriz Garcia
Emmanuel Quezada S Mitch Bessette F Bob Gumash M January 30
Mark Campbell Dieter Klunker S Celeste Stevens M Joseph Lawson F Juan Borrego P
Charles Scott L X Georgette Simon F Trey Villagomez
Virginia Seyer R R Christian Causey L
F January 14 Bob Weahry W Diana Crosley R
January 3 Carolyn Cashaw W John Kerr R Jon Willis R Sue Perry
Brandon Eckardt F Sarina Dodge D James Mungo R Alex Gilliom F
M January 20 Chad Rivera D Samantha Overmyer M
Kyle Graf F Jen Smith M Joe Perez W Vanessa Boss D January 25 Sheri Pamer M
Scott Hamman F Tara Stoudt D January 15 Kori Dean
Dan Livingston R Chuck Woodrum R Ina Lee Bisbee D Michael Auerbach N Luis Sanchez
January 9 S Mamie Graham C Blake Burgette F Hernandez P
William Lundstrom M Karl Dusin John Branigan X Cam Kunz M Mark Grohnke X Coleen Silk R
Domenick Watts S R Meagan McNeal F Derek Reiminger
C Mahir Tefiku D Vanessa Tu F
January 4 Dave Frankowski R Gail Peirce R Jennifer Whitaker W Letrice Walker F Beth Young F
Enrique Cruz N Alex Garcia N Debbie Rohde
Luanne Jahn R Julie House R January 16 C January 21 January 26 January 31 R
Nick Olalde D Trey Richards W Becky Killinger Cheryl Baty N Mason Kneezle C Sylvester Asmus M
Joann Sickles R Mike Robins R Paul Kowalski M Beverly Binns C Ruth Moneyhun R June Drake F
M Brian Blankenship C Ron Mullen X Dena Fox
January 5 January 10 Deanna Mancera D Nick Brack M Larry Schortgen R Joni Keister F
Sandy Ball R Andy Garcia F Al McNiel R James Edwards-Toepel R Mike Uelsmann R Eric Walker L
Aaron Beall M Melissa Hogenson D Mike Ocker F Cindy Garoutte R Brent Watts
Marco Cardenas P Jarek Hoppe F Clark Peden D Steve Kaiser D January 27 W

Mark Hamilton M Rhonda Rush F January 17 Cody Miller M Eric Armstrong M LEGEND
Mike Post F Mickie Snodgrass R Hal Beas R Kelly Puente F Michael Jones
Robert Van Onselder X January 11 Janet Hagelberger R Macenzie Ritchie F Cindy Katter F Dixon . . . . . . . . D
F Fort Wayne. . . . . F
Elaine Estes R Trisha Hinen F Joshua Sanchez-Vega P Mary Ann Kornowski R

ANNIVERSARIES Lexington . . . . . L
Medina . . . . . . . M
Mesquite . . . . . . S
1978 Michelle Richards N 2012 Chris Cordrick L Shabon Burton N Montgomery . . . N
Mark Hamilton M 2002 Bryant McClellan F Kelley Daum S Annie Cantres N Woodburn. . . . . P
1980 X Tom Crowfoot N Retiree. . . . . . . . R
Boyce Boese C 2013 Gregg Grattan Cassie Cutlip M
Jennifer Pettibone F Dillon Eaker C Sikeston. . . . . . . C
Carol Flaugh F Stacy Davis F Jerad Burley F Ashley Romero F Brittney Jones C Waco. . . . . . . . . W
Cory Foster M Todd Harris X 2018 F Melissa Kotkin N Field Staff . . . . . X
1992 Scott Hamman F Maria Springer F Mike Beerens N Rick Kramer X
Kevin Day F Gerry Carrick C Matt Latarski M
Agama Ngelale N Ric Zook F Mark Stinson F Renee Siegfried M
1993 Eric Tyler F 2019 F Erin Smith F 2022
Kevin Avenall S 2014 Scott Aschliman F 2021 C
Mary Vandermierden C Jimmy Dooley C Jon Barnes D Jessica Allred C Kyle Arthur M
Dexter Matthews L Lance Gordon M Teresa Breeden X Simon Aurand D
2003 2015 Bryson Helfrich F Alberto Gonzalez L
1994 Cedric Madkins W Shelley Kay L Danelle Green S Tim Beck P
Teresa Clark C Christanne Bauer-Deitering F Daniel Massucci F Todd Mulholland W
2005 Tim Boes X Sharonlee Moore M Richard Perez S Maddison Berlin F
1995 Aly Ruby L Genaro Rivera C Peyton Birkenbeul F
Mel Norris L Cherie Jacobs F Anitra Bost W Ryan Stannert N Mastin Sadler F
Dan Starr F DeMarco Gilliam L Brandon Taylor F Brian Schneider W Kaila Branfield F
1996 2020 F Blake Sepulveda N Frank Fletcher X
Angie Isnogle F 2008 Latasha Johnson W John Arocho F Edmond Simpson F
Jenny Wagner W Rachel Baker N Chris Snyder L Landon Glueck C
1997 Perry Kuzma X Carly Bassett Taylor Spence X Austin Hanabarger D
2016 Chris Beach Magnus Zapolski
Pam Kaiser L 2009 Tasha Brunson L Lyz Bertorelli Tasha Morris L
Becky Grawcock F
1998 Shawn Mahady X Chadonna Burgess L Tysha Schurr F
Dennis Aufdenberg C Diana Smith F
Tim Kline F Letrice Walker F Zachary Coleman L Mahir Tefiku D
Enrique Cruz N
Chris McKie L 2010 Ron Daniel F James Temple X
Jeff Hermes D
Shannon Merkel F Dereck James N Melody Tolodxi D
2011 Hilary Weaver F
2000 Pam Tait S Gino Tolentino L
Laquece Burns N
Kelly Drew P 2017
Darryl Butler L

Birthdays & Anniversaries Issue 1, 2023