SIDNEY — Two Freshway associates were honored for their years of service to the company during Freshway’s annual Christmas Appreciation Luncheon. John Reedy, who has been with the company for 23 years, retired in December, and Larry Schultz, who has been with the company for 13 years, will retire in January.
John Reedy joined Freshway in the early years of the company and has made a significant contribution to the growth of the company.
“John’s attitude of ‘getting it done’ for our customers for the past 23 years has helped us to create a winning culture here at Freshway, and his drive and attitude has played a big role in building our team,” said Phil Gilardi, owner of Freshway Foods. “People like John just prove that everyone here at Freshway has so much to contribute. We have the best team of people in our industry, the very best!”
Larry Schultz has over 45 years of experience in the fresh produce industry. He joined Freshway in 2013, and has been instrumental in building the company’s world class operations capabilities.
“Larry has always approached his work with the best interest of the company top of mind. He has supported the company’s growth over the course of his career with us by moving to different positions and different geography as needed,” said Devon Beer, President and COO of Freshway Foods. “Beyond that, we are very proud of the commitment that Larry has made to support outreach efforts in our community, most notably with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. All of us at Freshway will miss not only his industry knowledge, but the example he set for our workforce.”
Both John and Larry received customized service awards and gifts from the company and their fellow associates.
During a separate award celebration, Freshway Logistics drivers were honored for service to the company and for safe driving. Gary Lengerich was honored for 15 years of service to the company, and John Goubeaux and Frank Counts were honored for five years of service.
Freshway Logistics drivers were also honored for achieving 250,000, 500,000 and 750,000 miles of safe driving. Fifteen drivers achieved 250,000 accident-free miles, and three drivers achieved 500,000 safe driving miles. Five drivers were honored for achieving 750,000 safe miles: Bryan Fisher, Tracey Howard, Rick Keith, Mel Mathison and Jeff Stroh. The drivers received gift cards and die cast Freshway trucks in addition to custom plaques.
“We are proud of our drivers for their commitment to safety,” said Tony Arnold, Director of Human Resources for Freshway Foods. “They are true professionals, and we are fortunate to have such a strong team.”
In addition to the annual Christmas luncheon, the company holds monthly associate appreciation luncheons, quarterly safety incentive program drawing and service awards, an annual company picnic and a health fair for associates and their families. For more information about Freshway Foods, visit http://www.freshwayfoods.com.
