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Wall of Service

It is getting to be that time of year where we focus on the relationships in our life. We spend more time with friends. Family gathers around communal tables and give thanks. It is also a valuable time of year to recognize the other family members of your life – the ones you spend the most time with. The people you work with. 

I have always enjoyed the family element of Fortney & Weygandt, Inc. It is one of the things that originally attracted me to the company. Not only is it a family run business but it’s one where you feel like you are a part of a family. A place where we are all treated well and gather to celebrate and support.  

Many families have a wall of photographs in their home to highlight those in the family and the generations. Some display those that have passed. Regardless, members of the family are honored on it.  

We recently unveiled something similar near the main lobby in our headquarters. We have a Wall of Service to honor those members of our company past and present. It showcases those who have been with the company for over twenty years. It highlights those still here working with us daily and those who are no longer here, but left a lasting impact in their over twenty years of service to the company.  

I recently spent some time admiring it. I was amazed by the longevity of our team – many of whom I have been working with my entire career at Fortney & Weygandt. As I looked at the wall, I started doing the math. Twenty-six percent of our employees have been here for over 20 years. Within that there are 10% that have been here between 25 and 30 years. There is another 10% of our employees that have been here for over 30 years! Next year one of those people will move into the over 40 years with the company column. As someone who has been here for 30 years, I know the sense of accomplishment that comes with these milestones. 

Recognizing the achievements of long-term employees is a critical part of nurturing their contributions and reinforcing the value they bring to the company. It is not only about acknowledging their years of service, but also celebrating the unique ways they enhance the company’s culture, contribute to stability, mentor others, and build lasting client relationships. Recognition, when done well, strengthens the sense of family and loyalty that long-term employees bring to the workplace and sets an example for the entire team. We believe that recognizing long-term employees’ achievements helps build a culture where loyalty and hard work are both valued and celebrated. 

Every long-term employee has a unique story with the company, and sharing these stories helps both recognize their achievements and remind everyone of the company’s journey. We try to do this by featuring long-term employees in company newsletters, social media, or on the company website. This shows that the company values their contributions. These spotlights do not just celebrate achievements; they also capture the person’s unique story, showing them they are valued not just for their work, but for who they are as part of the company’s family. 

Finally, recognizing long-term employees should not be a one-time event. Continuous recognition reinforces the value of their work and helps maintain their motivation and satisfaction. Providing consistent feedback and recognition in the form of performance reviews, public acknowledgments, or small “thank you” moments on a regular basis keeps the appreciation flowing. 

Wall of Service 2024Continuous recognition shows that the company is grateful for not only the years of service but also the ongoing contributions that long-term employees make every day. Whether it’s acknowledging an employee’s input in a meeting or celebrating the successful completion of a long-term project, these regular acts of recognition cultivate an environment where loyalty is both visible and celebrated. 

I look forward to welcoming new people to this wall every year and watching our family legacy grow. 

Mitch Lapin

Mitch Lapin is CEO at Fortney & Weygandt, Inc. His responsibilities are to drive the growth of Fortney & Weygandt, Inc.’s general contracting service nationwide. Lapin works closely with Fortney & Weygandt’s Board of Directors, Management Team and all employees to serve clients and partners on all projects.

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