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Mistakes & Excellence, An Unlikely PairWe are pursuing the best practices across the company and in each role. So, what are “best practices”? These are the documented, defined, and trained activities of each role that put our best efforts into producing our work at the highest value. Why is that necessary? Well, when we have as much talent as we have in our company, we could choose to allow each person to “do their very best” and hope that works out well. It might work okay in some cases and might not in others.

It’s unlikely McDonalds would hire a cook in hopes they know how to prepare a burger and allow them to prepare it their own way. Pizza Hut probably doesn’t assume each employee knows how to assemble and bake a pizza from scratch. Each of these companies have a “best practice” for what they do.

Which one of these do you think is with best practices and which is not?The same is true for us. We must have a “best practice” defined in order to know what we do and can both train it consistently while making improvements. We will ensure each position has their role well-documented and defined at the best practice level. It’s essential to observe and document those that are performing at very high levels. Sharing those steps for success is important to help train and educate everyone on those steps and skills.

For a company to be committed to performing with the discipline of “best practices”, it takes principles to be a part of that culture. One key principle is remembering that making mistakes or having a failure is not fatal nor final but is a part of the journey of growth and learning. Of course, we don’t condone making mistakes over and over, however, we understand that in pursuing excellence, we won’t be batting 100%...that is not even reasonable.

So, while we try new things, push for new ideas and methods, we may find something that doesn’t work. Those are some good lessons to learn and share as we move on. Here are some additional principles or thoughts on pursuing best practices:

• Best effort - we are committed to doing our best effort every day on everything we do.• Getting better - we have a mindset of always looking for ways to improve. OFI mindset - always look for opportunities for improvement.• Sharing - when we find a better way, we don’t hoard it, but we share it, so we all get better.• Humility - there might be a better way, so we must be open to what that might be.

Mistakes are a part of the journey to excellence. If we expect to hit 100%, we won’t take any risks that will stretch us to become our very best. Let’s make our best practices even better by learning together.

Stay Warm, Jeff

INUTE

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Outstanding Employee of 2018, Todd Sluder!Forty. That’s the number of M cards turned in by all of you in 2018

with Todd’s name on the first line. Looking back on the year, Todd was consistenly recognized by his peers and customers alike. I

think you’d all agree that Todd encompases the Menold Way in many ways, and truly believes in making this company the very best it can be. Todd was recognized by his peers many times for his work ethic - going above and beyond what is asked of him including volunteering to work even when not on call - ALL THE TIME! Countless times he has covered others on call shifts and never asked for anything in return. He respects his co-workers, gets along with everyone, and always shines with positivitly. His kindness goes beyond Menold as he is a leader in his community and church. On social media, you’ll see him sharing Menold’s posts, spreading the word about the company and recruiting people to apply. He is a member of the Safety Committee, Recognition Team and spearheaded a safety mini-game the first of the year. He’s saved many old, tattered flags from jobsites, bringing them into the office to be retired properly.

Los PresidentesDuring the Employee Appreciation Dinner, we celebrated each other, as well as two other very important people, our Presidents. Not the 45 Presidents of the United States, although some of you may have had those men buried deep in your mind during the dinner. Maybe you were wondering what Michelle Obama’s favorite vegetable is?

Anyways, we celebrated Tom Menold and his 42 years of hard work, focus and dedication. Below is the gift Jeff presented him with - pictures of items throughout the office that spell out “MENOLD” with a quote that encompasses who Tom is as a leader.

“A truly great leader is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. May you be proud of the work you have done, the leadership you have shown, and the difference you have made.”

Tom presented Jeff with a handmade plaque featuring a brick hammer from his own toolbox. Visit Jeff’s office, take a look at the plaque, and remind him how excited we are to have him leading the way! We appreciate you, Mr. President!

When Tom and Jeff notified me Todd was the winner, my heart sank. I was beyond thrilled, however, I already knew that Todd was upset at the fact he would be in Utah during the Employee Appreciation Dinner. Some of you may not look forward to the event as much, but Todd will admit to anyone that it’s his favorite get-to-gether of the year.

I called his wife, who I think was holding back “I’m so happy for Todd” tears during our conversation. We devised a plan for Tom to FaceTime Todd during the dinner, so he would somewhat be there in real time to receive the award. The next thing that happened surprised me completely. Todd’s wife and parents told Todd his flight had overbooked, and they had to take an earlier flight the night before. I love how important this award was to everyone involved. Congratulations, Todd!

By the way, Michelle Obama’s favorite vegetable is Barackoli.

HAZARD ALERT

To get more of these Hazard Alert cards and cards on other topics,

©2018, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this document was supported by cooperative agreement OH 009762 from the National Institute for

Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIOSH.

www.cpwr.com

Am I in danger? Inspect the ladder before every use

• Inspect the rails, rungs, feet, and spreaders or rung locks for defects or damage every time you use a ladder.

• If you see any damage, tag it “do not use” and request another ladder in proper working order.

• Always check your ladder’s duty rating to make sure it will support you and your toolbelt!

To avoid a fall …If you use a ladder on a construction site, then the answer is YES.Falls are the leading cause of deaths and injuries in the construction industry.

• Each year, more than 4,000*construction workers are injuredso seriously by ladder falls thatthey miss work.

• Each year, more than 70*construction workers die in fallsfrom ladders.

If you think youare in danger:

Contact your supervisor.Contact your union.

Call OSHA

1-800-321-OSHA

A painter was electrocuted when a metal ladder came in contact with a powerline.

Use the ladder safely• Maintain three-point contact with the ladder at all times: two hands

and a foot or two feet and a hand.*

• Do not use the top step/rung of a ladder unless it was designed for that purpose, or stand on the top three rungs of a straight, single, or extension ladder.*

• Have a co-worker hold the ladder to steady it as you climb up and down.

• Always face the ladder when moving up or down.• Do not carry tools and materials while climbing. Use a rope to haul or

hoist materials to the upper level.

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Position your ladder properlyFor all ladders:

• Make sure you have a level, solid footing for your ladder.

• Position the ladder near your work to avoid overreaching.

For extension ladders:• Set the base one foot away from the building for every four feet of height.

• Tie off the ladder at the top – and bottom where possible!

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Not every defect is this obvious

The minute you take to tie off could save your life.

LADDERS

Electrocution HazardFalls aren’t the only way to get hurt on a ladder!

Contact with overhead power lines can be fatal. Make sure your ladder is positioned at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Aluminum conducts electricity. A fiberglass ladder is a better choice when working near electricity.

Is a ladder the right equipment for the job?For work at heights, consider using a scaffold or aerial lift. The wider work platform and guard rails can reduce your risk of falls.

Photo Courtesy of robert Carr, Ph.D., P.e.

Photo Courtesy Greater Pa reGional CounCil of CarPenters

To learn more visit:www.StopConstructionFalls.org

Call 301-578-8500 or visit www.cpwr.com

OSHA's eTool: Falls - Ladder Safety http://bit.ly/eToolsFallsAndLadders

NIOSH Resources & Ladder Safety App http:/bit.ly/ResourcesAndLadderApp

*Source: Dong SX, Wang X, Katz R, West G, Bunting J. 2017. Fall Injuries and Prevention in the Construction Industry http://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/Quarter1-QDR-2017.pdf

*Source: OSHA Quick Card, https://www.osha.gov/Publications/portable_ladder_qc.html

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Safety Corner Falls: Extension Ladders

Each year, construction workers fall from ladders and are injured or die. Most of these falls are from extension ladders and occur when the ladder slips, the supports move, or the worker loses balance.

Todd the TravelerTodd shared these beautiful pictures of his January vacation alongside his wife, Mickelle. They enjoyed gorgeous scenery in the famous Snowbird Ski Resort in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Todd was thinking about winter weather safety the whole time. Little did he know, his whole family was plotting to get him on the earlier flight to be home in time to accept his award for Outstanding Employee of the Year!

REMEMBER THIS

Whenever possible, use an aerial lift or scaffold to work at heights.

Conduct regular inspections and maintenance on extension ladders. Inspect the rails, rungs, feet, and spreaders or rung locks for defects or damage every time you use it. If you see any damage, tag it “do not use” and request another ladder.

Always check your ladder’s duty rating to make sure it will support you and your toolbelt!

PLACEMENT TIPS

Set your ladder on a solid, stable base and at the correct 4-to-1 angle: for every 4 rungs, place the ladder back 1 foot. As a check, put your feet on the feet of the ladder and extend your arms straight forward; you should just be able to touch a rung of the ladder.

Screw a 2’ x 4’ cleat to the ground behind the ladder’s feet to prevent the ladder from slipping backward.

Tie off the top of the ladder, and the bottom if possible, to prevent it from slipping sideways. Extend the ladder 3 feet above the landing.

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The Strength of a Team

Earlier this month, Advocate Bromenn’s laundry facility had a large commercial washing machine catch fire, leaving a large space in desperate need of a quick, thorough cleaning. Jeremy Rakers

coordinated an incredible response from Menold and turned this project into a success in less than four days. All branches produced over 25 Menold employees including cooperation of managers, carpenters, MRI and the assistance of Peerless who was on site immediately. Roughly 4000 square feet of grid ceiling was removed and replaced in less than 24 hours. We appreciate Steve Driscoll for developing a strong, trusting relationship with Bromenn, Jeremy for his consistent leadership throughout the project, and the entire Menold team for making this a priorty!

“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” -Phil Jackson

Thank you to the Menold folks that took a few seconds to answer the survey that went out recently! We hope to continue sending out these monthly surveys, focusing on different work topics, holiday traditions and fun subjects in general! Shoutout to the 2 people who voted for the Menold Minute as their favorite Menold attribute. While I don’t 100% believe you, you still rock.

37 SURVEY PARTICIPANTS

Here is Mark Bradley reminding all of us to dress appropriately in the cold weather. Hats, hoods, layers - and don’t forget the shades to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun off of the snow!

Before

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Business Development: Peoria Housing Authority By Barry Rapp

Peoria Housing was a textbook project that shows how all the departments work together. What do I mean by that?

I stopped in to see the director Pam in a routine visit. From that meeting we got a request to submit a quote to do some remodeling work for them in one of their housing facilities. It was a federal program and under a very tight time constraint. Patrick and I visited the site and he was able to put the numbers together while I got all the paperwork ready for him. After I delivered the contracts and we were awarded the jobs, Kriss took over and just WOWed the customer. He got the work done early and to their complete satisfaction. This work could lead to other opportunities for remodeling and emergency services. It was a Win for BD, a Win for PM and a Win for the customer. Win, Win, Win.

January 9 Kaye WatersJanuary 15 Susan ChadwickJanuary 21 Miles McKelveyJanuary 22 Tim RichardsonJanuary 30 Kodie McGuirkJanuary 31 Andy Bowman

26 Years Steve Driscoll18 Years Shane Cunninham14 Years Rachel Menees11 Years Sean Sarver3 Years Aaron Gallager1 Year Tim Richardson

January Birthdays January Anniversaries

Legendary Service

While Jeremy is a member of the recognition team, he had no clue he was winning this award! The “M” cards pointed to Jeremy as a true leader. He was recognized for spearheading the Safety and Recognition teams, always being available afterhours, making big numbers look easy, and holding a passion for the job that inspires others.

Jeremy Rakers

In the Community

The ribbon cutting event in Mahomet was a true success thanks to many, but Kaye took it to the next level, making every detail perfect. Not only did she receive many nominations for this award, but Kaye was also recognized for her patience, positivity, helpfulness and incredible ability to learn quickly, prioritize and succeed in everything she does!

Kaye Waters

Challenge Yourself

Dominating the M boards with good vibes was Andy Bowman. He received well over a dozen cards for a range of things which focused on his leadership and focus. An excellent communicater, Andy was applauded for his ability to connect with customers and co-workers. Andy was recognized for multiple jobs that were a success thanks to his incredible dedication and leadership.

Andy Bowman

4th Quarter Recognition Award Winners

5

Money Madness by Amber Rippy

Maybe your New Year’s resolution was to save more mon-ey or maybe you spent too much on holiday gifts and need to replenish your savings. Either way, being aware

of the funds you have coming in and out of your bank account each month is a key component of financial wellness. Many of us run into the gas station for a fountain drink and candy bar for a mid-day snack. This $2.75 might not seem like a lot, but it does add up to some serious cash: $1,003.75 a year to be exact! There are a lot of better things I could buy with a thousand dol-lars than Pepsi and Snickers. Here are some ideas for cutting down on spending and doing things that will save you money.

Cut the cable cord and stream. Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Sling are cheaper alternatives.

Plan out your grocery list ahead of time. When you cook, make extra and pack it for lunch the next day or freeze it for later.

Pay off your credit card each month. If you can’t pay all of them, at least pay down your highest interest cards. These high interest rates add up quickly!

Sell items you don’t want on Facebook. Your junk is another person’s treasure. Don’t go on Amazon.com just because you are bored. (I am definitely guilty of this one.) Don’t make impulse buys just

Get to know Jeremy Richards!

What’s your favorite part about your job? Meeting and working with lots of interesting people.

What’s your worst pet peeve? Animal hair on my clothes. Not just one hair, but when there is a lot. Drives me nuts.

Where could I find you in your free time? Playing Texas hold em, or visitng my daughter, Samantha, in Iowa.

Where is somewhere you want to go someday? The land down under, Australia.

What is something your co-workers think you say alot? “I don’t want excuses. I want progress.”

Experts recommend having an emergency savings that would equal three to six months of your salary. You nev-er know what is going to happen in life, and an emergency

fund will come in handy if you are in a real pinch. Remember that an emergency fund is not for Eric Church concert tickets, it is for replacing a blown tire, an unforeseen trip to the hospital, or a leaky roof. If your emergency fund is low on resources, use some of the suggestions above to put money into it each month. Remember, we have resources available at Menold to help support your financial wellness. You can check in with Knapp Financial regu-larly to make sure you are maximizing your 401(k) plan, and you can view your Vanguard account online. If you want to learn more about GGOB and how you can apply the principals to your personal finances, contact me about attending a Design Team Huddle. Also, you have the option for your paycheck to be direct deposited into more than one account. To build your emergency fund or savings, you could have a portion of your paycheck directly routed there each week. It may seem like a big task, but take it one transaction at a time!

Start Date: 2/4/2005 Lead Restoration Technician

Circa 2009

www.menoldinc.com

Kaye snapped this photo of the Mahomet crew looking quite dapper in their new coats!

Sometimes, there are no words. Other times, there are still no words.

The War on I-74The I-74 Rivalry, also known as The War on I-74, is an annual rivalry game between Illinois State University and Bradley University. The rivalry started in 1905 and even has a page on Wikipedia. January 23rd brought an 85-68 win for Bradley at Carver Arena, and round two is February 16th at the Redbird Arena. Over the past 100+ years, Bradley and ISU have played 127 games, with Bradley leading in wins 65-62. (Source: Cody Crampton, obviously)

Menold is sponsoring a community service night during this game on the 16th. Our logo will be featured on the big screen in addition to recognition on Redbird Radio Network. Canned food donations for Midwest Food Bank will will be accepted at the gates!

R E A L I T Y :

E X P E C T A T I O N :

A Menold Baby!Storm and Brooke Williams are proud to introduce their son, Landon Eugene, to the world - born January 7th!

And Coming Soon... Another baby Williams! Congratulations to Jesse & Sarah on their baby boy, Elijah-Scott Milburn Williams, due in April!

Many of you may not have had the opportunity to meet Storm yet - he is a USPRO veteran and works part time as an expert mechanic in Mahomet. Conratutlations to the happy family!