The Enterpriser - Spring 2015 Edition - Boddie

Transcription

The Enterpriser - Spring 2015 Edition - Boddie
Boddie-Noell Enterprises, Inc. | Spring 2015
Bo
d
die
N
ll
oe
’s
e
th
of
T
S
E
T
S
E
B
B
Melissa Presgraves
Kathy Veale
Mary Upshur
Tony Robinson
BODDIE-NOELL
Maritza Farfan
ENTERPRISES,
INC.
Amy Shearer
Ike Midgett
Irene Satterfield
Brittany Irons
Darline Cole
Samantha
Weatherholtz
Teresa Keys
Christina Venable
Robin Wilson
Helen Lockhart
Stacey Owen
Featuring the 2014 Founders
Award Winners & Best
Biscuit Makers. See page
3 for full article.
Welcome
Find Your Sunshine
We are all fortunate that we work for an organization that has a culture of
recognizing and rewarding excellence. Two of the major awards at BNE are the
Founders Award and the Best Biscuit Maker Award.
There are
several things
that both of
these awards
share. The
first of these
is excellence.
When we
Gene Dickens
talk about
Regional Vice President
excellence, we
Region 2
talk about being
the best in our
industry. What
does it take to be the best? The short
answer is, loving what you do. If you know
a Champion Biscuit Maker or a Founders
Award winner, there is no doubt that they
love what they do. They have the smile
and the swagger in their step.
Gene Dickens (right) presents Mayo Boddie,
Sr., (left) with an honorary award from the
Region 2 Leadership Team.
The two awards also share a common
theme: the winners come from a culture
where excellence is rewarded and expected
at the restaurant and district level.
Lastly, the winners of these awards have
found their sunshine. You might ask,
sunshine? Yes, they have found that place
where they can be proud of their team
and themselves, much like a person who
climbs a mountain or wins a Super Bowl.
My title is Regional Vice President of
Operations, but actually, I am a Head
Coach. I have a staff of coaches and
support team
members to
help our team
be winners
individually and
work together
to achieve
common
goals. My
responsibility is
to create a team
culture where
excellence is rewarded and expected. I
strive to make my team feel like they are
a part of something special. Out of that
team culture comes individual achievers.
We should all encourage our team to reach
for new goals and empower them. It is
important to always try to find what makes
each team member unique and use that
knowledge to build a personal connection
with them.
We always need to ask our team members
for feedback. The best ideas come from
our people- their opinion is crucial. As
leaders, we have an opportunity to make
a difference in someone’s life every day.
We can help them find their sunshine and
give them the tools they need to build a
fabulous career with a great company.
“ WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO
BE THE BEST? THE SHORT
ANSWER IS, LOVING WHAT
YOU DO.”
As Head Coach, I am always looking
for where each team member can find
success. It may start with making all their
standards, receiving a platinum audit, or
developing another leader for the team.
Everyone has an opportunity to find their
sunshine. As team members continue to
grow and seek success, they develop the
ultimate vision of being a Founders Award
recipient or having that Champion Biscuit
Maker. The sun never stays in one place, so
be ready when it shines your way.
In 2014, Gene Dickens, and Regional Director of Operations David Oakes,
and their teams earned the highest store contributions in the company. Thank
you Gene for your outstanding leadership to the people of BNE.
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10
16
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Table of Contents Highlights:
3. BNE Recognizes the ‘Best of the
Best’ During Annual Awards Banquet
Founders Award and Best Biscuit Maker
Award recipients honored for outstanding
operational excellence.
7. Hardee’s of Saluda’s Community
Involvement Makes Significant
Impact on Small Town
With the help of his Hardee’s friends,
the Easter Bunny paid a visit to Saluda,
Va. for the Hardee’s of Saluda’s Easter
Celebration.
8. Virginia Governor Praises
Hardee’s of Norton for Safety
Practices
It was Hardee’s of Norton to the rescue
when Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and
his team traveled to Southwest Virginia in
late February.
Members of the Ministry Team and any
others who desire to take part meet at
the home office each morning for a short
devotion, to pray for those in need, as well
as to give thanks.
9. Highway Diner Transitions
to Server Banking
17. Friendly Competition Helps Send
Athletes to Special Olympics
Eager to enhance their already superb
service, the Highway Diner is now allowing
customers to pay their check at the table.
Marking Boddie-Noell’s 34th year of
continuous support to Special Olympics
Virginia, 176 Virginia BNE Hardee’s
restaurants raised money for the inspiring
organization during the 2014 annual “When
You Give, We All Win” fundraiser.
10. Viniterra Holds Second Annual
‘Race for the Chocolate’
BODDIE-NOELL
ENTERPRISES, INC.
16. Ministry Team Meets Daily to
Glorify God
More than 1,500 runners found themselves
lacing up their shoes early Valentine’s Day
morning for the second annual ‘Race for the
Chocolate’ 10k/5k.
PURPOSE STATEMENT
To use the resources of our company to provide opportunities for our people and
to be a positive influence on people’s lives wherever and whenever we can.
BNE VISION
BNE VALUES
We are a values based family business established
in 1962 that believes in people
RESPECT for individuals, communities, and our environment.
• Focused on restaurants and real estate
• Operated by the best people in the industry
• Meeting the ever-changing needs of our customers
and our communities
• Enjoying every aspect of our success
HONESTY at all times, regardless of circumstances and without fear
of retribution.
TRUST in others and ourselves. We fulfill our commitments and treat
mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
EXCELLENCE in all we do, exceeding the expected and continuing to improve.
TEAMWORK or enthusiastically working together to accomplish more.
DIVERSITY to value each person’s unique ability to contribute. The strongest
team is the one that recognizes individual talents and strengths.
BNE Recognizes the ‘Best of the Best’ During Annual Awards Banquet
The mood was one of nerves, excitement, and anticipation as the sun was setting at Rose Hill Conference
Center in Nashville, N.C. The best of the best from Boddie-Noell’s 334 Hardee’s restaurants gathered in Nathan
Hall for the annual awards dinner on Sunday, March 1. The four top regional Biscuit Makers in the company, 12
Founders Award winners, their guests, and BNE leaders were in attendance to honor and celebrate the best in
operational excellence across the company in 2014. Everyone enjoyed an evening of conversation, celebration,
and a delicious dinner prepared by Rose Hill’s Executive Chef Michael Pupillo and the culinary team.
Meet the Founders Award Recipients:
STACEY Owen
Senior General Manager (Dinwiddie)
First Thought? “I was excited. This is
my third year in a row winning the
Founders Award and I’m so proud of that
accomplishment.”
Secret to Success? “Our team really takes
the time to focus on daily operations. Then
it all comes together.”
Founders Award winners, front, From L: Helen Lockhart, Christina Venable, Irene Satterfield,
Mary Upshur, Samantha Weatherholtz, Kathy Veale; Back, From L: Melissa Presgraves,
Stacey Owen, Robin Wilson, Ike Midgett, Darline Cole, Brittany Irons.
FOUNDERS AWARD
Formerly known as the Carleton Noell
Achievers award, the Founders Award is
the top operational award given annually
by Boddie-Noell. The award is given to the
company’s top 10 Hardee’s restaurants,
their General Managers, and the top
two District Managers. Founders Award
winners must meet and surpass an
established set of criteria for operational
excellence in addition to representing and
impacting Boddie-Noell in an extremely
positive way. Winning the award is no easy
feat. Restaurants are tracked throughout
the year in the categories of sales, food
costs, payrolls, miscellaneous expenses,
and overall restaurant operations. Winners
must also exemplify corporate values.
The Founders Award is given in honor
of the company’s three founders, Mayo
Boddie, Sr., the late Carleton Noell, and the
late Nick Boddie, who together opened
the company’s first Hardee’s in 1962. Each
founder played an integral role in setting
3 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
Favorite Menu Item? Hand-Breaded Chicken
Tenders™
the framework which would influence and
shape the company for more than 50 years.
Terry Lewis, President of Hardee’s
Operations, played host for the evening
and led the audience through the actionpacked awards ceremony. After the final
award was given, Bill Boddie, CEO and
Vice Chairman, took a moment to speak
to the room about the company and the
importance that each person makes. He
mentioned that his father, Mayo Boddie,
Sr., highly valued the role of each and
every person within the Boddie-Noell
family.
IRENE Satterfield
Senior General Manager (Bainbridge)
First Thought? “I was excited and was so
thankful for my team.”
Secret to Success? “We try every day to be
the best we can be. We are a family and
we are there for one another.”
Favorite Menu Item? Hand-Breaded Chicken
Tenders™
“My dad couldn’t be more proud of
this company,” said Boddie. “Tonight
exemplified that people are what make
Boddie-Noell great.”
Founders Award winners received a cash
award, a personal plaque, and a plaque
to display in their restaurant. Prior to the
banquet, the winning restaurant teams
received cash awards for their 2014
contribution and performance.
BRITTANY Irons
General Manager (Bamberg)
First Thought? “This really proves we can
do anything we put our mind to. I am so
blessed to have a store that could put me
in the position to win this award.”
Secret to Success? “We are very focused
and we always help each other.”
Favorite Menu Item? Hand-Breaded
Chicken Tenders™
DARLINE Cole
General Manager (Hertford)
First Thought? “I was very happy!”
Secret to Success? “Teamwork.”
IKE Midgett
MARY Upshur
Senior General Manager (Grandy)
General Manager (Onley)
First Thought? “I was very excited and
couldn’t wait to tell my employees. We
knew this year was going to be close, but
we wanted to win so badly.”
First Thought? “I was so overwhelmed! I
almost couldn’t believe it.”
Secret to Success? “We are a family. We
don’t always like each other, but we all
LOVE each other.”
Secret to Success? “Always work together
as a team, be organized and stay focused
at all times.”
Favorite Menu Item? Fresh Fried Chicken
Favorite Menu Item? Frisco Breakfast
Sandwich®
Favorite Menu Item? Hand-Breaded
Chicken Tenders™
ROBIN Wilson
District Manager, Region 2
CHRISTINA Venable
HELEN Lockhart
General Manager (Denbigh)
First Thought? “I was thrilled! My crew
and I have worked very hard to provide
reliable, good service to our customers
and community. It was nice to see how
much that hard work paid off.”
Secret to Success? “Training. It’s a large
part of my job as well as my crew’s knowing your duties so you’ll work better
as a team and be able to quickly resolve
problems if they arise.”
General Manager (Wake Forest)
First Thought? “All of our hard work paid
off. I’m so proud of my team.”
Secret to Success? “It took a conscious
effort to save in every area possible. We
improved the service and cleanliness to
build our clientele.”
First Thought? “Winning this as a District
Manager has been a goal for me for the
last six years. I am very thankful for the
team I have.”
Secret to Success? “I’m surrounded by
great people.”
Favorite Menu Item? Big Hot Ham ‘N’
Cheese™
Favorite Menu Item? 1/3 Pound Mushroom
& Swiss Thickburger®
Favorite Menu Item? Fresh Fried Chicken
MELISSA Presgraves
District Manager, Region 3
SAMANTHA Weatherholtz
General Manager (Stuarts Draft)
KATHY Veale
General Manager (George Washington Highway)
First Thought? “I’m so thankful to God
and to my team!”
Secret to Success? “Teamwork and
friendly service.”
Favorite Menu Item? Hand-Breaded Chicken
Tenders™
First Thought? “Oh my gosh! We did it, we
really did it!”
Secret to Success? “Teamwork and
motivation.”
Secret to Success? “We take care of one
another. I heard Mayo Boddie say once
that it’s all about the people, just one-onone respect for each other, and I agree.
We do a lot of things in our day-to-day
operations and we strive to always take
care of every single guest. We don’t get
caught up in titles or hours worked – we all
contribute.”
Favorite Menu Item? The Original
Thickburger®
Favorite Menu Item? Jumbo Chili Dog (no
onions, with a little kick of hot sauce)
First Thought? “Shocked and excited! I
have an excellent crew that works very
hard. They stay focused and meet our
company’s expectations. I also have an
amazing boss that is very encouraging and
understanding.”
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 4
Founders Award Recipients & Biscuit Makers, cont’d
“Our Biscuit Makers
are truly the key to our
breakfast operation,”
said Terry Lewis,
President of Hardee’s
Operations and host
of the Biscuit Maker
Banquet. “They really
set us apart from other
restaurants.”
Amy Shearer from the
Hardee’s on Broad
Street in Richmond,
Va. was announced as
Boddie-Noell’s Best
Biscuit Maker for 2014.
The three other regional
winners were two-time
Regional winners of the Hardee’s Best Biscuit Maker Challenge, From L: Teresa Keys, Maritza Farfan,
regional winner Tony
Tony Robinson, Amy Shearer.
Robinson of Hardee’s of
represented restaurants across North
Independence Boulevard in Virginia Beach,
BISCUIT MAKERS
Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and
Va., Teresa Keys from the Hardee’s of
For more than 35 years, Hardee’s
Kentucky.
Washington #1 in Washington, N.C., and
customers have started their day with the
Maritza Farfan from the Hardee’s of Salem
Made From Scratch™ biscuit that BoddieThe competition started in October, and
#2 in Salem, Va.
Noell introduced to Hardee’s in 1977.
each
Biscuit
Maker
was
evaluated
based
Since then, Boddie-Noell Biscuit Makers
on the quality of his or her biscuits,
“We have some amazing Biscuit Makers
have been perfecting the craft of baking
knowledge of proper biscuit equipment,
in the company, but Amy is one of our
outstanding golden-brown biscuits that
cleanliness and care of the biscuit
new stars,” said John Smith, Regional
remain a customer favorite.
equipment, knowledge and execution
Director of Operations. “Every single
of
company
procedures,
grooming,
and
customer wants Amy’s biscuits.”
In 2014, Hardee’s restaurants owned
appearance. The competition’s judges
and operated by Boddie-Noell used more
included General Managers, District
Amy has worked as a Biscuit Maker since
than 749,603 pounds of biscuit flour,
Managers,
Regional
Directors,
Regional
2013. She says the key
10,655,056 pounds of biscuit mix, 382,860
Vice
Presidents,
and
other
executives
in
to creating the best
pounds of cinnamon raisin biscuit mix and
the restaurant division of Boddie-Noell
Hardee’s Made
7,860,160 pounds of buttermilk to make
at the five levels of competition.
from Scratch™
the golden brown biscuits – the equivalent
Biscuit is “making
of roughly 5,000 acres of wheat and 490
There
was
a
winner
from
each
them with ‘TLC’
truckloads of ingredients.
region. The four regional winners
and pretending I’m
then competed for the title of Best
going to eat each
This year, hundreds of Boddie-Noell
Biscuit Maker on February 5, and were
and every one.”
Hardee’s Biscuit Makers competed for the
Amy Shearer
honored
at
the
company’s
annual
title of the Best Biscuit Maker 2014. The
banquet at Rose Hill Conference Center
Aside from making biscuits, she enjoys
Best Biscuit Maker Challenge is a beloved
on March 1. Rose Hill was filled with
animals, sports, and baking. She also likes
company tradition that was started by
anticipation
as
all
in
attendance
awaited
reading and doing puzzles and has recently
Boddie-Noell in 1983.
the announcement of 2014’s Best Biscuit
written a book titled God, Mom and
Maker winner.
Rock-and-Roll. Her favorite menu item at
More than 700 Biscuit Makers from
Hardee’s is the Country Ham Biscuit.
334 Hardee’s restaurants participated
in this year’s competition. Contestants
56 | ENTERPRISER Spring
Fall 2013
2015
people and helping them in any
way she can.
Maritza Farfan
“My favorite part of making biscuits for
Hardee’s is knowing that I am putting a
smile on all the customers’ faces when
they leave the store,” said Amy. “I’m
excited and humbled by this award.”
This was the second
regional Best Biscuit
Maker win for Tony
Robinson, who
has been with
Hardee’s for four
years.
“Tony is full of
personality,” said
Gene Dickens,
Regional Vice President of
Operations. “He’s so positive and
enthusiastic and that flows throughout the
restaurant.”
Tony Robinson
Prior to joining the Hardee’s family,
Robinson spent 20 years working with
the U.S. Navy where he was part of the
civil engineer team, the Seabees. His
work ethic has been shaped by his time
with the Navy and he applies that mindset
as a Biscuit Maker, including his love for
following procedures.
“The secret to making a delicious
Hardee’s biscuit is to follow the
procedure,” said Tony. “And to love what
you do.” His favorite menu item is the
Sausage Biscuit.
Teresa Keys has been with Hardees’s
for 15 years and has been making
biscuits for 14. She said she prepared
for the competition by “watching the
Biscuit Makers video and practicing the
procedures.”
“Teresa is willing to
help wherever she
is needed,”
said Brenda
Cherry,
Regional
Vice
President of
Operations.
“She can do
Teresa Keys
everything and
we count on her for it.”
According to Maritza
Farfan, a 10-year
employee, the
secret to making a
delicious Hardee’s
biscuit is to follow all
of the procedures and be
patient.”
“I work with my heart and give a lot of
love to each biscuit,” she said. “I try to
think about each customer and his or her
first bite into the biscuit. I want that to be
great. My favorite is the Bacon Egg and
Cheese Biscuit.”
In addition to making biscuits, Maritza
enjoys attending basketball games and
gymnastics meets with her children. She
also enjoys fishing for catfish and bass.
“We’re so proud of Maritza,” said Joan
Benson, Regional Director of Operations.
“She represents Hardee’s so well and is one
of the most grateful people I’ve ever met.
All four Biscuit Makers will be pictured
on the tray liners at BNE owned Hardee’s
restaurants later this year. Each winner
was recognized, and given a cash prize,
and a regional award plaque at the annual
banquet. v
When Teresa is not enjoying her favorite
Chicken Fillet Biscuit, she loves baking,
puzzles, and reading. She also loves
“ OUR BISCUIT MAKERS ARE TRULY
THE KEY TO OUR BREAKFAST
OPERATION. THEY REALLY SET US
APART FROM OTHER RESTAURANTS.”
- TERRY LEWIS, PRESIDENT OF HARDEE’S OPERATIONS
ENTERPRISER
Spring
ENTERPRISER
Fall 2015
2013 || 6
7
Radio Remote Broadcasts Boost Sales
in Fayetteville Market
I
ncreasing patronage and boosting sales, Region One’s Fayetteville, NC market radio
remote broadcasts were a success, according to Regional Director of Operations
Andre Jumpp.
From late January through March, twelve restaurants in the Fayetteville market
welcomed local radio stations and their DJs into the restaurants to broadcast their shows
and invite listeners to come to the location. Customers were able to meet the DJs, play
games to win concert tickets, and most importantly, dine on delicious Hardee’s food,
including $.69 sausage biscuits and $5 five piece chicken tender specials.
With the goal of targeting potential customers during the first quarter in an effort to
capitalize on the success of the advertising for the remainder of the year, Andre credits the
remotes for enabling the Fayetteville market to have a fantastic February with great sales. v
From L: Q98 FM DJ Bryan DeBerry greets guests
at the Hardee’s of South Fayetteville with General
Manager Shea Wolverton and Cashier Jessica
Reynolds during a radio remote broadcast.
Hardee’s of Saluda’s Community Involvement Makes
Significant Impact on Small Town
ith the help of his Hardee’s friends,
the Easter Bunny paid a visit to
Saluda, Va. for the Hardee’s of Saluda’s
Easter Celebration.
W
the others they had seen,” said Teresa.
Breakfast Manager Maribel Kimble played
the part of the Easter Bunny, wearing the
costume during the Celebration.
More than 50 guests attended the event,
with children and adults alike delighted to
dine and pose for photos with the Easter
Bunny. Other activities included drawings
for both a boy’s and a girl’s Easter basket
and a Ferrero Rocher chocolate filled
golden egg for the adults. Candy filled eggs
were also given out to the children.
Teresa said she was pleased by the
outcome of the celebration. “From the
customers to the employees, everyone
really enjoyed themselves,” she said.
Teresa and the Hardee’s of Saluda team stay
busy throughout the year hosting events for
loyal customers and their families.
“The celebration was a team effort,” said
General Manager Teresa Powell, who
created and planned the event. “The entire
Hardee’s of Saluda team worked well
together and were extremely helpful from
the planning stages through the completion
of the celebration,” she said.
District Manager Carmena Waters also
helped by printing coloring pages for
children to color while snacking on punch,
cupcakes, and cookies.
Teresa purchased an Easter Bunny costume
the unit will be able to use for years to
come. Teresa said the costume was a big
hit. “Everyone was complementing us.
They said our costume was better than all
7 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
Along with the Easter Celebration, the unit
also brings Santa to town for a Christmas
Celebration, gives out Christmas cards
with personalized hand written notes
to regular customers, and even hosts a
customer appreciation day once a year. Last
Christmas, Teresa said her unit and several
others came together to supply Christmas
for a local family.
Hardee’s of Saluda’s team’s continuous
community involvement has made a
significant impact on the small town of less
than 800 residents. Saluda is located more
than 30 miles from the closest major city.
Without these events, residents would
have to drive 45 minutes to an hour for their
children to visit the Easter Bunny or sit on
Santa’s lap, explained Teresa.
Teresa said she feels it is important to show
appreciation to her loyal customers. “When
the seasonal travelers are gone, they get us
through the tough months,” said Teresa. v
Hardee’s staff pose with the Easter Bunny during
Hardee’s of Saluda’s Easter Celebration. Top From
L: Drachele Johnson, Breanna Taylor, Maribel
Kimble as the Easter Bunny, Sabrina Webster, and
Avery Bundy. Bottom From L: Betsy Taylor,
Tevin Beal, and Ray Vaughn.
Hardee’s of Saluda’s Management Team.
From L: Thomasine Jones, Shift Leader; Teresa
Powell, General Manager; Maribel Kimble as
the Easter Bunny, Breakfast Manager; Ebony
Marshall, Shift Leader; and Justin Waters,
Manager.
VA Governor Praises Hardee’s of Norton
for Safety Practices
It was Hardee’s of Norton to the rescue when Virginia
Governor, Terry McAuliffe, and his team traveled to
Southwest Virginia in late February to hold an emergency
meeting, but found themselves lacking a safe meeting place
due to extreme winter weather.
W
hile driving through the city, the
Governor’s team came across
the Hardee’s of Norton, whose clean
and well scraped parking lot presented
an ideal location for the meeting. With
a desire to ensure the safety of those
traveling to attend, Gov. McAuliffe
requested to use our restaurant to hold
the meeting.
icy winter weather. He told the team
their parking lot was the cleanest in the
entire community, according to District
Manager Melissa Carter.
At the completion of his meeting, Gov.
McAuliffe joined the Norton crew on the
front line, thanking them for their hard
work and hospitality before shouting out
“Go Hardee’s” as he left
the building.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe thanks Senior General Manager
Sherry Browning and the Hardee’s of Norton team for their
hospitality during an emergency meeting held at the location.
Excited to help, the Norton team
hosted the Governor, his staff, food
bank directors, board members, rescue
management personnel, almost a dozen
state troopers, and local news media.
Attendees were eager to learn what the
Governor would be doing to help the
county that had received 39 inches of
snow and ice in a very short amount of
time.
The Governor praised our team for
their thorough and conscientious
preparedness in safeguarding guests
from dangerous conditions during the
“I am extremely proud of
the team at Norton for
welcoming the Governor
to Wise County after
the winter storm,” said
Sherry Christensen,
Human Resource
Manager. Melissa agreed,
saying she was thrilled
the Governor had a great
visit. “I’m so proud of the
whole team,” she said,
“Everyone worked
hard to make it a great
experience.”
“Keeping our parking lot and restaurant
safe during winter weather is something
we always strive for,” explains Melissa,
“We really appreciated the Governor’s
comments and recognition,” she added.
While Melissa was pleased the Governor
had a great visit, she said ultimately,
everything the team at Norton does is
for their customers. “We are proud to
have the reputation as being a safe place
Wise County residents know they can
go to get warm and have a good meal,”
she added. v
The Hardee’s of Tramway team hosted a 101st
birthday party for loyal customer Gill Koehler.
From L: Jason Holder, Gill Koehler, Maria
Quiroz, Bernardina Martinez, Roxana FloritaFlores, and Glenda Portillo.
Beloved Customer
Celebrates 101st
Birthday at Hardee’s
W
here should you celebrate your
101st birthday? At your favorite
Hardee’s, of course! This is exactly
how loyal customer Gill Koehler
recently celebrated his second year as
a centenarian.
The Hardee’s of Tramway team helped
Mr. Gill celebrate for the second year
in a row by decorating their dining
room and hosting a birthday party for
their loyal customer. Surrounded by
friends and family, Mr. Gill enjoyed
birthday cake after the Tramway team
sang “Happy Birthday.”
Known for his sharp mind and spunk,
Mr. Gill is one of the Tramway team’s
favorite customers, according to Senior
General Manager Derrick Cowan.
Mr. Gill drives himself to the Tramway
restaurant daily for a coffee and
sausage biscuit. After chatting with
friends and finishing his meal, Mr. Gill
keeps the staff up to date on how
many days until his next birthday by
writing the countdown number on his
tray liner.
The staff enjoys Mr. Gills’s birthday
countdown and their tradition of
celebrating his birthday with him each
year. “We love him,” said Derrick. v
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 8
Highway Diner Transitions to
Server Banking
Eager to enhance their already superb service,
the Highway Diner is now offering server banking,
allowing customers to pay their check at the table.
E
liminating crowd congestion, long
lines, waiting times, and providing
quicker check out service, server banking
is just one more reason why the Highway
Diner is among the best in the industry.
Nathan Winstead presents a check at the
table enabling customers to pay while
seated through server banking.
Customer service at the Highway Diner
has always been a team effort with staff
working together to provide extraordinary
service. In the past, upon entering, a
customer would be greeted and seated
by an available team member. A server
would then take their order and often, a
different server would bring the customer
their meal. Lastly, an available cashier
would collect payment and complete their
transaction at the front entrance counter.
While the Highway Diner is still very much
a team atmosphere, customers will now
have a consistent server throughout their
dining experience.
“THE TRANSITION HAS ALLOWED
SERVERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO
TAKE EXTRA OWNERSHIP AND
PRIDE IN THEIR CUSTOMERS’
EXPERIENCE.”
- GAIL SAWYER, GENERAL MANAGER
“The transition has allowed servers the
opportunity to take extra ownership and
pride in their customers’ experience,
which brings customer service to another
level,” according to Gail Sawyer, General
Manager.
The entrance counter where customers
used to check out will now be exclusively
used to process take out orders,
ultimately allowing quicker service to
these customers.
9 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
Operations Services Manager
Bill Boddie, Jr. said the transition
to server banking will also increase
the speed of the dining experience,
subsequently allowing the Highway Diner
to serve more customers and increase
sales considerably.
To assist with the speed of turn around
between customers, the Diner has added
bussers to shorten the time for customers
to be seated at a table. The Diner has
also hired additional servers, cooks, and
dishwashers. Current staff have seen an
increase in scheduled hours.
Having already experienced a dramatic
sales increase since the implementation
of server banking in January, Gail and
Bill Jr. agree the transition has been a
success. They anticipate sales to continue
to grow throughout the upcoming
traveling season.
“This is a large change for us but our
staff has whole heartedly taken on
the challenge. They are making all the
difference,” said Gail. Bill Jr. agrees and
praises the staff for their diligence and
great attitude during the transition. “They
are doing a great job,” he said.
The new level of service has been
a transition for the Diner’s regular
customers who are used to paying at the
entrance counter on their way out. While
it is taking some getting used to, overall,
the customers are providing positive
feedback, said Gail.
To remind loyal customers of the transition,
the new service is advertised on signage
both inside and outside the restaurant, on
napkin holders, and on the Highway Diner’s
Facebook page. v
Viniterra Holds Second Annual
‘Race for the Chocolate’
The event, which more than doubled
from 2014’s 600 participants, was a huge
success, said Jimmy Forrest, Viniterra
Director of Sales.
While the event’s extraordinary growth
was exciting, the day also held a special
personal significance to the BNE family.
Pete Johns, the New Kent Winery founder
and long time BNE partner and friend, was
honored at the event. Pete had passed
away just six short months earlier.
“Pete’s Patriot’s” gather From L: Patrick Horsley,
Viniterra Sales Executive; Jimmy Forrest, Viniterra
Director of Sales; Holly Stephens, Viniterra Director
of Marketing; Donna Reynolds, BNE Land and
Development Director of Sales and Marketing;
and Doug Anderson, President of BNE Land and
Development and Executive Vice President.
M
ore than 1,500 runners found
themselves lacing up their shoes
early Valentine’s Day morning for the
second annual Viniterra “Race for the
Chocolate” 10k/5k at New Kent Winery.
Five Viniterra team members came
together donning red, white, and blue
to run the race in Pete’s memory, calling
themselves Pete’s Patriots.
“The name Pete’s Patriots was selected
because Pete Johns was a patriot in his
own way,” explained Jimmy, “He was
always doing things in his own unique
way, while still being successful. That’s
what we all loved about Pete and is what
we will always remember about him.”
The race
highlighted
the beauty of
Viniterra and
New Kent Winery, located in New Kent,
Va. within Virginia Wine Country.
Beginning at the winery and proceeding
through the vineyard, participants
followed Old Church Road to the Viniterra
development, continuing through the golf
course before crossing the finish line back
at the winery, where an exquisite wine
and chocolate after-party awaited.
The after party featured three wine
tastings and a wide array of chocolates
including Belgian truffles, dipping
chocolate with items for dipping, and hot
chocolate. v
Golf-Resort Cottages Join Viniterra Development
V
initerra has begun accepting
reservations for the first 12 golfresort cottages to be built along the
development’s championship golf course,
The Club at Viniterra.
Offering custom designs between
1,800 and 2,500 sq. ft., beautiful
quarter acre lots, and maintenance free
landscaping, these reservations will not be
available for long.
Interested buyers will have the ability to
choose from eight stunning designs built
by signature builders Falcone Custom
Homebuilders. Falcone homes are known
for their meticulous craftsmanship, strong
attention to detail, and distinctive richness
of Mediterranean culture.
The future cottages will join current
estate homes and The Club at Viniterra to
complete the BNE development.
The community currently has 20 estate
homes occupied or under construction.
When completed, Viniterra will encompass
297 estate homes and 130 cottages. v
Located just outside Richmond in New Kent,
Va., Viniterra residents have access to all
Virginia Wine Country has to offer.
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 10
Anniversaries
20 Years
JANICE Anderson
MARY Gurganus
Hardee’s of Williston
Williston, SC
Hardee’s of Rocky Point
Rocky Point, NC
THELMA Bryant
ROBINETTE Johnson
Hardee’s of Wake Forest
Wake Forest, NC
Hardee’s of Wytheville
Wytheville, VA
VENERANDA Edanol
Hardee’s of Northampton Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA
LENDSAY Jones
Hardee’s of Roanoke
Rapids # 2
Roanoke Rapids, NC
STEPHEN Flippin
Hardee’s of Mount Airy
Mount Airy, NC
LAVONDA Kigler
Hardee’s of Franklin
Franklin, VA
MING-TAO Ma
Hardee’s of Brook Road
Richmond, VA
DWIGHT Searson
Senior District Manager
Region 1
SANDRA Mclean
Hardee’s of Coats
Coats, NC
JENNIFER Sutphin
Hardee’s of Hillsville
Hillsville, VA
LATASHA Mims
MICHAEL Tynes
Hardee’s of Portside
Portsmouth, VA
Hardee’s of Raeford Road
Fayetteville, NC
CAROL Robertson
Hardee’s of Pearisburg
Pearisburg, VA
BEVERLY Whitaker
Hardee’s of Roanoke
Rapids # 2
Roanoke Rapids, NC
25 Years
CLARA Biggs
Hardee’s of Big
Bethel Road
Hampton, VA
SHIRLEY Coleman
Hardee’s of Dinwiddie
Petersburg, VA
LORETTA Cox
Hardee’s of Eden
Eden, NC
BARBARA Elliott
Hardee’s of Danville
#58 East
Danville, VA
JERRY Gray
BERTHA Houchens
Hardee’s of 33
& Main St
Louisa, VA
RAYMOND Lawton
SHELBY Logwood
Hardee’s of Altavista
Altavista, VA
GEORGE Marrow
Hardee’s of Denbigh
Newport News, VA
LINDA Matthis
11 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
Hardee’s of Stanleytown
Stanleytown, VA
Hardee’s of
North Danville
Danville, VA
Senior Human
Resource Manager
Region 1
25 Years, continued
CATHERINE Mcgill
TINA Midgett
Hardee’s of Grandy
Grandy, NC
ANGELA Oliver
District Manager
Region 1
ANTHONY Pope
Hardee’s of Big
Bethel Road
Hampton, VA
WAYNE Richardson
Hardee’s of Lake City
Lake City, SC
MONICA Roberts
CARRIE Shackleford
Hardee’s of Durham #4
Durham, NC
PEARL Socie
Hardee’s of Claremont
Claremont, NC
JOHNNY Taylor
Hardee’s of Chatham
Chatham, VA
PAT Tolston
Hardee’s of Eden
Eden, NC
BODDIE-NOELL
ENTERPRISES, INC.
Asst. Facility Manager
Home Office
Corporate Human
Resource Manager
Home Office
THANK YOU FOR
ALL YOU DO!
BOBBY Wolfe
Hardee’s of
Covington-Alleghany
Covington, VA
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 12
Anniversaries
30 Years
BETTY Franklin
Hardee’s of Kinston
Pointe
Kinston, NC
JUNE Gardner
DEBORAH Jones
SANDY Price
HATTIE Scott
Computer Operations
and Security Manager
Home Office
Hardee’s of
Churchland
Portsmouth, VA
District Manager
Region 4
Hardee’s of Dillon
Dillon, SC
PEGGY Staton
Hardee’s of
250 East
Charlottesville, VA
DEBORAH Sullivan
ANNETTE Jackson
Hardee’s of
Carthage
Carthage, NC
HAROLD Lamb
District Manager
Region 4
Senior Account
Payable Specialist
Home Office
35 Years
MIKE Boddie
ALMETTA Dixon
JILL Farmer
President
Home Office
Hardee’s of
Manning
Manning, SC
Hardee’s of Timmonsville
Timmonsville, SC
13 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
35 Years, continued
TERRY Lewis
EDDIE Phillips
DOLORES Schaffner
DEBORAH Webb
Hardee’s of 250 East
Charlottesville, VA
Senior District Manager
Region 2
District Manager
Region 1
Information Services
Reporting Specialist
Home Office
40 Years
CHUCK Burke
GENE Dickens
Regional Vice President
Region 4
Regional Vice President
Region 2
“I can’t believe it has been 40 years
since I started with Boddie-Noell. I
started in Danville, Va. when I was 15
and never imagined I would be here
this long. Now I can’t imagine doing
anything else. I truly have been blessed
to work with many great people that
were willing to spend the time to
mentor me and give me the chance to
pass that on to others. I am thankful for
the opportunities that I have been given
and for all the people I have worked
with at Boddie-Noell.”
“I have grown up with Boddie-Noell
from the age of thirteen. I have
been given one of the greatest
gifts anyone can be given, the
opportunity to lead others. I am
grateful to all the awesome team
members who continue to make
this journey such a pleasure, filled
with success and achievement. That
success and achievement comes
with a lot of commitment and
team work from some of the finest
people I have ever known.”
SYLVIA Hood
General Manager
Hardee’s of West Main
“When I started working for
Boddie-Noell at Hardee’s 40
years ago, I would have never
imagined I would still be with
the company today. While
the last 40 years have been
challenging, BNE has been a
great company for work for. I
have made so many wonderful
friends and a lot of good
memories. I have really enjoyed
working with customers and
fellow employees. We are like
a family.”
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 14
Homefront
Retirements
BOB Crumley
Senior Vice President of
Human Resources
33 Years
ROBIN Keller
Senior Technical Manager
39 Years
VALERIE Smith
General Manager
35 Years
Promotions
Welcomes
ANN Lupton
MELISSA Slack
Director of Loss Control
Home Office
Senior Software
Developer
Home Office
WILL Haley
Senior Software
Developer
Home Office
15 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
LARRY Williamson
Vice President of Asset Protection
26 Years
The Enterpriser is published for employees and friends of BNE. Every effort has been made to include as many events and happenings
throughout the BNE family as possible. Please send articles, photographs, comments or ideas to Ashley Lane at ashleylane@boddienoell.com.
Ministry Team Meets Daily to Glorify God
E
stablished in 2008, BNE’s Ministry Team’s mission is
to glorify God in all that they do by introducing others
to God who don’t know Him, helping those who already
know Him to know Him better, and sharing God’s love and
mercy to those in need.
Bill Boddie, CEO and Vice Chairman, said he created the
Ministry Team to openly encourage prayer throughout
the company and to open the door to further sharing of
Christian values.
As part of their mission, members of the Ministry Team
and any others who desire to take part meet at the home
office each morning Monday-Thursday at 7:30 a.m. and
Friday at 12:15 p.m. for a short devotion, to pray for those
in need, as well as to give thanks.
Current Ministry team members are Patsy Daniel, Ted
Polensky, Mavis Cunningham, Nanette Herbert, Nancy
Knight, Kim Zdebiak, Hope Connor, Jessica Fleming, Pam
Larimer, Mike Boddie, and Bill Boddie.
Top, From L: Mavis Cunningham, Kim Zdebiak, Ted Polensky, Patsy Daniel, Nancy
Knight, Bill Boddie, Corporate Chaplain Matt Baldwin, and Mike Boddie, Bottom,
From L: Nanette Herbert, Pam Larimer, Hope Connor, and Jessica Fleming.
The Ministry Team encourages all BNE employees throughout
the company to send in prayer requests by e-mail to prayer@
boddienoell.com. v
Ministry
in a Minute
In Loving
Memory of
Delphia
Shared thoughts from your ministry team
Matt Baldwin
Corporate Chaplain
If you watch the news very much there is a good
chance you are going to feel fearful or at least anxious.
There are many unsettling things happening in the
world. However, we never have to be without hope.
First, the Bible gives us a warning not to be surprised.
In Matthew 24 Jesus describes many things that we
see happening today, but he inserts in the passage,
“Do not fear.”
Philippians 4 gives us something to do to combat our
concerns: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving,
present your requests to God. And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…I can do all things
through Him who gives me strength.”
Need peace, hope or strength?
TURN TO JESUS.
Delphia E. Redden
1961-2014
The Boddie-Noell family cherishes the 23 years
Delphia spent with us beginning at the Hardee’s
of Kingstree and later transferring to Lake City,
where she served our team as Manager. Delphia
passed November 24, 2014 and left behind a
legacy of compassion and leadership. She was
a hard working woman who cared for many. Her
kindness, beautiful smile, and friendly words for all
will always be remembered. She is survived by her
caring companion, daughter, son, granddaughter,
mother, four brothers, two sisters, and many
extended family and friends. Delphia will be greatly
missed by her family, friends, and BNE family. v
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 16
Friendly Competition Helps Send Athletes to
Special Olympics Summer Games
Marking Boddie-Noell’s 34th year of continuous support to Special Olympics
Virginia, 176 Virginia BNE Hardee’s restaurants raised money for the inspiring
organization during the 2014 Annual “When You Give, We All Win” fundraiser.
T
he fundraiser was a great success with
BNE raising enough funds to sponsor
460 athletes to compete in the upcoming
2015 Summer Games, according to Katie
Botha, Vice President of Development and
Communication for Special Olympics Virginia.
Botha describes BNE’s commitment to
Special Olympics Virginia as “the essence
of the true spirit of partnerships. BoddieNoell’s motto of ‘We Believe in People’
is true,” said Botha. “It is truly what the
employees demonstrate.”
In addition to funding athletes, BNE also
helped sponsor the Special Olympics
Virginia 2015 Polar Plunge Winter Festival in
Virginia Beach and the upcoming Summer
Games in Richmond. According
to Botha, BNE has contributed
generously to Special Olympics
Virginia throughout the two
organizations’ 34 year partnership.
From L: Jeff Brown, Ginger Craig, and John Wade warm up
after taking a dip into the frigid 38 degree Atlantic Ocean,
participating in the Polar Plunge.
Adding a bit of friendly competition
to the annual fundraiser,
restaurants were divided into
teams by District Manager and
competed to see who could
raise the most money selling $1
and $5 paper stars to customers
during a four week period. For
their donation, guests received
coupons for a wide variety of
items including breakfast biscuits,
burgers, and chicken tenders.
In appreciation for their outstanding
fundraising efforts, Ginger and a
representative from each restaurant on
her team were invited to an all expenses
paid trip to Virginia Beach to participate in
the Special Olympics Virginia 2015 Polar
Plunge Winter Festival February 6-7.
During the fundraising festival John Wade,
Senior General Manager of Hardee’s
of Military Circle; Floyd Smith, General
Manager of Hardee’s of London Bridge;
Annette Adams, General Manager of
Hardee’s of Celebration Station; Gwen
Smith, General Manager of Hardee’s
of Lynnhaven Parkway; LaShawn
Green, General Manager of Hardee’s of
Independence Blvd; and Renita Stanley,
General Manager of Hardee’s of First
Colonial Road all participated in the event’s 5k.
John, Floyd, Jeff Brown, Assistant
Manager of Hardee’s of Oceana Dam
Neck, and Ginger then joined more than
4,700 “chill seekers” in taking a dip in the
frigid 38 degree Atlantic Ocean for the
Polar Plunge, explained Botha.
“GINGER’S TEAM HAS ALWAYS
BEEN THE BIG WINNER. THE
RESULTS THEY HAVE ARE
INCREDIBLE.”
- KATIE BOTHA, SPECIAL OLYMPICS VIRGINIA
VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION
From L: Loretta Wilson, Kirsty Dessenberg, Gwen Smith,
John Wade, Ginger Craig, Annette Adams, LaShawn Green,
Renita Stanley and Floyd Smith gather on the beach before
several team members participate in the Polar Plunge
Winter Festival 5k.
17 | ENTERPRISER Spring 2015
Dominating the competition,
District Manager Ginger Craig’s
team contributed 21 percent of
the funds raised. “They are the
bomb,” laughed Ginger with pride.
Ginger’s team was comprised of six
Hardee’s restaurants located in the
Tidewater market of Southeastern
Virginia.
Botha said she was excited to meet
Ginger and her team during their trip to
the festival. “I felt like I was meeting a
celebrity,” she laughed while describing
her first encounter with Ginger. “It is
obvious she has a passion for what she
does. Throughout the years, Ginger’s
team has always been the big winner. The
results they have are incredible.” v
Asset Protection
LOSS PREVENTION:
Technology Helps BNE Identify Losses
We live in a world that is constantly changing. Who would have thought 15 years
ago that our work and personal email, the world wide web, and home videos would
be shared on our cell phones? As the world changes, so must the world of Loss
Prevention. Keeping pace with the technology is a constant goal.
BNE employs
the best people
in the industry
who are honest,
Ted Polensky
hard working
Director of Loss
Prevention, CFE
individuals who
come to work
every day and do
their best to make themselves and their
restaurants successful. Unfortunately,
there is a small number who try to take
advantage of the company. The Loss
Prevention (LP) Department is committed
not just to making each restaurant the
safest and most secure place it can be, but
also the most profitable.
SAFETY:
To help make our restaurants more
profitable, the LP Department uses many
tools but the most valuable is Exception
Based Reporting (Envysion). Simply
put, Envysion takes in every transaction
performed and analyses it according to
rules set up by the LP team. Envysion
allows us to set thresholds which identify
transaction types that reach unacceptable
levels. For instance, it captures every void
performed, but if a restaurant exceeds a
predetermined number of voids or dollar
amount of voids in a day or week, the
system will send an alert. LP will then link
these alerts to the camera system and very
quickly determine whether the trigger is
related to a training issue, policy violations,
and/or theft. With Envysion you no longer
have to search for the needle in a haystack,
the needle comes to you!
This is just one of the tools that LP is using
to identify and reduce loss. However, great
tools and technology cannot compete
with BNE employees living our Vision and
Values. Being honest and expecting others
to be honest sets the stage for acceptable
and unacceptable behavior. When people
clearly understand what is expected, they
are empowered to perform at their highest
level. Ultimately this translates into better
customer service, retention, and protection
of the organization’s assets. v
Safety Leadership
Safety and the well being of our employees have always been a top priority at BNE.
We are fortunate to work for a company that puts employees first and provides
us with abundant resources to help keep our employees safe. Some of our many
resources include safety policies and procedures, safety equipment, and an excellent
call-in system. We also have safety committees from each region and the home
office that meet quarterly to share ideas on improving existing safety procedures.
One of the main
areas of concern
when focusing
on safety is
slips and falls.
Fortunately, we have numerous pieces of
safety equipment and procedures to prevent
these accidents including safety shoes,
overshoes, mats throughout the restaurants,
and detailed floor cleaning procedures. We
need to ensure we are using these items
and using them properly.
Johnny Ramsey
District Manager
Another vital area of concentration to
prevent accidents is training new employees
properly. A majority of our accidents occur
from employees employed six months
or less. We need to invest more time on
training. Most of the accidents that occur
could most likely have been prevented.
We have to stress to our teams that one
accident can be detrimental to the individual.
Enforcing safety policies and procedures
is crucial to our business. We must hold
our team members accountable. When
an individual fails to comply with safety
procedures, this needs to be addressed
immediately.
Leadership must be held accountable in
enforcing safety procedures. We as leaders
have to make safety a top priority. We have
to Model, Coach, and Require. By doing
this, we will see a drop in many of the
reoccurring accidents.
I am proud of the accomplishments my
General Managers and their teams have
had in the past few years. They have done
a great job in molding and shaping their
employees to do the right thing. That is why
it is called Safety Leadership. v
Johnny Ramsey has served the people of BNE for 29 years consistently placing a strong emphasis on safety. Promoted to District Manager
in 1994, he is the longest serving DM in Region 2. Thank you for your Safety Leadership Johnny!
ENTERPRISER Spring 2015 | 18
Boddie-Noell Challenges Hardee’s
Employees to “Live Well”
When Hardee’s employees began the 2014 Hardee’s Wellness
Challenge they knew they wanted to win, what they didn’t expect
was the competition to change their lives.
“The challenge made me look at how I
live my life,” said Gene Dickens, Regional
Vice President of Operations and team
captain. Gene, who said he used to eat like
a horse, attributes the challenge to helping
him change his eating habits, lower his
cholesterol, and lose 15 pounds. “I never
would have done that had I not changed
my lifestyle,” said Gene.
healthy lifestyle,” explains Nanette.
Nine teams were put together by dividing
the four regions into sub region teams.
Regional Vice Presidents and Directors
served as team captains with District
Managers as co-captains.
The 2014 Hardee’s Wellness Challenge
ran from April 1 through September 30
of 2014, challenging General Managers,
District Managers, Field Support, and
Service Technicians to adopt a healthy
lifestyle.
The challenge consisted of five
components from which the teams
could earn points: increasing physical
activity, completing an online health risk
assessment through Cigna, participating in
a routine physical covered 100 percent by
BNE’s group insurance plan, maintaining
a healthy weight/losing weight, and
abstaining from smoking.
“We thought it would be a fun way to
promote personal wellness,” said Nanette
Herbert, Vice President of Benefits,
Compensation, and Employee Outreach.
“If they participated in any of the wellness
activities they are winners. The real goal
is to get people to focus on maintaining a
Gene’s team of 58 participants won
the challenge with the highest average
points per team member at 106. Together
the team lost a staggering 551 pounds,
took 120,347,253 steps, completed 51
assessments, 28 routine physicals, and
had 19 people with a BMI within 19-26.
“THE REAL GOAL IS TO
GET PEOPLE TO FOCUS ON
MAINTAINING A HEALTHY
LIFESTYLE.”
- NANETTE HERBERT, VICE PRESIDENT OF BENEFITS,
COMPENSATION, AND EMPLOYEE OUTREACH
For their diligence
and commitment,
each team member
was awarded the
grand prize of a 40”
flat screen TV.
Gene said the
challenge started a
health conversation.
“The main thing
is people were
being helped,” he
said, “People that
had never had a
physical before,
had one, and some
were prescribed life
saving medicines.”
Renita Stanley,
General Manager
of Hardee’s of First
Colonial Road, said
she enjoyed building
a relationship with
Gene’s team gathered for a kick off meeting at the start of the competition.
Renita Stanley, General Manager of Hardee’s of
First Colonial Road, attributes the Hardee’s
Wellness Challenge to helping her get healthy.
her team. She said team members would
often call each other to see how one
another were doing, update each other with
their progress, and compare how many
steps each had taken that day. “We would
try to out step each other,” laughed Renita.
To encourage team work, the group held
a kick off meeting at the start of the
competition. During this meeting, the
team walked together and each participant
made a commitment to do at least a half
hour of walking each day.
Renita said the challenge was a great way
to get healthy while having fun. She said
the experience helped her change the way
she ate, keep up with her daily steps, and
incorporate exercise into her daily routine.
“If I didn’t have enough steps when I got
off work, it forced me to walk,” explained
Renita, “When I started eating fruits and
vegetables and walking, I started losing
weight. I liked the way I was looking and
feeling.”
The effects of the challenge surpassed
pounds lost, according to Gene, “People
are feeling better about themselves.
Everyone is so much happier.” v