INSIDE
GARRETT GAZZETTE
CAREER PATH TO SUCCESS
Volume 4 | Issue 2 | April 4, 2022 | THEGARRETTCO.COM
R E S O U R C E S
F
or the past eight years, the name "The Garrett Companies" has been synonymous with two words: Excellence and Growth. And with the rapid growth of the employee count, it's no surprise that the Human Resources team has tripled in size in the past 6 months. This department team is essential to our success in a multitude of ways, so let's take a few minutes to get to know the people, and the ways they support the company at large. As we look ahead, the HR team is excited about 2022 initiatives that include new recruitment tactics, a benefits analysis, and enhanced training & career development opportunities. Stay tuned!
Alyssa Skarbek Director of Human Resources
Alyssa has been with The Garrett Companies for just over 2 years and works in unison with all departments to support growth, development, and operations. She is responsible for the strategic planning and oversight of all HR operations, employee relations, talent acquisition, engagement & retention, training & development, and payroll & benefits.
2019: 73 Employees 2020: 116 Employees 2021: 178 Employees
2022: 182 Current Employees 20 Hires YTD 100+ Projected Hires 84 Interviews YTD
104 Employees hired 389 Interviews 33 Employee Referrals
Lauren Zike Human Resources Associate
Lauren joined TGC in October 2021 and primarily supports human resource operations, including policy and procedure support and employee onboarding. She also is a resource to all teams with employee engagement, retention, and culture initiatives. Lauren assists many aspects of HR, including recruitment, onboarding, compliance, and HR operations.
Liz McFadden Talent Acquisition Manager
Liz joined TGC in early December of 2021 and works directly with Alyssa and department leaders to identify talent needs to build a robust pipeline while supporting employee engagement and retention. She is a recruitment and talent acquisition ambassador for our team by building relationships with internal and external teams. Liz develops strategies to proactively attract, engage, and onboard candidates throughout the employee journey.
FRESHLY BRANDED Edgar Terriquez, 4/1 Dustin Barnes, 4/4 Emma Wright, 4/4 Kate Sullivan, 4/6 Kayla Allen, 4/9 Tim Graves, 4/11 Rob Martinson, 4/15 Ed Brandon, 4/16 Ryan Deckard, 4/22 Joe Resendiz, 4/28 Tabatha Rasch, 5/4 Brett Jackson, 5/7 Jim Schutte, 5/13 Dakota Hooker, 5/16 Lisa Vellar, 5/18 Austin Darks, 5/19 Mark Thompson, 5/20 Matt Anderson, 5/20 Logan Mikles, 5/21 Tim Mertz, 5/21 Jake McKanna, 5/26 Laurie Bauer, 5/28 Andrea Zubke, 5/30 Shannon Simpson, 6/1 Kyle DeHart, 6/2 Aleko Kangis, 6/6 Andrew Kirby, 6/7 Jon Badger, 6/7 Carson Finnell, 6/8 Kyle Romas, 6/12 William Stout, 6/15 Jamie Allen, 6/15 Tony Heer, 6/16 Jeffrey Lawler, 6/17 Anna Larson, 6/24 Jason Purvis, 6/24 Casey Rusk, 6/22 Meghann Conklin, 6/28
Shane Hart, 4/1 Ryan Deckard, 4/1 John Tarr, 4/6 Wick Spaulding, 4/12 Jourdann Barnes, 4/26 Jeff Lawler, 4/27 Lee Sanchez, 5/1 Jarrod Pickel, 5/8 Tracey Ruble, 5/9 Kayla Allen, 5/10 Jacob Weichman, 5/10 Austin Darks, 5/11 Tim Graves, 5/17 Russell Moeller, 5/17 Winston Corcino, 5/18 Corey Mason, 5/19 Edgar Terriquez, 5/20 Joey Huberts, 5/20 Sydnee Kirby, 5/21 Mark Thompson, 5/23 Walt Hackney, 5/26 Matt Yozman, 6/4 Ken Koziol, 6/4 Brett Jackson, 6/7 Max Leger, 6/7 Holly Clark, 6/9 Tim Mertz, 6/9 Tim O'Malley, 6/10 Austin Pickett, 6/14 Jennifer Williams, 6/16 Brendan Ross, 6/18 Hubert Caudill, 6/21 Carson Finnell, 6/21 Ronnie Whitefield, 6/21 Ed Brandon, 6/26 Chris Vargas, 6/28 Randy Bond, 6/28 Jennifer Holloran, 6/28 Andrew White, 6/29
CAREER PATH SUCCESS: JENNY WILLIAMS
J
enny Williams is one of only a handful of people whom we consider to be an "OG" of TGC. Jenny had previously been introduced to Eric Garrett through mutual connections, and thought of him as a wonderful person. So when she was offered an opportunity in the summer of 2014 to join his start-up Development company as his Assistant / Office Manager, she was eager to accept. At that time, Jenny was just adjusting to getting back into the working world after being home with young children, and she was excited to learn about multifamily development with a small company. Fast forward 8 years, and Jenny tells us, "I never envisioned we would be this big!" In 2015, Eric and Evan Brown began discussing the possibility of forming a Construction company, and Jenny saw this as an opportunity to once again learn something new; she applied, and they promoted her into a Construction Accountant role. Without a background in accounting, Jenny tells us, "It was a learning curve for sure, but I really enjoyed the challenge." She added, "I am very thankful that Evan and Eric believed that I could take on the CA role without the experience." By late 2019, Jenny's career once again took a giant leap forward when Jenny promoted to Assistant Construction Controller. When we asked Jenny what contributed to her growth, she told us about her teammates, Tracey Ruble and Soni Leturgez. "I am forever grateful that Tracey (Left) Love was in the air in February when Danielle Biggerstaff's then-boyfriend, now fiance, Jeremy popped the question while on a ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO. She said he "convinced me to do moguls and marry him." Congratulations!
and Soni took time to train me. They challenged me, believed in me, and had so much patience with me as I learned. I would not be where I am without them." So what is next for Jenny? She told us she is enrolled in classes beginning this May to work towards her masters degree in Accounting. "My goal is to never stop learning and to move up in the company wherever that may be." With her career success and continued aspirations for the future, we wanted Jenny to tell us what keeps her motivated. Jenny explained, "My personal sources of motivation are, first and foremost, my husband and my parents (they have always been my biggest cheerleaders)... I am determined to try things people say that I can’t do and believe that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I have an athletic background and my competitive exceptionalism pushes me to be the best player, teammate, and coworker I can be."
LIFE EVENTS (Right) Ryan Deckard's family welcomed new kitten, Lulu, who is not very cat-like at all. Sphynx cats are known as a mix of a monkey, toddler, and puppy. Interesting fact: Lulu is polydactyl, or double joined in the paws; when she's mad she likes to throw things instead of batting them around. She takes baths every 2-3 days in a normal tub and likes to play with bath toys, enjoys car rides and loves to go with the family wherever they travel. Lulu even walks with a harness and leash! (Below) Just as we were going to print, the paparazzi sent us this pic of Jordan Reisman popping the question to his girlfriend, Niki, while on vacation in Lake Tahoe. Editors could not confirm if she said yes.
In an up-and-coming area on the eastern edge of Colorado Springs, The Garrett Companies is working on a 226-unit development featuring the Echelon product type. At the corner of Constitution Avenue and Marksheffel Road, The Citizen will sit 3 stories tall and embody one of the more sophisticated designs and brands yet for TGC. Look for this deal to close and break ground later this year.
SAVE THE DATES Yoga (Greenwood HQ) Wednesdays @ 10 AM ET Garrett Get-Togethers Greenwood HQ: April 26th, May 24th, June 28th, July 26th, August 23rd, September 27th, October 25th, November 22nd Denver HQ: stay tuned! Ping Pong Tournament (Denver HQ) Announcing soon! Greenwood Canoe Trip: TBD Denver River Trip: TBD College intern start date: May 16 High school intern start date: June 6 Annual Meeting: December 7-8 (Below) Lauren Zike welcomed Finn, a 6mo old Boston Terrier. He loves car rides, people, and cuddling with his older brother Jax.
(Right) Stephanie Fuentes' new puppy, Bella is living her best life chewing baseboards, end tables, and designer handbags. She also snores like a piglet and loves to cuddle. (Left) Kayla Allen's family welcomed Kona at 6 weeks old. She is a German Shepard / Lab / Pitbull mix. Kayla tells us she is a smart girl, already learning the commands: come, sit, and shake. Welcome to the Allen family, Kona!
COCKTAIL CORNER: LIME IN DE COCONUT Our I.C. Brewhouse restaurants are gearing up for warmer weather and recently rolled out an entirely new drink menu. Check out one of our favorites. Shopping List: Bottle - Coconut Rum 8 Mint Fresh Leaves Half Lime Bottle - Cream of Coconut Bottle - Club Soda
Step-by-step Instructions: Gather your mint. Pro Tip - You don't have to muddle! Simply slap the mint in your palm to release the oil. Add 8 mint leaves and squeeze half a lime into a glass. Fill glass to top with ice. Add 2 oz Coconut Rum - ICB likes Parrot Bay. For a fun twist, try Parrot Bay Mango Rum instead. Add 1/2 oz Cream of Coconut. Shake the cocktail for about 10 seconds. Fill to top with club soda. Enjoy!
OFFICE BUZZ
New perks are continuing to be added to the list of reasons why TGC is a "Best Place to Work." If you are based at or visiting the Greenwood Headquarters, contact Jennifer Holloran to schedule one of these two new "perks" available onsite: Krispy Klean auto wash & detailing Facials with Marguerite Nearly 90 TGC team members packed their gear and headed to the mountains of Telluride, CO on February 28th for a week filled with adventure and bonding. Some of the best images from the week are collected and available here: https://vsco.co/teamgarrettco/gallery (Above) The energy was palpable when the team hit the slopes. Or at least we recreated that energy for a photo shoot on March 3rd. (From Left) Alex Smith and Jake McCarty posed for the camera while the professional photographer was still available on March 3rd. Russell Moeller and Jonathan Byrd walked away with the trophy and the bragging rights in the Annual Euchre Tournament. Eric led a brave bunch up and down and all around the mountain on March 2nd. With nothing but a blank canvas of 86 acres, the McKanna’s have spent the last 2 years on infrastructure of the farm with 3 major structures, including their 2-story barn home, and quite a few smaller projects to house and protect livestock. They currently have 11 laying hens, 1 guinea fowl, and 1 wily rooster named Fred. This spring they’ve added 2 Angus/Hereford heifers and 17 Buff Orpington chicks. Next time you see Jake, be sure to ask him about how he's getting his sons actively involved in the farming business. And let him know if you'd be interested in purchasing some of Still Water Pastures' farm fresh eggs. We hear they are the best!
FARM TO OFFICE When Jake McKanna isn't busy leading and supporting construction management, you'll find him on the farm... Still Water Pastures, that is. Jake, along with his wife Tiffany and four sons, has a budding farmstead in Center Point, IN where the family plans to use regenerative practices to reclaim an old coal mining site into fertile pasture.
(Right) McKanna shared pictures of the current livestock on the farmstead.
Do you have news for the next quarterly Garrett Gazzette? Send your story suggestions, life events, and other Gazzette tips to graphics@thegarrettco.com
MEET SOME OF THE NEW CREW MASON ESTES
ETHAN MASON
JOSIAH DEFELICE
Where is one place you would love to visit? Norway What are your passions? My family is my passion.
What are some of your educational achievements? Bachelors degree in Construction Management from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville What are your passions? I love hunting, watching/playing sports, hanging out with family.
What did you do before joining TGC? I have been in banking for 12+ years and I am excited to work in project management. Tell us a great accomplishment. I have hiked a few active volcanoes.
EDWIN BARRERA
What are some of your educational achievements? I studied Architecture at the University of Illinois at Chicago. What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I like to travel to places that are far away- I have been to India, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Melbourne, Sydney, Bangkok, Greece, Malaysia and New Zealand.
JUSTIN NORWOOD What are some of your educational achievements? Mechanical Engineering Degree from Texas Tech University What is one obscure thing people don’t know about you? I am a black belt in Taekwondo.
ALVIN NANTZ Do you have pets? I have a Siberian Husky. His name is Lucky. Tell us a great accomplishment. Personally my one of my proudest moments was running a mile in under 5:30.
TED BLEICHER Tell us a great accomplishment. Personally, the greatest accomplishment I've ever completed is becoming a dad - I love my kids more than anything. Professionally, I was the lead designer on some higher-profile projects such as the STEM Learning Lab at Purdue University and the Indiana 911 Memorial in downtown Indy. What do you like to do in your free time, or what makes you unique? I love to go hiking, camping, and being out in nature. I'm an avid golfer, but not good by any means. I love attending sporting events of any sort, but most of all football and baseball.
Tell us a great accomplishment. My time in the USMC What are your passions? Soccer, drawing, and traveling with wife. What do you like to do in your free time, or what makes you unique? Listen to oldies and playing soccer.
MERCEDES SCHERMANN
DANIELS DUHE What are some of your educational achievements? Dual degree holder in Structural Engineering & Exercise Science - Cum Laude Tell us a great accomplishment. Running division 1 track - scored points for my team at the Sun Belt Conference championship.
KELSEY BASHOR What are some of your educational achievements? Bachelor of Arts in Spanish concentrating on international trade, Minor in Business Admin at University of Southern Indiana. What do you like to do in your free time, or what makes you unique? Go to the Bar-cade with my Husband.
HEATH KENNEDY What do you like to do in your free time, or what makes you unique? Family adventures, travel (I've visited all the lower 48 states!), dream up wild ideas, endeavor on new experiences. What are your passions? skiing, outdoorsman, scuba diving, horseback riding, genealogy. What are some of your educational achievements? Bachelors in Civil Engineering (South Dakota State Univ; Jackrabbits), Masters of Urban and Regional Planning (CU Denver); Licensed CO real estate broker, CO Registered Professional Engineer Send your VTO story to graphics@thegarrettco.com
COMMUNITY CHAMPION: ANDY KIRBY
Shining a light on community impact made through Volunteer Time Off (VTO) Andy Kirby began his involvement with the Paris Little League as a coach, where his team won the Minor Division during his first year. Soon after, Andy was invited and later voted in to serve as the Secretary on the little league board, as well as Chair the Continuous Improvement seat on the board. During an initial meeting, Andy learned that a brand new scoreboard had been donated years earlier, but they had yet to find someone willing to install the structure. Andy did not hesitate to take on the task.
Installation required the digging of 3' diameter holes 9’ into the ground, and setting steel beams 9’ below and 15’ above the ground. Concrete foundations were poured, and a boom was used to set the steel and scoreboard. Andy also used some of his VTO towards installing vinyl siding on the concession stands and other general park maintenance. The scoreboard is on Frost Field, named for Harry Frost, who has been a part of Paris Youth Baseball for more than four decades. He contributes his time and
treasure to building fields, maintaining lighting, and ensuring a baseball park that benefits the entire community. "I can truly say that my VTO was well spent," Andy explained recently. "We have improved the program, our number of players are up year after year, and the entire community has recognized our accomplishments." Andy is coming off of two Major Division wins for the past two years for his team, and is looking forward to a strong season with a chance to win it all again this year.