NEWSLETTER BWT CONNECT
As we move into the summer season, we’re excited to bring you another packed edition of BWT Connect—filled with updates, recognitions, resources, and a strong focus on what matters most: our people.
June is National Safety Month, and at BWT, safety is more than a checklist—it’s part of our culture. This month, we’re spotlighting key safety practices, celebrating teams who go above and beyond, and sharing tips to help you stay safe both on and off the job. Whether you're on the warehouse floor, on the road, or in the office, everyone plays a role in keeping our environment safe and productive.
Spotlight On Leadership
Kally Ysabel Saldaña
This month, we’re proud to spotlight Kally Ysabel Saldaña, Vice President of Operations, who has been a dedicated part of the BWT team for 2.5 years. Known for her fierce independence and unwavering commitment to excellence, Kally leads with a unique blend of strength, compassion, and integrity.
She is a proud mother, deeply family-oriented, and values meaningful relationships both inside and outside of work. Whether she’s managing operations or mentoring others, her grounded leadership and high standards set a powerful example for everyone around her.
Outside of work, Kally is passionate about writing poetry, playing pool, and always pushing herself to grow. Her favorite quote—“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent”—reflects her bold and inspiring approach to life. With a love for hibachi, a goal to one day visit the Pope, and a dream job as a Supreme Court judge, Kally brings depth, heart, and ambition to every space she enters. She continues to lead with purpose and authenticity—and Her contributions make a lasting impact across our organization.
Spotlight Continued
Kally Ysabel Saldaña
Vice President of Operations
Multi-site
Leadership
2.5 Years with BWT
�� Quick Takes
Proudest Role: Mom first, always.
Hidden Side: Quietly shy, despite her leadership presence.
Desk Essentials: San Titos (her guardian angels) and a trusty stress ball.
Phone Wallpaper: Her kids — her daily inspiration.
�� Purpose & Passions
Beyond the Office: You’ll find her shooting pool or writing poetry.
Wisdom Source: Her grandmother, the smartest woman she knows.
Pet Peeve: Having to repeat herself (once is enough!).
On Her Radar: Learning to play the drums.
Bucket List Dreams: Cruise the seas, explore Peru, and meet the Pope.
�� Her Media Mix
Top Tracks:
�� La Vida Es Un Carnaval
�� Grown Woman – Beyoncé
�� All of Me – John Legend
Favorite Film: What Dreams May Come
Theme Song: Independent Women – a perfect fit.
�� Books & Growth
Most Impactful Reads:
The Great Gatsby
The Bible
Rich Dad Poor Dad
Currently Reading: How to Make Sht Happen – Sean Whalen
Dare to Lead – Brené Brown
�� Ambition & Impact
Childhood Dream: To become a lawyer.
Today’s Dream Role: Supreme Judge — aiming high with purpose.
Most Fascinating Place Visited: Puebla, Mexico.
Team Spirit: A proud Dallas Cowboys fan.
Go-To Cuisine: Hibachi — flavorful and fun.
Click to play the video!
Spotlight onEagan
EAGAN EAGAN
Meet the Team Behind the Work
Location Spotlight: Eagan, MN
This month, as we recognize National Safety Month in June, we’re proud to highlight our Eagan, Minnesota location at 935 Aldrin Drive a small but mighty site that plays a critical role in supporting BWT’s operations. Safety, precision, and teamwork are at the core of everything this team does Our Eagan crew is responsible for the receiving, storing, and shipping of Core Batteries, New Batteries (XDOCK), and Lead materials and they carry out these tasks with accuracy, consistency, and pride With demand peaking during the colder months when batteries are in high rotation, this team works tirelessly to meet customer needs while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance
Our Eagan location operates with a lean, high-performing team of eight
Site Manager George Toscano leads daily operations and customer communications, supported by Supervisor Jonathan Ortiz-Arroyo, who oversees warehouse and clerk activities.
On the warehouse floor, forklift operators Isidro Sanchez, Zhakee Ward, William Ross, and Aijalon Mackey keep everything moving with precision and care
At the front line, Annie Petterson manages all documentation, driver check-ins, and system entries ensuring accuracy every step of the way
How We Operate
Our site relies on propane forklifts for material handling and laptops equipped with Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and OneDrive to manage documentation, reporting, and communication We also specialize in XDOCK operations and are proud to have been selected as the pilot site for BWT’s Core BIN project and the first to successfully implement the bin-to-bin processing system.
Continued Spotlight
EAGAN
Click to play the video!
Culture, Leadership & Collaboration
At Eagan, we’ve built a culture based on mutual respect, accountability, and open communication Leadership stays connected through daily check-ins and weekly team updates, ensuring everyone is aligned and supported. We believe in celebrating wins whether it’s a mini cookout on a sunny day or a holiday lunch to recognize great work
Our work environment is fast-paced and structured, with a strong emphasis on safety, SOP compliance, and continuous improvement. We encourage initiative and teamwork, and our employees take pride in contributing to something bigger.
A Site That Sets the Standard
We’re proud that the Eagan team has been trusted to test new processes before they go companywide Whether it's launching bin-to-bin procedures or supporting other sites in their rollouts, this location continues to serve as a model of operational excellence.
Looking ahead, our goals include further strengthening inventory accuracy, supporting crosstraining, and continuing to set the pace for performance and compliance across the BWT network
Fun Fact About Eagan
We may be based in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but here in Eagan, we’re known for precision, reliability, and setting the standard in process testing And while we take our work seriously, we also know how to keep things fun whether it’s friendly pallet-stacking competitions, scanner speed debates, or (rumor has it) the occasional forklift karaoke session. Just don’t ask us to perform live
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH BIRTHDAYS
��Pedro Castaneda��
Location: Fort Wayne
Shift: 1st
Hire Date: October 31, 2024
Job Title: Operator
We’re proud to recognize Pedro Castaneda as our Employee of the Month! Since joining the Fort Wayne team, Pedro has consistently gone above and beyond—bringing a strong work ethic, a safety-first mindset, and a team-oriented attitude to every shift.
Pedro has taken initiative to become crosstrained, allowing him to step in wherever needed and support the overall flow of operations. He’s known for his reliable attendance, strong productivity, and willingness to help others, making him a go-to team member when the pressure is on.
When it comes to safety, Pedro leads by example. He’s not only committed to following best practices himself, but also helps train others to ensure the entire team is working safely. His communication with drivers reflects his strong customer service skills, creating a smooth and respectful experience for everyone on-site.
Pedro brings strength to the team—always dependable, always ready to help, and always setting the bar high. His flexibility, strong work ethic, and positive presence make a difference every single day. Fort Wayne runs smoother because of him, and we’re lucky to have him on board.
2 – Jaron Jackson
2 – Taylor Nall
4 – Brian Saldana
6 – Gerald Nauman
10 – Karon Jones
14 – Anthony Williams
14 – Claude Kelly
18 – LaTangela Cleckler
19 – Zachary Starnes
20 – Brent Brown
20 – Gary Laplante
23 – Mark Heath
29 – Julia Graham
29 – Justin Coleman
SAFETY FIRST SAFETY VIDEO
�� Heat Exhaustion & Heat Illness
Stay Cool. Stay Safe. Stay Alert. As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heatrelated illness—especially in warehouses, outdoor areas, or while operating equipment. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and responding quickly can prevent serious harm.
�� What is Heat Illness?
Heat illness happens when the body can’t cool itself fast enough. It includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke—a life-threatening emergency.
�� Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
Heavy sweating
Fatigue or dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Pale, clammy skin
Weak pulse or muscle cramps
�� What to Do:
Move to a cool area
Sit or lie down
Sip water slowly
Loosen clothing or use a damp cloth
Call for help if symptoms don’t improve
�� Prevention Tips:
Drink water often
Take breaks in cool areas
Wear light, breathable clothing
Know your limits—speak up if you feel unwell
At BWT, safety is everyone's responsibility. Stay aware, stay hydrated, and look out for each other.
Click to play the video!
BWT WORK PERKS
�� Smart Security. Peace of Mind. Exclusive for You.
Protect Your Home 24/7 with SimpliSafe
Your safety matters—on and off the job. Through our exclusive LifeMart partnership, you can access special savings on SimpliSafe's award-winning home security system. Get 24/7 monitoring, smart features, and easy setup—so you can relax, knowing your home is protected.
June National Events & Holidays
National Safety Month (All Month): Raises awareness about preventing injuries and promoting safety in the workplace, at home, and on the road.
Scoliosis Awareness Month (All Month): Promotes early detection, treatment, and education about scoliosis—especially important for adolescent health and wellness.
Pride Month (All Month): Celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and promotes inclusion, identity, and equality.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month (All Month): Highlights the importance of brain health and supports those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Men’s Health Month (All Month): Encourages men to take proactive steps for their health through regular check-ups, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices.
National Dairy Month (All Month): Celebrates the contributions of the dairy industry and promotes the nutritional benefits of dairy products.
National Candy Month (All Month): A sweet celebration recognizing the history and enjoyment of candy.
World Environment Day (June 5): Encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment.
National Cancer Survivors Day (June 6): Honors cancer survivors and recognizes their strength, resilience, and journey. A time to support and stand with those in our BWT family touched by cancer.
World Food Safety Day (June 7): Promotes awareness about food safety and encourages actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.
World Oceans Day (June 8): Celebrates the role of the oceans in our everyday life and inspires action to protect ocean health.
Lurie Children’s Day (June 9): Recognizes the importance of pediatric care and the contributions of children’s hospitals and advocates nationwide.
National Iced Tea Day (June 10): A refreshing observance celebrating the popular summertime beverage.
Loving Day (June 12): Commemorates the 1967 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage.
Flag Day (June 14): Commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag and celebrates American heritage and history.
U.S. Army Birthday (June 14): Marks the founding of the U.S. Army in 1775 and honors the service of Army personnel.
World Blood Donor Day (June 14): Raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and thanks voluntary, unpaid blood donors.
Father’s Day (June 15): Celebrates fathers, caregivers, and paternal figures for their love and impact in our lives.
Juneteenth (June 19): Commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States and celebrates African American culture and heritage.
Summer Solstice (June 20): Marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the official start of summer.
National Hydration Day (June 23): Reminds us of the importance of staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months.
WELLNESS & SELF-CARE
Summer Reset – Small Habits, Big Impact
Stay Hydrated – Aim for 8+ cups of water per day, especially in warm environments. Add fresh fruit like lemon, cucumber, or berries for a refreshing twist.
Take Mental Breaks – Step outside, stretch, or take five deep breaths during your shift. Short breaks improve focus and reduce stress.
Set One Wellness Goal – Choose a small, personal goal now (like walking more or eating out less) and check in with yourself in July.
Snack Smarter – Replace vending machine snacks with trail mix, fruit, or yogurt. Balanced fuel = better energy.
Prioritize Sleep – Try to stick to a regular sleep schedule. Even 30 more minutes a night can boost mood and performance.
Protect Your Skin – If you’re outdoors, wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. Your skin matters year-round.
Unplug to Recharge – Take 10–15 minutes each day to disconnect from screens and reconnect with yourself.
Celebrate Small Wins – Whether it’s drinking more water or taking that walk, give yourself credit. Progress is progress.
Wellness Challenge: Write down one goal and post it somewhere you’ll see daily. Check back in next month to track your progress!
Carry a Refillable Water Bottle – Having it nearby makes it easier to sip throughout the day —and cuts down on plastic waste too.
Do a 5-Minute Body Scan – Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and check in with how your body feels from head to toe. Helps reduce tension and raise awareness.
Create a Mood-Boosting Playlist – Music can energize, calm, or refocus you. Use it to start your day or recharge on break.
Learn One New Thing a Week – Whether it’s a fact, skill, or self-care technique, small learning keeps your brain sharp.
Start a Micro-Journal – One sentence a day about how you’re feeling or what you accomplished can give clarity and peace of mind.
Wear Breathable Layers – In hot weather or variable warehouse temps, light layers can help regulate your body temperature and keep you comfortable.
Do a Mid-Year Cleanout – Take 10 minutes to sort through your locker, desk, or bag. A fresh space = a fresh mindset.
Eating & Activity Journal
14-Day Self-Care Challenge Summer Self-Care Guide
WORKPLACE WISDOM
Protect Your Energy at Work
Your energy is one of your most valuable tools— and protecting it is key to staying focused, motivated, and well. This month, we’re encouraging everyone to be intentional about how they show up, recharge, and support one another on the job.
Control What You Can
Work can be unpredictable, but your attitude, effort, and response are always within your control. When you focus on your own actions and let go of what you can’t change, you reduce stress and improve your mindset.
Tip: Start your day with a “win list”—3 things you’ll give your best to, no matter what comes your way.
Respect Your Breaks
Breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity. Whether it’s stepping outside, stretching, or taking a quiet moment, recharging throughout the day helps prevent burnout and keeps you sharp.
Reminder: Even 10 minutes away from your workstation can reset your focus and protect your well-being.
Speak Up
If something is affecting your energy or performance—whether it's workload, communication, or morale—don’t hold it in. Open, respectful conversations with your supervisor can lead to real solutions and support.
We’re here for you. You don’t have to navigate challenges alone.
Invest in Recovery
Protecting your energy means prioritizing rest after work, too. Sleep, hydration, movement, and meaningful downtime all play a role in how you perform during your shift.
Ask yourself: What am I doing outside of work that helps me feel strong inside of it?
Stay Positive—But Honest
It’s okay to acknowledge a tough day. Positivity doesn’t mean pretending—it means looking for the good while being real about the challenges.
Support others. A quick “You’ve got this” or “Need help?” can go a long way.
Workplace Wellness Starts With You.
Every shift is an opportunity to lead by example, take care of yourself, and lift others up. Let’s keep showing up for each other—focused, energized, and grounded in what matters.
Wellness Action Plans
Manage Your Energy
NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
Resources for Drivers
Worker Safety
Tips for Driving Safety
Warehouse & Storage Safety
National Safety Month ( NSC)
Our Roads Our Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
Driving While Impaired
Tips for Truck Drivers
Tips for CMV Drivers
QUICK POLL
☀ Let’s Get Into the Summer Spirit! We’re starting the season with a quick poll to see how our team likes to unwind.
We want to know—how do you prefer to unwind after a long day at work during the summer?
Chilling Outdoors – Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, pool day, or just sitting on the porch
Staying Indoors – Think AC, movies, games, and snacks
Quiet Time – Reading, journaling, or listening to music/podcasts ● Loading...
�� We’ll share the results in next month’s BWT Connect and spotlight the most selected!
�� How to Vote:
1.Click the link below.
2.Scroll to Page 12.
3.Cast your vote in the poll section.
�� Go to the Poll
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
�� Shoutout Station
Shine a light on your team!
Know someone who deserves a little extra recognition? Whether it’s a funny moment, a kind gesture, or an amazing transformation —we want to see it!
Submit your peer-to-peer shoutouts and photo entries to �� bwtconnects@bwtlogistics.com by the 24th for a chance to be featured!
Categories to Choose From:
Funniest Photo ��
Most Heartwarming Story �� Best ‘Glow Up’ ��
Most Surprising Transformation ��
What’s in it for you?
�� Recognition in the newsletter �� Exclusive BWT swag �� A chance to earn an extra PTO day!
Let’s celebrate the moments that make BWT more than just a workplace—submit today and help us spread the good vibes!
Send in Your Submissions for the Newsletter!
Your experiences, ideas, and shoutouts help bring our newsletter to life and highlight the amazing work happening across BWT. Have something to share? Don’t miss your chance to be featured—submit your entry today!
⬇ Click the box below to get started!
