TAGLINE FIFTH EDITION 2025: LOOKING BACK ON THE YEAR
TLC Christmas Celebration
2025 has been a great year at Crowder! Featuring: 2025 Retirees Serving Our Communities Holiday Fun
CROWDER
MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
Happy Holidays! As the holiday season arrives, I want to extend my thanks and warmest wishes to each and every one of you. Your dedication, commitment, and generosity continue to make a remarkable difference within Crowder and in our communities. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, volunteering your time, or supporting local initiatives, you embody the spirit of service that has defined Crowder throughout its history. The impact you have—some of which is highlighted in this Tagline—goes far beyond the workplace. You inspire those around you and demonstrate the true meaning of community, making Crowder not just a company, but a family. Thank you for all that you do and for the positive change you bring to others. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season filled with happiness, peace, and well-deserved rest. We look forward to another wonderful year together! Happy Holidays!
Lynn Hansen,
INSIDE MISSION STATEMENT We are dedicated to superior performance and committed to making a positive difference for our clients, our communities and in the lives of our employees.
Crowder is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Crowder to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, veteran status, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation and gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. A list of our current open positions can be found here: https://www.crowderusa.com/join-our-team/jobs-listing
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CORPORATE SAFETY CROWDER YOUNIVERSITY UPDATES EMPLOYEE SERVICES UPDATES CROWDER COMMUNITIES RETIREES TLC CHRISTMAS HOW EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE
WE’RE LISTENING If something is bothering you, if you have a question, if you feel you or another employee are being harassed, or if you believe that you have not been treated fairly, WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT. Please go to your bulletin board and use our Employee Concern and Complaint Procedure (or call 1-800-849-2966 and ask for Employee Services) to get your question answered, your concern addressed, or your problem resolved.
by Scott Allen, Corporate Safety Director
At Crowder, we believe a strong safety program starts with the people doing the work. When employees at every level are actively involved, safety becomes a shared responsibility and not just a rule to follow. During visits to our projects, it’s clear that our crews bring critical, firsthand insight into their tasks. That knowledge allows them to spot real hazards and offer practical solutions during Pre-Task Planning meetings. By encouraging open dialogue, active participation in safety committees, and collaboration in training, we ensure safety expectations are not only understood but truly owned. This level of engagement reduces risk, strengthens teamwork, and boosts morale, reinforcing our commitment to protecting our most valuable asset…our people. A strong commitment to preventing incidents is essential for fostering a safe work environment, as it prioritizes proactive measures, ensures adherence to safety protocols, and demonstrates a genuine concern for the well-being of our employees. Regarding proactive measures, your efforts are recognized and much appreciated. Below are some miscellaneous “leading indicators” that captures some proactive measures completed this calendar year-to-date:
22,243
Behavior Based Observations
1,143
Health, Safety & Environmental Inspections
483
Safety Committee Meetings
3,524
Corrective Actions - closed
1,364
Safety Meetings
664
Dynamic Learning Activities
CORPORATE SAFETY
Proactive Efforts Continue to Make a Difference
It’s worth pausing to consider how this time of year can quietly influence our ability to work safely. Seasonal pressures, whether tied to family responsibilities, financial concerns, fatigue, or personal expectations, can follow us onto the job and compete for our attention in ways we don’t always recognize. Distraction doesn’t announce itself, yet it can have real consequences. This is a time to be more intentional and check in with ourselves, to look out for one another, and to stay fully present in the tasks at hand. By remaining focused, supporting our coworkers, and choosing to be proactive, we protect not only ourselves, but the people who are counting on us both at work and at home. If you or a family member in your household (including a spouse or a child living in the household or away at college) could benefit from a little extra support, please remember that help is always available through our confidential and free Employee Assistance Program. Life’s challenges can arise at any time, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. The EAP is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and offers guidance for a wide range of concerns. You can access these services easily and confidentially by calling (800) 633-3353. Your proactive mindset and genuine care for one another are what truly makes Crowder a special place. These efforts make a meaningful difference every day and contribute to a workplace we can all be proud of. Thank you for everything you do - your commitment does not go unnoticed. Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year!
CROWDER
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CROWDER YOUNIVERSITY
Legacy Training Academy #8 Community Service Projects Each year, Legacy Training Academy challenges its teams to give back through meaningful community service projects. This year was no exception, as every team delivered exceptional initiatives that showcased creativity, dedication, and a strong commitment to making a positive impact. A team effort from Constructive Chaos consisting of Ryan McGarvey, Jason Duke, Kenny Loch, Robert Calhoun, and Garrett Addis and the Achievers consisting of Harrison Estes, Hilary Braun, Nick Price, Justin Mosley, and Tyler Bexley worked together to repair a 30-year-old wooden suspension bridge for the Boy Scouts at Belk Scout Camp. The project was to replace the entire rotted bridge decking with new 2x6 decking, correct some substructure issues, fix broken suspension cables, and correct and straighten the cable railing.
Constructive Chaos also had the opportunity to volunteer at the Charlotte Ronald McDonald House. They were able to bring in and serve Publix subs to those who came through for the dinner service and packaged to-go boxes for late night meals. The Charlotte Ronald McDonald House is able to provide a “home away from home” for families with children undergoing medical treatment at Levine Children’s Hospital. It was truly special to share time with the families and children and listening to their stories while being able to provide a meal and making their stay a little less stressful.
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FIFTH EDITION 2025
CROWDER YOUNIVERSITY
Members of the Achievers team also spent the day giving back to The Learning Collaborative, a tuition-free preschool and family support program in Charlotte, NC. The team donated and planted new bushes to help create a butterfly garden at the front of the school, providing a welcoming learning space for students and families. Behind the school, they contributed and installed pavers to help display plants and organize the growing area, along with donating screenings (crushed rock) to refresh a well-loved play space. A bit of additional landscaping helped tie everything together, giving the preschoolers a revamped place to learn and explore.
The Tentacle Command team made up of Jacob Leach, Kevin Pietrick, Rick Boswell, Margo Waisanen, and Ethan Norton volunteered in Bessemer City, NC to work on a Habitat for Humanity build. The team tackled the home’s interior trim work—cutting, fitting, and installing baseboards throughout the home, while learning how to “cope” baseboards for a seamless finish. They worked side by side, asked questions, learned new skills, and supported each other as they moved from room to room. The team is grateful to have played a small part in creating a place this family can soon call home and for the experience that brought the team closer together.
CROWDER
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EMPLOYEE SERVICES UPDATES
Your Financial Wellness Matters!
At Crowder, we are always looking for ways to make a positive impact in the lives of our employees, and we believe that providing tools to create a solid financial foundation for their families is one of the most important ways we can deliver on our mission. For that reason, we’re very pleased to announce an integrated education partnership with Creative Planning, a division of Lockton Retirement Services as well as our longstanding 401k Plan Advisor. We have arranged for Creative Planning to offer our 401k Plan participants a wealth of FREE tools and resources to help manage debt, save for college or retirement, understand investing and stock market volatility, and many more relevant topics. Plus, they offer free one-on-one financial consulting to help employees meet their financial goals, as well as options for employee-paid wealth management services providing more direct plan guidance. Just click on the featured articles and available podcasts below to learn more about what Creative Planning can do for you. All of the training or participation in meetings is at your discretion, and your information will remain confidential. If you want to better understand the benefit or schedule a one-on-one meeting with your dedicated financial wellness consultant, you can contact Kymona Thomas with Creative Planning directly at the email below or you can click on the “schedule a meeting” button below to set up a 30 minute meeting. Kymona.Thomas@CreativePlanning.com. Schedule a Meeting Don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone in Employee Services if you have any questions or concerns at: 1-800-849-2966 or employeeservices@crowderusa.com
Featured Articles: Getting Started With Estate Planning Six Reasons Why You Need an Estate Plan Is Your Estate Plan in Order? How to Discuss Your Estate Plan With Family Members Read more (link to Insights page)
Would You Rather Listen? Click here to find podcast episodes to help you with Estate Planning!
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FIFTH EDITION 2025
Crowder’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a FREE mental health benefit for you and any immediate family member living in your household (including children living on campus while enrolled in college). This benefit gives you and your family members FREE access to a counselor for up to 6 sessions (per issue) per calendar year. The EAP can help with: • Community resources for family support • Guidance for managing work-life balance • Confidential counseling services for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, or relationship issues • Support for workplace conflict or burnout • Help managing life transitions (e.g. divorce, loss, elder care, empty nest after your kids leave) You can call 24/7 to talk to a clinician at 800.633.3353. You can also go to the MYgroup website (https://mygroup.com/portal-employee/), click on the “Current Participants” tab at top of the page and then click “Access Online Services” along the right side to read about the many ways you can get help for you and your family. To log in: Username: crowder Password: guest
EMPLOYEE SERVICES UPDATES
What Can the EAP Do For You?
BuildWell Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Our employees and their family members have free access to BuildWell Health, a confidential virtual program to get support for stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or suicidal ideation. Visit today: now.youturnhealth.com Registration code: CROWDER Peer Coaching Support Phone Line Get confidential support for your questions on mental health and get direction for additional guidance if needed. Call (864) 764-8504 to get started or visit buildwellhealth.com. The Support line is available from 10am-12am every day. Family Support Recovery is easier when you have support, so your family members also have access to the online video library and peer coaching support at no extra cost. CROWDER
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CROWDER COMMUNITIES [8]
Making a Difference in Our Communities Anyone who is familiar with how Crowder operates knows that we always strive to live up to our mission statement: “We are dedicated to superior performance and committed to making a positive difference for our clients, our communities and in the lives of our employees.” Making a positive difference in our communities is something that was very important to our founders, W.T. and O.P. Crowder, and it is something that remains important to their sons and to everyone who is following after them. We serve many different organizations in the communities we live and work in and we do that in several ways. We provide monetary donations, make and deliver food, collect supplies and toys, walk as a team at events, volunteer our time and skills, and so much more. We would not have been able to serve all of these organizations without your care and support. Thank you for your contributions in 2025 to the organizations listed below: Reelin’ for Research Ronald McDonald House American Heart Association Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) The Learning Collaborative Hejaz Shriners Salvation Army Angel Tree and Silver Bells Hearts With Hands - Hurricane Helene Relief NC Community Foundation Second Harvest Food Bank Habitat For Humanity
FIFTH EDITION 2025
Adopt-A-Highway Richmond Tool Bank/ Building Change Equi-KIDS/ Equi-VETS/ Equi-HEROES WeBuild Concord Samaritan’s Purse - Western NC Tranquility Point All in for Miller Holly Springs Senior Home Upstate Backpack Blessings Together for Texas - Texas Hurricane Relief Boy Scouts of America - Belk Scout Camp
Thank you all for the years that you have dedicated to working at Crowder and for the difference that each of you has made while working here. You will be missed, but we hope retirement brings you many more happy memories and experiences. Thank you again!
Louis Przestrzelski 11 Years of Service Robert Plemmons 12 Years of Service Derek Scott 12 Years of Service Carolyn Barrett 15 Years of Service Jesse Duty 17 Years of Service Bobby Manos 18 Years of Service Javier Martinez 21 Years of Service Tommy Henson 51 Years of Service
CROWDER RETIREES
Congratulations Retirees!
Jesse Duty’s Hawaiian Retirement Celebration!
Carolyn Barrett’s Retirement Celebration!
CROWDER
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TLC CHRISTMAS
The Learning Collaborative Christmas Angel Tree Program On December 16th, the Crowder Heavy Civil and Corporate offices participated in a Christmas Angel Tree event for The Learning Collaborative. The Learning Collaborative (TLC) “prepares underserved children and their families to succeed in school by providing tuition-free, high-quality preschool education through a unique partnership with children, families, parents, staff and community.” There were 72 kids total this year between Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten to buy a toy and clothing for. The school, teachers and staff also received a donation to go towards the education of the students. Once all the presents have been donated by Crowder employees, Santa and his Elves, along with other Crowder volunteers, deliver everything to the school and each classroom takes turns visiting with Santa. They sing Christmas Carols, tell Santa what is on their wish list and even get a small treat. After a picture with Santa, the Elves help the children with opening their presents. This has been a long-time tradition of Crowder since their early days on 10th Street. Thank you to everyone who helped put this wonderful event together!
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HOW EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE
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CROWDER
HOW EMPLOYEES CELEBRATE
WE WISH YOU ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON! [12]
FIFTH EDITION 2025