As employees at Martin Companies, we have heard the term ‘Positive Impact’ being discussed more frequently in recent months – and some of you have already invested in creating these experiences for customers and coworkers. I am grateful for the stories that echo through our company of those who have found creative ways to go above and beyond by specific and unexpected acts of generosity and kindness to bless the communities we serve. The idea of Positive Impact is rooted in our mission statement: ‘To glorify Christ through positively impacting the lives of those we serve each day, while being faithful stewards of all things entrusted to us.’ This is not a new introduction to Martin Companies, but an intentional focus on what we have been doing for many years and an invitation for each employee to participate in our mission. Recently our company has been blessed to cross the threshold of 500 employees and we are grateful to each of you for helping us achieve that milestone. However, growth alone is not the reason we exist. Growth is exciting and brings many new opportunities and possibilities, but if growth were the goal, the satisfaction would only be temporary.
In contrast, a positive impact, whether it be a gift or a compliment, an act of service or a note of gratitude, is rewarding to both the giver and the receiver alike. I believe that each one of us possess the power and the influence to change the world around us for the better. Maybe not all at once – but one day, one moment, and one life at a time. If we choose, we can be a force for good, 500+ people strong, in a world that could desperately use more light. Galatians 6:10 reminds us: ‘So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.’ Positive impact knows no bounds. Will you choose to listen, to care, and to invest in someone’s life today through the power of positive impact?
INGREDIENTS
4 medium tomatoes, sliced
1 bag bread cubes (or cube your own bread, about 6 cups)
3 cups shredded mozzarella, divided
5 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup finely diced celery
1/2 cup finely diced onion
2 eggs, beaten
2 cloves garlic, pressed, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon oregano
1 tablespoon basil
TomatoBake
Recipe by Marlene Prange
“This is one of my favorite summer recipes during local tomato season! Great with a side salad and chicken or steak off the grill! Note: I like my celery and onions soft in the finished recipe. Sometimes I sauté the vegetables before adding them to the large mixing bowl. Enjoy!”
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. Place half of the tomatoes in a single layer in a greased 9”x13” baking dish.
3. In a large bowl, combine bread cubes, 2 cups mozzarella, bacon, melted butter, celery, onions, eggs, garlic, and seasonings. Mix well. Spoon over the layer of tomatoes.
4. Top with a second layer of sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Submit your recipe!
BROWNSTOWN GRAND OPENING
Martin Companies welcomed customers, employees, and community members to Brownstown for the Grand Opening Celebration of our newly remodeled showroom and the return of Martin Furniture to the Ephrata area. The four-day event featured cooking demonstrations, department giveaways, exclusive instore offers, and an opportunity for visitors to experience everything Martin Companies has to offer - all under one roof!
Guests toured the updated Appliance, Furniture, Water Conditioning, and Heating & Cooling showrooms while connecting with team members from across the company.
The event provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase our expanded space, celebrate the strength of our brands, and share this exciting milestone with the community.
This project represents countless hours of planning, hard work, and collaboration from team members across every division. From construction and merchandising to operations, sales, service, and marketing, many individuals played a role in bringing this vision to life.
The Grand Opening reflected what can be accomplished when teams across the company work toward a shared goal. We are grateful for everyone who contributed their time, talents, and dedication to bringing this vision to life, and we remain thankful for God’s guidance and blessings as He continues to drive Martin Companies forward.
KIDS’ CORNER
SUMMER
family activities
• Spend a Day at the Beach
• Roast S’mores Together
• Go Berry Picking at a Local Farm
• Enjoy an Ice Cream Outing
• Make Homemade Lemonade
• Watch the Stars at Night
MEMORY VERSE
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
- Galatians 5:22-23
ELDON MARTIN’S SAILBOAT RESTORATION
For Eldon Martin, an HVAC technician at Myerstown, the restoration of an old sailboat was more than just a project — it gave him something to occupy his time and attention during a difficult period in his life after his wife passed away.
Eldon purchased the boat from a man in New Jersey and completely restored it himself. The work took him two winters to finish, but today the sailboat shines like new, reflecting both his effort and the purpose he found in the work.
Positively
IMPACTING OTHERS
A recent customer review highlighted the difference our team makes every day. After purchasing a double oven and refrigerator from our Reading location, a customer praised Delivery Specialists Bryson and Marshall for their professionalism, punctuality, communication, and attention to detail. The experience became even more memorable when they surprised the customer with a birthday gift bag containing cake mix, frosting, candles, and Lindt chocolates after learning it was her birthday. She shared how touched she was by their kindness and called them “the best.” Bryson and Marshall’s thoughtful gesture is a great example of going above and beyond for our customers.
WHAT SMALL ACT OF KINDNESS CAN YOU DO TODAY TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT?
THE IMPACT OF KINDNESS
A few years ago, a woman stopped by one of our locations and asked to speak with Michele Fidler. She reminded Michele of a visit months earlier when she had come in for salt and filters - on what she had planned to be the last day of her life.
She shared that Michele’s kindness, along with reading our mission statement on the wall, gave her hope and changed her mind. At the time, she was an atheist, but that encounter led her to start reading the Bible. She came back to say, in her words, “You saved my life.” Today, she is a Christian. This powerful moment was a reminder to Michele - and to all of us - that everyday interactions can have a lasting impact. We never know how much a kind word or caring service can truly mean.
EmployeeSpotlight
Looking Forward SUMMER
PICNIC
Saturday, July 25th • 5:30pm Ephrata Mennonite School
Duane Good has been with Martin Companies for almost 13 years! Duane is a valuable member of our Philly water team, contributing through service, sales, and light commercial work. He enjoys technical challenges and figuring out difficult problems. His calm and relaxed personality is a key component in handling these challenging situations and also makes him a customer favorite. Customers often leave rave reviews after his visits, including one that said, “On a scale of 1–10, I would rate Duane a 12.5!” It is also not uncommon for customers to specifically request Duane to perform their annual service.
When he’s not wowing customers, Duane enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, fishing, and working on home projects. He also enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on his children’s football, baseball, and soccer teams, while remaining an avid Philly sports fan.
We’re excited to announce that Appliance has expanded its service area to include Hanover, PA! This expansion allows our service team to support even more customers with the reliable, professional care they can count on. Thank you to everyone whose hard work continues to help us grow and serve more communities. Pictured are Andrew Burkholder, Levi Hade, and Eric Bievenour.
Share Your Feedback!
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
MEET OUR NEWSLETTER COMMITTEE!
Meet the Newsletter Committee! This team helps gather stories, news, and updates from across the company to keep everyone informed and connected. Have an idea, announcement, recipe, or feedback for a future edition? Simply scan the QR codes throughout the newsletter to submit your suggestions!
Any employee who shares feedback or a recipe will be entered to WIN a $50 Visa gift card!
