AUGUST 26TH 2025
EDITION NO. 6
y l k e e w Carat The
03 04 05 06 08 10 11
03 04 05 06 08 10 11
In this issue.
04 05 06 07 08
Location Spotlight Off the Clock
The HR Cut
Supporting Wellness
Leaders’ Board
Location Spotlight Salem We are pleased to announce that all positions for Salem have been filled minus 1 service position!! The crew started 08/18/25 as a group (big thanks to Kara) and we are excited to welcome them. Training is being conducted in Manchester as well as carve outs in the Nashua store (thanks Eric!). A huge shoutout to all Manchester employees that have been supportive of the controlled mayhem involved in ramping up a new team. Couldn’t have done it without you guys!!
Manchester Manchester has had a busy summer! We have been conducting interviews for the Salem store as well as completing staffing requirements for the Manchester store in order to fill gaps and prepare for 4th quarter. We have had the pleasure of welcoming Tony back to the company and have enjoyed his brief visit while transitioning to the Salem operation.
-Paul
off off the clock clock A Lifetime Hobby by Mark Poulin I started flying model airplanes at the age of 10 and building them soon after. The passion for this hobby has only grown...in inverse proportion to my hearing. I started with U-control at age 8 or so and graduated to flying R/C at 10 when my father purchased my first radio (which still works today). Despite all the foam airplanes with battery power you can buy, I still prefer to build my own and power them with nitro-methane engines. Way more tedious, but far more rewarding...and they can fly in more windy conditions! Here are some pics of my Maricardo, Dirty Birdie and my Kougar. The Maricardo (teal and white) was built by me and has been flying for well over 10 years. The Kougar (red/white/blue) was built by an old club member who passed and has been flying for 22 years. The Dirty Birdie (red/white) was built for me under commission and has been flying for about 14 years. Always a sad day when they crash (and they always do at some point), but it is just a way of freeing up engines and equipment for the next build!
Your moment to shine is coming up! Dates for Open Enrollment Events at a Store/Department Near You!
the HR Cut
Get ready to Sparkle! Open Enrollment is just around the corner starting September 15th. It’s your annual opportunity to review your benefits and choose the coverage that helps you shine inside and out. Lauryl will be coming to your store/department to meet with anyone that wants a one-on-one planning session. We love this time of year! We love supporting YOU!
Open Enrollment Event Date/Time
Location
September 15th – 8 am to 4 pm
HEM
September 18th – 10 am to 5 pm
Nashua
September 19th – 10 am to 5 pm
Manchester & Salem
September 22nd – 10 am to 1 pm
Auburn
September 22nd - 1:30 pm to 5 pm
Topsham
September 24th – 9:30 am to Noon
Waterville
September 24th – 1 pm to 4 pm
Augusta
September 25th & September 26th
Missed Employees via Teams
Supporting Wellness Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare Living Well To-Go Kits - FINAL DRAWING!
And the winners are... Creating Calm to-go kit (13 oz Ceramic Mug & Chamomile Comfort tea, Tea tip card): Koko Bolliger – Bangor Sadie Bunton – S Portland Four legs forward to-go kit – (Purple Dog leash and collar set and the “Pick it Up pet bag dispenser. Tips for walking dog card): Chase Begin – Augusta Matthew Sirois – S Portland Eco-friendly Lunch to go-kit - (Lunch kit, featuring washable, insulated 7L cooler bag, bamboo bento box and reusable cutlery set in a travel case. Reducing food waste tip card): Christian Roderiques - Manchester Home sustainability to-go kit – (Set of wool dryer balls, reusable food storage pouch, ecofriendly sponge and beeswax paper in a recycled cotton drawstring bag): Jean Willette - HEM Out of the Woods Journal to-go kit – (Recycled seed paper journal and Market Mini Tote. Journaling tip card): Eric Arnold - Nashua Safe and Sound to-go kit – (Key-chain Whistle, Siren and tactical pen. Self-defense tip card): Lorie Rano – Auburn Stephanie Roderigue – Topsham Morgan Munroe - Waterville
Living Healthy/ Living Well Check out Voodoo [Amelia’s pup] sporting his new ‘Living Healthy/Living Well’ collar and leash. Look at him!!
Leaders’ Leaders’ Board Board
-LT Sierra, Territory Manager
“Lead from where you stand” Julie Miller-Phipps “When I say lead from where you stand, you don’t have to be a manager or president,” she explained. “Whatever position you’re in, do the best you can and learn as much as you can. Watch other leaders. Look for mentors. Take charge of your career.” This excerpt is taken from Julie Miller-Phipps, former President of Kaiser Permanente and the article can be found here: https://news.fullerton.edu/2019/02/julie-miller-phipps/ Too often we think leadership is tied to a position or a nameplate on a door. But the truth is, leadership has nothing to do with titles. It’s about the way you show up, day after day. Anyone can be an influential leader, no matter where they are. Here are three ways to embrace that role: 1. Lead by Example The most powerful leaders don’t need to say much, they simply live it. When you show up with integrity, take initiative, and handle challenges with courage, people notice. Your actions inspire others far more than words ever could. Leadership begins with setting the standard for yourself first. 2. Build Influence Through Relationships Leadership is about people, not power. When you listen, support, and encourage others, you build trust. And trust is the true currency of influence. When teammates know you care about their success, they naturally begin to look to you for guidance, regardless of your title. 3. Add Value Consistently Every team values the person who brings solutions, shares ideas, and helps others succeed. The more you contribute, the more your presence becomes essential. Over time, your consistent value makes you a leader in the eyes of those around you, not because of a position, but because of your impact. The truth is, leadership is a choice, not a title. If you focus on leading by example, building relationships, and adding value, you’ll discover that people will follow you. Not because they are expected to, but because they want to. As an employee-owned company, our success can be controlled by one simple idea: Wherever you stand—lead.
POLLS RESULTS FROM EDITION 5: You can only eat one dessert for the rest of your life. What would it be? Top Answer: warm chocolate chip cookies.