THE THREAD
| Quarter 2
News for Employee-Owners, Friends, and Families.
HOME SWEET GEORGIA!
Our Tifton Branch is now open! This new facility spans over 25,000 square feet and is our first location in the Peach State! This small but mighty team is looking to grow our reach into the Georgia Market! “Our main focuses are the Pre-Engineered Metal building companies, Engineered and Specialty metal building makers, Pole Barn/Roll Formers, heavy steel fabrication, AG equipment, and OEM plants, as well as some construction trades and MRO/VMI bolt bin accounts.” — Chris Posey, Regional Business Development Manager (Learn More On Page 10
This quarter's Thread is jam-packed with summer content from how to prepare for your summer vacations, hurricanes, and the HEAT! Summer is a time for all to have fun! Take a look at this quarter's newsletter to see what our teams have been up to this summer!
ON WHEELS)
“TheWarehouseonWheels(WOW)isour deliverytruckinOrlandowithThreaded Fasteners,Inc.logoonitssides.Thisisa pictureofWOWatUniversalStudios, Orlandomakinganearlymorning delivery.”
–RickDaneault,OrlandoBranchManager (Learnmoreonpage11)
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Wisdom Nuggets
Almost a year ago this week, we birthed the idea of creating a podcast in order to communicate the nuts and bolts of leadership. The intent was to deliver leadership principles derived from the stories of proven leaders from all across the country. Last month we successfully concluded our first season with our twelfth episode featuring our Senior Leadership explaining why we chose HumbleHungry - Aware as our core values.
One interesting observation from the various guests were the themes that developed with each episode. For example, Mike Rizzo talked about the plurality of leadership; it’s not about me; it’s about the team. Susan Shaw spoke passionately about radical servitude and leading with vulnerability. With every guest, the wisdom nuggets just kept coming;
Learn how to ask tough questions. Know the difference between strategic talent and execution talent.
Find your mission-driven leadership goals. Invest in leaders at every level. Lead from who you are. Invest in continuous improvement. Seek out challenges.
Find a mentor to walk with you on your leadership journey.
I was introduced to Wisdom Nuggets many years ago by Coach Mike Gottfried at a Team Focus Camp. Team Focus is an organization created to walk with young men without fathers. Coach Mike brought in speakers to speak to the young men about life and to mentor them as they navigated life without their father. He encouraged the campers to get out their notebooks and write down the “wisdom nuggets” as the speakers told their stories, and at the end of the camp, they would have an incredible resource.
Two thoughts I’d like to challenge you with on wisdom nuggets. First, they appear every day, in all sorts of situations, from all sorts of people, but (and don’t miss this) you HAVE TO BE looking for them. Secondly, share your story. One of your greatest possessions is your story, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Often times, wisdom nuggets come in the form of what NOT to do. So what’s the most recent nugget you’ve placed in your bucket? Let's be intentional today, looking for the wisdoms all around us.
-Billy Duren, President
Listen to the Nuts and Bolts of Leadership Podcast anywhere you listen to your favorite podcasts or by scanning the QR Code
Here we go again!
SAFETY ARTICLE
For those of us in the south, from Texas through Florida, it’s that time of year again. Hurricane season is from June to November, from our beaches, boating, and baseball through the beginning of hunting season. This time of year is a double-edged sword. Enjoying everything the season offers while keeping an eye on the Atlantic and praying that we don’t see the Weather Channel (Jim Cantore) posted up anywhere near us. While we are just entering the season, I’d like to provide you with a few tips on what we can do to prepare early.
1. Plan your escape route:
Find out where the nearest official shelter in your area is in case you have to leave your home. The Red Cross or your local government can give you this information. Find out what you should bring and if there are restrictions in terms of pets, etc. If you are unfamiliar with the area, make a trial run. If you plan to leave the area entirely, check with city or county officials for the quickest and best route to your destination and the roads to avoid. Keep a good map in your car in case planned evacuation routes cannot be followed.
If you live on the coast or in a mobile home, you’ll probably have to evacuate in the event of a major storm.
2. Take an inventory of your personal property: Make a detailed list of your possessions and back it up with photos or a videotape. Keep one copy in your home and another in a location where it won’t be damaged in a storm. Your inventory will help with insurance claims and tax deductions for losses not covered by insurance.
3. Review your Insurance Policies: If you have questions about what your insurance will cover, now is the time to talk to your agent.
build your kit now:
For example, an emergency kit that includes a three-day supply of drinking water; food you don’t have to refrigerate or cook; first aid supplies; a portable NOAA weather radio; a wrench and other basic tools, and a flashlight. Jot down the name and phone number of your insurance company and agent, and keep this information handy in your wallet or purse.
6. Gather and store all of your important papers and valuable heirlooms in a watertight container if you must evacuate:
Keep important papers with you at all times. Make sure you have the name and phone number of your insurance company or agent.
7. Check your generator to ensure it is in working order. Sometimes Mother Nature has a way of reminding us who’s in charge. While we can’t control when or where a hurricane will hit, the best way to minimize the potential damage and disruption to our lives is to be prepared. We care about our TFI family and want everyone to be safe.
To help us contact you in case of an emergency:
1. Sign up for The Bolt, our TFI text alerts and updates system.
2. Ensure HR has your most updated contact information, so we can reach out and check on our TFI family.
— Cheri Waldrep (EHS Manager)
NEW EMPLOYEES
Zachary Barron Mobile Douglas Allen Semmes
David Ware Semmes
Daniel Blakeney Semmes
Gavin Schultz Semmes
Sterling Taylor Semmes
Bo Hollis Quality Galvanizing
Jeremy Moore Gulfport
Lenz Saint-Jean Tampa
Mathew Sherrer Panama City
James Margetis National Sales
Tyler Quinnie National Distribution
Jimmy Thornhill Orlando
John McIntyre Quality Galvanizing
Erica Guel Lewisville
Kristopher Perkins Lewisville
George Murrill SEF
Charles Jordan Semmes
Mikal Davis Quality Galvanizing
Rebecca Milam National Sales
Marcus Denson Tifton
Kevin Arnone Morris Hill
Trevor Watson Morris Hill
2nd Quarter Anniversaries What's New
HOW TO SAY COOL IN THE SUMMER HEAT
We are quickly rolling into the worst of the summer months, and judging by how things are going; it will be searing this year. While hot weather and outdoor activities are great, knowing how to keep yourself cool is critical. When our bodies produce too much heat or absorb too much heat, it can cause serious issues.
Here are some tips on how to cope and stay safe:
1. Stay Hydrated – adequate hydration is one of the best ways to combat a heatwave.
2. Beware of hot cars – never leave kids, older people, or pets in the car. The temperature inside a parked car can double within just a few minutes.
3. If you’re working in the heat, take lots of breaks – seek out air-conditioned buildings, place a cool cloth on your head and neck, and use a fan to get the air around you circulating.
4. Watch for symptoms of heat-related issues.
Heat exhaustion includes heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; a fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; fatigue; dizziness; headaches and fainting. If you are experiencing these symptoms, sip water, move to a cooler location, if possible, loosen your clothes, or take a cool bath or place cool, wet clothes on your body. Seek medical attention immediately if you vomit or if your symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.
Heat stroke includes a high body temperature (103 °F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; a fast and strong pulse; a headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and passing out. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately, and try to move the person into the shade or a cooler area if available; use cool clothes or a cool bath to lower their body temperature. Do not give them anything to drink.
We want you to have a great summer! Please stay safe, and don’t forget our four-legged friends when battling the summer heat!
— Cheri Waldrep (EHS Manager)
JIMMY THORNHILL WON OUR GUESS THE STOCK PRICE CONTEST! HE WAS ONLY 2 CENTS AWAY FROM THE CORRECT STOCK PRICE INCREASE! JIMMY SPUN THE WHEEL AND RECEIVED 7 TIMES OUR NEW STOCK PRICE. CONGRATS JIMMY!
MILLENNIAL CORNER
Do you remember group projects in school? Some people took group projects to mean “sit back and relax,” while for others, it meant “do most of the work.” This tendency of some individuals to benefit while others “pick up the slack” is often called the Free Rider Problem, an issue where an individual or group of individuals take advantage of a public good without contributing to its production. How many of us have snuck candy into a theater? There are many examples of the free rider problem; not putting your shopping cart back into the designated area, not putting your cup or plate in the dishwasher, overfishing at public fisheries, and more.
One issue of the free rider problem is that when people only think about the benefits to themselves, they may miss the negative impacts on others. Here is an example of the negative impacts of not putting back shopping carts.
1. If you don’t put your shopping cart back, workers must spend more time gathering the carts from around the parking lot.
2. If the workers must spend more time gathering carts, then the business will hire more employees to gather shopping carts.
3. If the business hires more employees to gather shopping carts, they will need to raise the prices of their goods to cover the extra cost.
So, if you don’t put your shopping cart back, then the store will need to raise its prices.
You can replace raising prices with shopping carts hitting cars or not having shopping carts available when you enter the building. There are many negative impacts to not putting back your shopping cart. However, only some cases of the free rider problem have the potential to impact you personally. Sometimes, it’s just the right thing to do.
If someone drops a bolt in the warehouse and decides to leave it instead of picking it up because they are busy, what happens if everyone drops a bolt and leaves it every day? We would have a lot of random bolts on the floor.
The key to solving the free rider problem is to own your part; you are the steward of yourself. How can you own your part?
1. Empower yourself and others: Be the positive change you want to see on your team. You have the power to make a positive and lasting impact every day.
2. Foster trust and awareness: Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Know when a mistake is made and own it. Create a safe environment where people are comfortable and encouraged to voice concerns and needs.
3. Own the day: Today is THE day. Why do something tomorrow when it can be done today?
I want to challenge each of you that if you see something, do something.
From one generation to another,
Hali Gibson
EMPLOYEE-OWNER SPOTLIGHT
What's New?
ShelbyStewart CertificationTeamLeader Mobile,AL
Most of you will know me by my voice and not necessarily by my face. “Good morning, good afternoon, and thank you for calling Threaded Fasteners Shelby speaking” “Sure, I will be glad to help you get those certs.” For the newer family members, my voice might be the only way you know me, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to finally put a face with the voice and name.
In 2011, I went to work for our Threaded Family as the Receptionist. It fit. I had years and years of experience answering the phones and talking to the public. Everyone that knows me also knows I love speaking, talking and am a people person. I have stories forever.
By the end of my first year, I had learned so much about Threaded Fasteners from the different family members that I was ready to jump into another opportunity to help our customers/employees. So, with some help from a few, I became the MTR/Certification provider for the Mobile Branch when downtown, and now the National Distribution Center, also known as NDC-99.
There were a few more things I learned about Threaded Fasteners by the end of my first year.
I learned our family team ran deep. Threaded began in 1979 with two family men, a truck, and a rented building in downtown Mobile, AL. Their first order was made on 1/28/1980, and they never looked back. Moving forward was their goal. Serving Mobile and the surrounding areas by providing the best experience for their fastener needs was the basis of their dream. Growing the company outside Mobile was their next step in the dream. They didn’t stop, and with the dedicated family members they hired as time passed, we now have locations in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and Georgia.
Love for family is a constant. It was established in the conception of the company. Each employee is made to feel they are part of a second family that supports each other daily. There are always smiles, laughter, good mornings, and you look great today, and so on.
Serving our customer families with a servant attitude is what we should strive for each day. Setting goals and standards ensures we give our very best to our customers.
Dedication, humility, eagerness, and sincerity demonstrated by our employee family members set us apart from other companies.
With such qualities as above, we serve a wide span of industries like utility, steel fabrication, DOT, industrial/chemical, commercial marine, metal building, construction, original equipment manufacturer, hurricane protection, agriculture, vendor managed inventory, just to name some. Our manufacturing locations have produced, packed, and distributed millions of fasteners and related materials to clients from California to the Carolina's and hundreds of points in between. I pray the family business example we have adapted will help be the builder of other companies that want to grow a business family and leave a mark in the industry.
It is also my prayer, with all its continued growth through the hard work of each family member; Threaded Fasteners will one day be known as the anchor in the Fastener Business for the state of Alabama and across the United States. What a blessing and a celebration to be had in honor of the two men, a truck, and a rented building.
I’m so thankful to be a part of our Threaded Family.
Did You Know! Own It Team Focus
HOW TO LOG IN TO ESOP CONNECTION
Connecting you to your Employee Stock Ownership Plan!
If you are in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, you have all the information you need at your fingertips.
Employees are automatically enrolled at the next entry point (1/1, 4/1, 7/1 & 10/1) when they meet the following criteria:
1: If you are at least 18 years of age. 2: If you have been an employee for one year.
3: If you have worked 1,000 hours in a plan year.
Once you have met all the criteria, you can access your ESOP Connection account after you receive your first statement.
Example: Gertrude started in February 2023. Her first statement will be available late summer of 2025.
Example: Eugene started in November 2019. His first statement would have been available to him late summer of 2022.
Follow the instructions below to gain access to your ESOP Connection account.
1.Go to www.esopconnection.com/threadedfas teners/
2.Type in your first and last name.
3.For first-time users, your password is your Social Security Number.
Once logged in, you will be able to do the following:
View your ESOP account value. Complete/view your Beneficiary Form. Breakdown of your plan year, including variables such as Cash, Stocks, Contributions, Gains/Losses, & Ending Balance. View the ESOP Connection glossary. View your statement. Update & verify your personal information.
Update your password. Access forms such as Beneficiary, Distribution Election, Diversification Election, & Tax forms. View the current Summary Plan Description. (SPD) View FAQs.
ALL EMPLOYEES WITH SILVER OR PLATINUM MEDICAL COVERAGE HAVE ACCESS TO HEALTHJOY?
What is HealthJoy?
HealthJoy provides access to online medical professionals, healthcare experts and all employee benefits.
HealthJoy makes staying healthy easy with a platform that brings all your benefits together in one place. Find providers, discover pharmacy savings, and keep track of medical bills. Receive instant help when you need it most by accessing virtual urgent care any hour of the day.
To get started, download the app and activate your account. HealthJoy is the first stop for all your healthcare and employee benefits needs.
On Saturday, June 24th, TFI volunteers teamed up with young people from Team Focus for our 2nd Quarter Community Event. Terri Walker, Kaitlyn Holman, Brandi Woodward & Cheri Waldrep oversaw cooking & serving a delicious breakfast buffet consisting of eggs, sausage, grits, & biscuits with orange juice. We even had some younger volunteers, Maddie (Ashley Bryan's daughter) & Mychaela (Brandi Woodward's niece), showing off their cooking skills in the kitchen.
After breakfast, the young men gathered outside the breakroom to assemble & paint precut birdhouses. Leading the project were Jerrad Douberly & Randall Conner. Team Focus parents attended two brief classes in the breakroom: Nutrition & Mental Health by Stacey Clements from Victory Health & Financial Education by our very own CFO, Ashley Bryan.
Overall, we had an excellent turnout & look forward to planning more community events. Be on the lookout to volunteer to be part of our future grants committee. If you'd like to sign up to get involved & learn more, contact Amy Rowe at arowe@tfmfg.com
Special thanks to the following for making this day possible! We could not be who we are without you!
Ashley Bryan (Home Office)
Randall Connor (Semmes)
Calvin Davison (Home Office)
If you have any issues with activation or logging in, scan the QR code or call HealthJoy at (877) 500-3212.
For more information on Healthjoy contact the HR Team at hr@tfmfg.com.
Jerrad Douberly (Home Office) & Susan Shaw
Kelvin Fleming (NDC)
Kaitlyn Holman (Home Office)
Malayna Potter (NDC)
Georgia Rives (NDC)
Cheri Waldrep (Home Office)
Terri Walker (Home Office) & Steve Digman
Chad Wittner (NDC)
Brandi Woodward (Home Office)
We would also like to thank Steve Digman for coordinating with Ford Lumber the donation of tool aprons.
- Amy Rowe, Executive
OWNERS PAGE
Senior Leadership Training
FellowOwners,
Inourpursuitofexcellence,wearedelightedtosharethefoundationofour recentseniorleadertrainingsession,centeredaroundthreepowerful pillars:Hungry,Humble,andAware.Withafocusonleveragingend-ofmonthreportreviews,thesepillarshaveproventobetransformativein manyways,especiallyinhoningtheskillsofourseniorleadersthrough fosteringadata-drivendecision-makingprocess.
HungryforKnowledge:Ahallmarkofgreatleadershipisthehungerfor knowledgeandgrowth.Ourtrainingsessionsencouragedseniorleadersto becurious,eager,andopen-mindedabouttheinsightsgainedfromend-ofmonthreportreviews.Byinstillingathirstforunderstandingthedatathat shapesTFI’sperformance,weempowerourleaderstomakethebestwellinformeddecisionsfromthedataathand.
Throughpeer-to-peercollaborationandhands-onexercises,oursenior leadersimmersedthemselvesindataanalysis,moldingtheirabilityto extractmeaningfulpatternsandtrendsfromouroperatingsystem.This hungerforknowledgefueledtheirpassiontodriveimprovementsandseize opportunitiesthatwillpropelourorganizationforwardforyearstocome.
HumbleinApproach:Trueleadershipisunderpinnedbyhumility—a recognitionthatthereisalwaysroomforimprovementandlearningfrom others.Ourtrainingsessioninstilledacultureofhumilityamongsenior leadersastheyembarkedonthistrainingsession.
Byfosteringanenvironmentwhereourleadersactivelyseekfeedbackand insightsfromtheirpeers,theygainedabetterunderstandingofTFI’skey performanceindicatorsandwheretoextractthereportstoidentifyeach areaofperformance.Thishumbleapproachencouragedcollaboration, transparency,andanappreciationforeachperson’sperspective,leading toabetterdecision-makingprocessbasedonacomprehensive understandingofthedataandreports.
AwareofImpact:Leadershipatitscorerequiresself-awareness—akeen understandingofone'sstrengths,weaknesses,andtheimpactoftheir decisions.Ourtrainingsessionemphasizedthesignificanceofbeingaware ofthedecisionsbeingmadeandtheimpactthateachdecisionhasonour organization,andhowtousedatatomakethebestdecisionsforTFI.
WithHungry,Humble,andAwareasguidingpillars,ourSeniorLeader Traininghaselevatedourdecision-makingprocess.Wecelebratea leadershipteamthatembracesdatawithcuriosity,fosterscollaboration throughhumility,andmakesdecisionswithaprofoundawarenessoftheir impact.
IamverythankfulthatDavidSpurlock-ExecutiveVicePresident,Chris Thomas-SVPofDistribution,MarkHuddleston-VPofSupplyChain,Erick Ramos-VPofNationalSales,ScottKillin-RVPWesternRegion,Dan Edwards-RVPEasternRegion,andDonSearcy-Businessdevelopment wereallinattendanceandparticipatedatthehighestlevelsduringour trainingsessions.
ThankYou, JerradDouberly,COO
New Employee Orientation
Our HR Team hosted New Employee Orientation (NEO) for a small group of new employees. Employees heard from executive leadership and departments on things like organizational structure, safety, benefits, training, community involvement, and more.
Tifton Branch Opening
WeareexcitedtosharewithyouthatourTifton,GA, Branchisupandopenforbusiness.Wehavea25,000+ facilityjustoffI-75inTifton,GA,whichisabout65miles fromtheFLAlineandabout1.5hoursfromTallahassee and2hoursfromJacksonville.Atpresent,wehavethree peopleinthebuildingandhopetoadda4thbytheend oftheyear.Tiftonwillbeoneofthefirstmicrocell manufacturingbranches.Thiswillenableustoturnout smallbatchesofanchorboltsandothergoodswiththe helpofourlargerMFGfacilities.Weareexcitedtobe thefirstlocationtogetthismicrocellandseewhatitcan offerourcustomersandourotherbrancheswhenthe needarises.
OurmainfocusesarethePre-EngineeredMetalbuilding companies,EngineeredandSpecialtymetalbuilding makers,PoleBarn/RollFormers,heavysteelfabrication, AGequipment,andOEMplants,aswellassome constructiontradesandMRO/VMIboltbinaccounts.Our serviceareawillspanfromMacon,GA,tothe panhandle,andColumbus,GA,toSavannah,GA.Allin All,weareecstaticaboutthetaskaheadandcontinuing thejourneythatstartedheretwoyearsago.
Withouttheworkandeffortfromallourteams,wecould notbeheretodaygettingthisnewpieceofTFIupand running.So,wethankyouforthatandlookforwardto servingyouandourcustomersalike.
AlltheBest, TFITifton
Culture is defined as:
The arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement are regarded collectively.
The ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society. The set of knowledge acquired over time by a group of people who share common values and traditions.
The characteristic features of everyday existence (such as diversions or a way of life) are shared by people in a place or time.
Now I encourage you that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. And above all, these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
Often times, when different people, from different areas of life, with different social, economic, religion, and political backgrounds come together. We attempt to create a multicultural environment that fits all, and that is impossible. Culture must be singular with the capability of meeting the needs of the people that is presently a part of that culture. Our culture will not meet the needs of all people, but our culture will meet the needs of all TFI employee-owners. How do we establish the right culture?
Arts, our language, the way we communicate the message. Ideas, customs, and social behaviors.
People that share common values and traditions.
The different ways of life are shared by people.
How do we do this to fit the needs of all the employees at TFI. Our mission statement is key: to create value in and for the people we serve. As stated above, we should:
1.Speak the same language.
2.No division among us.
3.Be perfectly joined together in the same mind.
4.Share in the same judgment.
5.Put on charity (love) which is the bond (glue) of peace.
By doing these things, the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will keep our hearts and mind in perfect peace as we continue to create value for one another and serve each other through servant leadership. The TFI culture will continue to be established in each location. Culture is established through time, hard work, and the willingness of each of us doing our part to work alongside the other. It is up to us to establish an environment where we can:
Become Believe Belong
-Calvin Davison, Training and Personal Development
References: 1 Corinthians 1:10; Colossians 3:14; Philippians 4:7
TFI Water Cooler
What is the Warehouse on Wheels?
Due to the traffic congestion in Orlando, we needed an efficient way to deliver products. Instead of making multiple deliveries, this truck can make the delivery and have items readily available. Currently there are 305 items on the truck with frequently ordered items that we keep in stock like PPE, dry wall screws and nuts and bolts. We also have things customers may not think to order from Threaded Fasteners such as water, ladders, and gas cans.
By bringing the store to the job sites we can assist the customers to be timelier in receiving products they need. It helps our branch by saving time and money when traveling for deliveries. It is also a great marketing tool because when other customers see WOW, they know who to call for their needs. This is a work in progress, but it has been and will continue to be successful.
- Rick Daneault, Orlando Branch Manager
Picture of WOW on a Job site at a new Hotel called “Conrad Orlando Hilton”
