Leadership Message by Larry H. Miller Real Estate President Brad Holmes
The past eight months have affected the lives of people around the globe, including our own community and organization in ways we could have never predicted. Our points of reference changed overnight. We were forced to modify instantly our habits and discover a new normal for work, school, and living. I am proud and inspired by the way our company has risen to this challenge—with integrity, flexibility, and resilience.
For many, November is a month of reflection and a time to celebrate the people, places and things for which we are thankful. Today, I would like to acknowledge and express my gratitude for our property management and custodial teams. These men and women have worked tirelessly to keep our buildings clean, sanitized, and functional for daily use. They are providing safe spaces to conduct business and the work they do is foundational to the work our organization does. Under “normal” business circumstances, it’s a huge job, but made even more important, and risky, by the coronavirus. But the job is not only being done, its being done exceptionally well.
I’d like to spotlight a few people in particular. Bob Toone, the facilities manager at Jordan Commons, BJ Kiel, the property manager at Jordan Commons, and Diana Armitage, the custodial manager at Jordan Commons. Each of these valued leaders have worked tirelessly for the organization for years (Diana for 25!) and used that expertise to help us stay on top of the COVID-19 crisis.
The hard work and dedication to their profession was demonstrated in the early days of the pandemic as they were able to immediately identify sanitization needs of the entire company and begin the process of securing supplies and equipment. Items that were once readily available, like hand sanitizer, masks, surface cleaners and disinfectants, were nearly impossible to find – yet vital to keeping our offices, theatres and dealerships open to employees and guests. While many businesses were struggling to adapt to the new requirements, our team was adding hand sanitizer stations and hand wipes at entrances and public pathways. Masks were made available for employees, along with hand sanitizer and hand wipes. Signs encouraging proper disinfection and social distancing were placed throughout our business locations and the Jordan Commons complex. Perhaps most importantly, these individuals made sure that daily cleaning and disinfecting practices were enhanced everywhere.
As stressful as I know this experience has been for all of us, I am uplifted and reassured by all the ways people across our organization are working to keep everyone safe and prepared to weather this crisis. It is hard work and dedication like that shown by everyone responsible for our facilities that makes the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies the “Best place in town to work and the best place in town to do business.”