Our Q3 company meeting kicked off with a warm welcome from Eric Swank.
Jeremy emphasized the importance of these meetings, highlighting our commitment to alignment, transparency, and ensuring that every employee feels heard. He introduced our new slogan: “Evolve Together, Excellence Powered by People!”
DIY Innovations Jay Kindle celebrated the success of our recent DIY initiatives. Here are the highlights:
Peter Dempsey: 42 Total DIYs, 23 Complete, 4 Winning
Drew Pease: 19 Total DIYs, 16 Complete, 6 Winning
Michele Burnett: 15 Total DIYs, 15 Complete, 8 Winning
Overall: 384 Total DIYs, 259 Complete, 110 Winning, with over $13K in rewards.
Q&A Session Eric and the team addressed several key questions from employees:
Company Status: Eric discussed the reasons behind the current work slowdown and its potential impact on hours worked. He reassured everyone about our strategies to maintain growth and manage transitions between projects.
Building Expansion: Jay provided updates on the building expansion, including plans for new AC installations, parking spaces, restrooms, and drainage improvements. He also addressed questions about tornado shelters, campus gym, and designated smoking areas, which are not currently being planned but they will continue to discuss.
Critical Software Projects: Jay also touched on the new timeline for IFS, which is currently projected to be finished in Q2 of 2025.
Company Culture: Damon discussed the possibility of having more food trucks on-site, staggered shift times to reduce congestion, and efforts to address childcare challenges for weekend shifts. He also talked about ongoing efforts to lower health insurance costs and the rationale behind our vacation/PTO accrual system.
Pay and Bonuses: Damon answered questions about the frequency of production bonuses, the process for raises, and the differences in incentive plans between production and office employees. He also explained our approach to adjusting pay scales and the challenges of competing with other companies’ starting wages.
Leadership and Development: Damon acknowledged the need for better communication and evaluation of leadership. He shared plans for leadership standards, employee surveys, peer reviews, and open applications for lead positions, which they are hoping to have ready to kick off by early 2025.
Discounted Buildings & RAE Extras Program Kevin provided an update on the RAE Extras Program, which includes discounted buildings from our sister company, Honeycutt. He mentioned that follow-up resources would be shared with employees.
Simpler Requests and Upcoming Events Dan addressed several simpler requests from employees:
Restroom Amenities: Seat covers and paper towel holders will be added to restrooms and break rooms.
Outdoor Furniture: Discussions are ongoing about adding outdoor benches, picnic tables, and possibly basketball goals. Final plans are yet to be confirmed.
RAE Fest Giveaways: Lawn chairs will be available at RAE Fest, along with a pop-up shop. All items will be first-come, first-served.
Upcoming Events
Manufacturing Week: September 30th - October 4th - events every DAY!
Hallolympics: October 29th (Registration opens end of September)
Christmas Party: November 30th (ticket sales will start two weeks prior)
Flip the Queen and College Pick Em’: Just launched
Conclusion The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of our commitment to continuous improvement and employee engagement. We are excited about the future and look forward to evolving together, powered by the excellence of our people.
Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this meeting. Let’s continue to strive for excellence and support each other as we grow.
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