CARIBOU — Several S.W. Collins staff members, including Employee of the Year, were honored March 5 during the annual company banquet at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center.
Chris Putnam of Hermon, a customer service rep and inventory manager at the Lincoln store, was named S.W. Collins’ Employee of the Year. He formerly worked seven years at the Houlton branch and 18 years before that with the Almon H. Fogg Company. In August he will mark 25 years in the hardware industry.
Scott Dionne, branch manager for the Houlton and Lincoln locations, nominated Putnam for the honor. “Chris brings so much to our company, and we are lucky to have him working in our newest location in Lincoln. He represents well our company mission: To continue to offer excellent products and legendary service as we strive to be an active, positive influence in the communities in which we live and work,” he said.
According to Dionne, the S.W. Collins Company has a unique approach for selecting their Employee of the Year. “The voting for this award falls with all employees and is not a decision made solely by management. We find a lot of truth in this process. The recipient must display characteristics that his/her coworkers deem unique and of great benefit to our company,” he added.
Putnam, who is married and has three children, will receive a weekend getaway package from his employer.
Others recognized during the annual banquet were: Wayne Mazerolle of Limestone, a 25-year employee who currently manages the Caribou lumberyard; and Barb Michaud of Perham, who has 20 years with the company, most recently as a kitchen and bath designer at the PI store. Tony Collins of Caribou received the Driver of the Year award while Wendy Caron from Houlton and Christian Beckwith from Presque Isle, were honored as Heart and Soul Award recipients.
S.W. Collins, with over 80 full- and part-time employees, is a family-owned full-service lumber and building materials supply center. Since its beginning in 1844 in Caribou, the company has grown to include retail stores in Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton and Lincoln as well as a Home Design Center in Caribou and a mill in Limestone.
Contributed photo
Chris Putnam, formerly of Houlton, was honored March 5 as Employee of the Year at S.W. Collins Company. Taking part in the presentation were, from left, Sam Collins, president; Putnam, Scott Dionne, Houlton and Lincoln store manager; and Gregg Collins, vice president.
