~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WHOM DO YOU NEED TO NOMINATE FOR THE KUDOS AWARD? For information about the Customer Service Kudos Award, please call Juli Messenger at 249-6360, or you may visit our Web site (www.montrosemama.org) to nominate someone.

MAMA News & Customer Service "KUDOS" Award Winners

Name:  Troy McReynolds Occupation: President of company Place of employment: Affordable Auto Glass, Inc. Time in this position: 16 years Time in Montrose: 19 years Best/favorite part of your job: “The best part of my job is saving people money. I provide a service and come to them.” Secret to providing excellent customer service: “Treating customers like you want to be treated.” Nominated by: Lizzy Rankin Nomination quotation: “Troy from Affordable Auto Glass always makes customer service his first priority. However, on Friday, May 4, 2007, he took it to a new level. He came to our office building within 15 minutes of our call on a Friday afternoon. My coworker's rear side window had been accidentally broken, and we needed someone to look at it ASAP. He fit her right in and got her scheduled the following Monday morning for the repair. I considered his response outstanding and unbelievable! He really came through and he has for me, my family, and colleagues before. Thanks so much, Troy! You're the best!”  Response to winning the Kudos Award: “I feel honored and surprised. Just doing my job is rewarding to me; I really enjoy it!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Troy McReynolds! Congratulations, Troy, and keep up the good work!

Name: Abe Cardenas Occupation: Mechanic/Alignment Technician Place of employment: Standard Tire & Service Center Time in Montrose: one year Best/favorite part of your job: “The customers, my coworkers, and being able to work on cars are the best.” Secret to providing excellent customer service: “I put myself in their shoes; if I treat them the way I want to be treated it will work out. The customer service training I received has been very important and helpful.” Nominated by:Rick McLeod-Plattsmouth,NE               Nomination quotation: “Abe is very polite and thorough. He diagnosed issues quickly and provided outstanding technical guidance when repairing my vehicle. I’ve had two other tire shops work on this Jeep, and he took the time to repair stuff that other shops overlooked. Thank you, Abe.” Also, Nominated by: Roy Barker and Kristen Noonan – Telluride, CO Nomination quotation: “We feel Abe provided not just exceptional personable service, but friendly, informative and efficient customer assistance. Being new to the area and expecting our first child, one can imagine how every little bit helps. I can honestly say that, after our visit here and encounter with Abe, we will not only be back ourselves, but will be happy to recommend Abe at Standard Tire.” Response to winning the Kudos Award: “I think it’s awesome! I never thought I would receive this. This is something to be proud of, and I give credit to Tom for the training. Thanks for nominating me and thanks to Tom for giving me a shot.” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Abe Cardenas! Congratulations, Abe, and keep up the good work!

Name: Vic Madril Occupation: Mail Carrier Place of employment: United States Postal Service Time in position: 14 years Time in Montrose: 12 years Best part of the job: “The best part is talking with the customers.” Customer Service Excellence Secret: “I listen to what the customers want.” Nominated by: Amiessa Jutten Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: “Vic stops by the Chamber of Commerce on his regular mail route. He is always bright and cheerful, and when he walks in the door, he brings a smile. One day we asked if he had room in his truck to take some of the 30 boxes of directories we needed to mail, hoping he could take some to cut down on our haul to the Post Office. Vic looked at the boxes, smiled, and enthusiastically offered to take all of them. He took half on the spot, then came back after completing his route and stopped in for the rest. We feel that this is above and beyond the call of duty. We appreciate Vic's help so much!” Response to winning the Kudos Award: “I am pleased and surprised!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Vic Madril! Congratulations, Vic, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Dee Barber Occupation:  Sales Associate Place of employment:  Sears Time in position:  two and one-half years Time in Montrose:  nine years Best part of the job:  “My customers are the best part of my job!” Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “I love people.” Nominated by:  Rosella Lloyd - Cedaredge Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “I was trying to find filters for a Kenmore Deluxe Water Purifier.  Sears did not have them in stock.  Dee looked on the internet, and found a picture of the type that I have.  She got the numbers and called the Grand Junction Sears store.  They did not have what I needed.  Dee then called a place and ordered two filters for me.  They did not accept a gift card for payment, but would take my check.  She arranged for UPS to deliver the filters to my address.  Dee Barker is the most helpful clerk that I have had in many years.  Thank you, Dee!”  Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “I think it's terrific.  Whenever you work retail, you hear a lot of the negatives.  It's so refreshing to hear positives!”  The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Dee Barker! Congratulations, Dee, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Bob Swanson Occupation:  Service Advisor Place of employment:  Turner Automotive Inc. Time in position:  eight years Time in Montrose:  17 years Best part of the job:  “The best part of the job is dealing with customers.”  Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “I always try to keep a smile, no matter what.”

Nominated by:  Tara Thompson Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “Each time I've been in for an oil change or for my vehicles to be worked on; Bob has always had a smile on his face and explains everything being done to my car.  As a female, it's kind of intimidating going into an auto garage, but Bob has always answered my questions or found someone that could.  I trust taking my vehicles to Turner because of Bob.  He's the first person I see to hand over my keys, and the last person to give them back to me.  I believe having someone like Bob at the front desk is an asset to Turner.  Keep up the good work!”   Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “It feels pretty good, and so unexpected.”  The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Bob Swanson! Congratulations, Bob, and keep up the good work!

Name: Liz Lemmon Occupation: Travel Agent Place of employment: Mountain View Travel Time in position: 22 years Time in Montrose: Off and on since 1963 Best part of the job: "The best part of the job is the nice people." Customer Service Excellence Secret: "The secret is to listen, be compassionate, and never give up!" Nominated by: Joni Hornbeck

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "My father became critically ill and was dying at the hospital in Rochester, NY, and my family called for me to come home. I tried to find airline flights on the usual websites, but was unable to fine anything quickly, so I went to Mountain View Travel. Liz was able to get me there the next day via Gunnison Airport, and in time to see my dad before he passed away. I am so thankful for those people who do their jobs well, unassumingly, and with kindness. Those little things mean a lot." Response to winning the Kudos Award: "I'm very thankful to Joni Hornbeck. I'm glad I was able to help her." The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Liz Lemmon! Congratulations, Liz, and keep up the good work!

Name: Linda Johnson Occupation: Courtesy Clerk Place of employment: City Market, downtown Time in position: five years Time in Montrose: 17 years Best part of the job: “The people are the best part of the job.” Customer Service Excellence Secret: “My love for the Lord, and my love for the people.”

Nominated by: Ray Murphy Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: “Linda has a wonderfully cheerful attitude. Frequently we cross paths at City Market, and she always has a smile and a sincere hello or good morning. I rarely have a need for assistance at City Market, but I am sure she would cheerfully help in any way she could. It is refreshing and delightful to "cross paths" with her. City Market is lucky to have her as an employee.” Response to winning the Kudos Award: “I am surprised and awe-struck. I live in a great town full of great people.” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Linda Johnson! Congratulations, Linda, and keep up the good work!

Name: Fernando Flores Nominated by: Norma and Terry Haynes Customer Service Excellence Secret: "The secret is to love what you're doing!" Best part of the job: "Customer satisfaction makes me happy." Occupation: ManagerPlace of employment: Fiesta Guadalajara Time in position: six yearsTime in Montrose: one and one-half years

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "Fernando Flores has the most genuine and sincere attitude as he meets customers. His face lights up, he has a broad smile and warm hand shake. Although we are weekly customers, he still welcomes us as if we were members of his family. He is truly a 'hands on' manager: greeting guests, delivering orders, bussing tables, vacuuming floors and working side by side with his staff. He manages an organized and efficient group of people who are always well-groomed and friendly."   The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Fernando Flores! Congratulations, Fernando, and keep up the good work! Response to winning the Kudos Award: "I am proud and happy. I was not expecting this."

Name: Michelle Turuc Occupation: Customer Service Representative Place of employment: Scott's Printing and Graphics Time in position: six years Time in Montrose: 27 years Best part of the job: “The best part is meeting the people and doing research to get them what they need.”

Customer Service Excellence Secret: “Listening to the customers.” Nominated by: Karen Fox Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: “I went in to get some information (not knowing exactly what I wanted), and was given a very detailed account of what could be provided. She is very friendly and outgoing. I felt as if I were the only person she was dealing with that day. Her time was my time – a great asset to your company. And I was just after some info!” Response to winning the Kudos Award: “I am very excited!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Michelle Turuc! Congratulations, Michelle, and keep up the good work!

Name: Tony Manzanares Occupation: Chef Place of Employment: Daily Bread Time in position: 4-Years Time in Montrose: 35 Years Best part of the job:“The best part of my job is customer service.” Customer Service Excellence Secret: “Being attentive is the secret.” Nominated by: Scott Pekeris Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: “Tony is always friendly, competent, and thorough. In addition to preparing the meal orders, he serves it himself, and asks if any condiments are wanted. It's a pleasure to be a customer at the Daily Bread.” Response to winning the Kudos Award: “It's nice to be rewarded. I'm excited!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Tony Manzanares! Congratulations, Tony, and keep up the good work!

Name: Maddy Abruzzese, owner - Rose Blacker and CeCe Brown, staff. Place of employment:  Maddy's Coop Time in position: four years Time in Montrose: Maddy has been here since 1985. Best part of the job: Maddy – Maddy – "The people. I like making people happy."Rose – "The relaxed way people shop here. "Customer Service: Excellence Secret: Maddy – "Be happy."Rose – "Be helpful, not pushy." Nominated by: Joanna Pistor

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "The gals that worked that day were very helpful and friendly. They asked if they could help me and even looked for me when I disappeared downstairs for awhile. There wasn't a price on an item, and they called one or two people to find out the price. I was also informed of sales and felt very welcome there. It was a fun place to browse and buy." Response to winning the Kudos Award: Maddy – "It's a big surprise, and I'm honored." Rose – "It makes me want to come to work." The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Maddy's Coop! Congratulations, ladies, and keep up the good work!

Name: Carrie Bales Occupation: Comfort Advisor, and Customer Service Representative Place of employment: One-Hour Heating and Air Conditioning (formerly Montrose Plumbing and Heating) Time in position: two and one-half years Time in Montrose: three years Best part of the job: "The people I work with, including our customers." Customer Service Excellence Secret: "Patience."

Nominated by: Bill Royce Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "I've been doing business with Montrose Plumbing for several years. My first contact is usually Carrie. She is very professional, courteous, and a real pleasure to work with. Most recently, I decided to start a maintenance contract for my heating and air conditioning. Carrie walked me through the whole deal, even arranging with my bank for automatic payments. Carrie’s a definite asset to Montrose Plumbing (now One-Hour Heating and Air Conditioning)." Response to winning the Kudos Award: "Royce told me he nominated me. He's a very special customer to us. This makes me feel very special, too." The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Carrie Bales! Congratulations, Carrie, and keep up the good work!

Mr. Mussellmann was interviewed and presented with the Kudos Award on July 30. Although Mr. Mussellmann passed away on Saturday, August 4. His wife has requested that his Kudos Award article run this week as scheduled. Name: Eldon Musselmann Occupation: THE Montrose Bootman Place of employment: Eldon's Boot and Shoe Repair Time in position: 41 years Time in Montrose: 41 years Best part of the job: "People brought me the things nobody else could or would do. I would do what needed to be done." Customer Service Excellence Secret: "Keep smiling!"

Nominated by: Bill and Dorothy Summer Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "Eldon has been serving Montrose repairing shoes for as long as we can remember. He has always done an excellent job in good time. He solved any shoe problem we had." Nominated by: Karen Walchle Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "Eldon has given Montrose at least 30 years of faithful service as the boot and shoe repairman. He is the only one from Durango to Grand Junction. He has fought cancer for years and still has kept the shop open as much as possible. While he is taking chemotherapy, he is trying to finish up everyone's work, because he cares so much. I have gone to him for 30 years and he has been so kind in his quiet way, and faithful to this community, to the detriment of his own health." Response to winning the Kudos Award: "I think it is very prestigious." To the Mussellmann family, the Montrose Area Merchants send our sincere appreciation for 41 years of excellent customer service to the Montrose community.

Name:  Lisa Wing Occupation:  Teller Place of employment:  Alpine Bank – south branch Time in position:  five and one-half years Time in Montrose:  ten years Best part of the job:  “The customers and fellow employees are the best parts of my job.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:   “Treat customers as I wish to be treated.” Nominated by:  J.R. and Anita Pate Smith

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “With each transaction, Lisa is always very pleasant, professional, knowledgeable and efficient!  She is just a delight to work with and always goes the ‘extra mile’ when needed.  She is a definite asset to Alpine Bank.  It is a happy bank, and Kudos go to Dale Davidson and all his staff as well as Lisa!” Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “I am dumbfounded and so excited!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Lisa Wing! Congratulations, Lisa, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Robyn Westergaard Occupation:  Fuel Center Assistant Manager Place of employment:  City  Market Downtown Time in position:  three years Time in Montrose:  three years Best part of the job:  “I like the people, and I meet all kinds.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “I treat people the way I want to be treated.” Nominated by:  Clara George

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “In March I fell and broke my hip.  When I was able to drive, I'd pull up to the gas station and Robyn would come out to help me.  She'd wash my window and take my check.  She made me feel really good – she is someone who cares and is concerned about how I am doing, is pleasant and caring.  Robyn is a joy to know, and City Market is lucky to have her as an employee.” Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “I am really tickled.  I love to help all our customers.” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Robyn Westergaard! Congratulations, Robyn, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Dena Prescott Occupation:  Sales Associate Place of employment:  Dunlaps Time in position:  five years Time in Montrose:  seven years Best part of the job:   “The best part is the customers.  I get to know a lot of people.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:   “There isn’t a secret.  I treat the people like I want to be treated.” Nominated by:  Maureen Funston

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:   “Dena is so helpful, cheerful, willing to answer questions from anyone.  I saw her helping a lady in a wheelchair out of her car.  I have observed her several times, waiting on people, always polite and happy.  She is a good representative of the profession.” Response to winning the Kudos Award:   “I think it’s wonderful!   It’s nice to know they like me as much as I like them.  It is so nice!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Dena Prescott! This is Dena’s second Kudos Award.  Congratulations, Dena, and keep up the good work!

Name: Carla Gartner Occupation: Store Manager Place of employment: Heirlooms for Hospice Time in position: two years Time in Montrose: "I graduated from Montrose High in 1980. I've been back 7 years." Best part of the job: "There are so many wonderful things: every day you are doing something to help others that matters. Also I love the relationships among volunteers, staff, patients, the community -- all the family of Hospice." Customer Service Excellence Secret: "I guess it's just my love of people. Every person matters. I try to learn and remember everyone's name. It's important. The sound of your name is the sweetest sound to a person."

The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends "Kudos" to Carla Gartner! Congratulations , Carla, and keep up the good work! Nominated By: M.J. Piegaia Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: "Carla is the most caring individual. I went to Hospice on a daily basis and then had not been in for a month and a half. She went out of her way to find where I work and drove to see if I was okay. She cares so much about her customers and takes an individual interest in everyone. Whenever you walk in the store, it's always such a pleasant experience when she is there. It's wonderful to still have a person who cares so much about everyone. It meant so much to me that she looked for me to see if I was okay." Response to winning the Kudos Award: "It is humbling because there are so many great people in our community, that when you make a difference to someone so they take the time to nominate you -- I'm doing something right. It means the world to me. Now I have to live up to this."

Name: Nancy Mendez Occupation: Sales Associate Place of employment: Maurice's Time in position: four years Time in Montrose: 15 years in area Best part of the job: “The best part of my job is making people happy.” Customer Service Excellence Secret: “My secret? Putting a smile on the customer's face.” Nominated by: Danielle Volgamore

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “Every time I have come into the store, Nancy is very helpful.  She is always very into what I wear, instead of what she thinks I should wear.  She is very laid back and makes me feel comfortable being there.” Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “I'm speechless!  It's a very nice surprise.” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Nancy Mendez! Congratulations, Nancy, and keep up the good work!”

Name: Cheryl Soucy Occupation: Sales Manager Place of employment: High Mesa Communications Time in position: six years Time in Montrose: ten years Best part of the job: The best part is helping the customers satisfy their needs. Customer Service Excellence Secret: Know your product and know your customer service skills. Nominated by: Louise M. Emick

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: My husband Harold and I bought a new cell phone today and there were many new items to learn how to use. Cheryl was very helpful and took a lot of time to teach us how to use each and every step in setting up our new phone. Cheryl was very kind to us. We are both in our 80s and new things are harder for us to get adjusted to. I will tell my friends to go to High Mesa Communications and ask for Cheryl. Learn new things and enjoy doing it! Response to winning the Kudos Award: Oh! Not again! The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Cheryl Soucy! Congratulations, Cheryl, and keep up the good work!

Name: Marie Grippy Occupation: Clerk Place of employment: Dunlaps Time in position: three years Time in Montrose: ten years Best part of the job: The customers are the best part of my job. Customer Service Excellence Secret: There's no secret. The majority of the customers are great and he (Richard Garignan) was beyond great, a super guy, easy to work with. Nominated by: Richard Garignan

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot: She went beyond the call of duty finding me a pair of pants that would fit. She ended up calling another store and got them for me the next day. Kudos! Kudos! Kudos! Response to winning the Kudos Award: Oh, oh, thank you! The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Marie Grippy! Congratulations, Marie, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Rita Hasty Occupation:  Clerk Place of employment:  Jeans Westerner Time in position:  two years Time in Montrose:  “I've been back about a year.” Best part of the job:  “The best part of my job is being among the public.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “I don't have a secret.  I just try to have and keep a good attitude, and just be myself.” Nominated by:  Thordy Jacobson

Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “I went to buy work boots, and I tried on ten different styles before I found one that I liked.  Rita had to go into the back and climb and find all the ones I tried.  She was very patient and friendly.  Thank you, Rita.” Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “I'm very surprised.” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Rita Hasty! Congratulations, Rita, and keep up the good work!

Name: Jared Schell Occupation: Internationally Certified Arborist, owner Place of employment: Redhawk Tree Service Time in position:  ten years as arborist, three years at Redhawk,   Time in Montrose:  fourth generation native, in town the past four years Best part of the job:  “The best part of my job is interacting with the community and improving the health of trees in Montrose.  I like spreading the knowledge of proper tree and plant care, and letting people know the parameters of arborculture.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “It's no secret - courtesy and promptness, standing behind our work, and having the passion to enjoy being in the field that I've chosen.”

Nominated by: Gail Marvel Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “As we watched Redhawk Tree Service trim the neighbor's trees, we were so impressed with their service that we also contracted with them to trim one tree and remove another.  On October 4, Jared Schell and his crew did an excellent job for us, especially noteworthy was the clean up of debris.  The snow storm late in October brought down tree branches all over town.  On November 1, Jared called to say he'd been busy because of the storm, but he wanted to check back with "his customers" to see how their trees faired through the storm.  Thanks, Jared ...Great Customer Service! Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “Huh? Huh?” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Jared Schell! Congratulations , Jared, and keep up the good work!

Name:  Rob Lake, Jr. Occupation:  Owner/manager Place of employment:  Mylar's Auto Refinishing, Inc. Time in position:  14 years Time in Montrose:  51 years Best part of the job:  “The best part is helping customers get their jobs done correctly, and get back on the road with quality repairs.” Customer Service Excellence Secret:  “I like people.”

Nominated by: Kathy See Quote from Kudos nomination ballot:  “I was rear-ended while sitting in traffic.  Friends had recommended Mylar's, so I went there for an estimate.  Rob knew about the structure of my vehicle, the likely damage that had been caused, even though he couldn't see it.  He was very informative about the repairs, the insurance process, and the time frame.  When an unexpected repair problem came up at the end, he went above and beyond what I expected to solve the problem.  He demonstrated exemplary customer service and deserves this award.” Response to winning the Kudos Award:  “What?  This is how I get subpoenas.  Thank you to all my customers!” The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Rob Lake, Jr.!  Congratulations , Rob, and keep up the good work!

The Montrose Area Merchants Association sends “Kudos” to Terry Bralich!  Congratulations, Terry, and keep up the good work!

Terry, an Optician for 24 years, who works at Alpine Optical in Montrose said, "I was shocked, surprised".  He also said, "The best part of my job is being able  to help people see better, helping folks".  I believe that "Caring is everything". Terry was nominated by Wendy Whaley.  Wendy said, “Wednesday afternoon my glasses broke.  Thursday morning I went to Alpine Optical with a baggy that included my broken glasses and 2 frames.  With limited funds, I wanted to see what could be done with what I had.  Terry greeted me with a smile, and said, ‘let's see what I can do’.  Within 10 minutes, he had worked the lenses so they would fit in the frame I provided.  He was a pleasure to deal with, and I just wanted him to know how much I appreciated his help!”