The Container Store's 2022 Foundation Award Winners

Pictured, left to right: Daphne Beck, Umit Percin, Lisa Carlson, Kim Quigley, Sheryl Kolb, Kristy Ware, Louis Gonzalez

Earlier this year, we announced a new annual employee recognition program known as the Foundation Awards. Each year, we will recognize seven employees from our across our company--three from our stores, two from our Distribution Centers, and two from our Support Center--who best represent our seven Foundation Principles.

The award recipients are nominated by their fellow employees and then chosen by a selection committee. In addition to a recognition pin and trophy, each award winner receives a trip to our Support Center in Dallas for dinner with our Executive Leadership Team. And the final prize is a big one-- each winner also receives $10,000 cash!

This year's Foundation Award winners are:

• Umit Percin | Inventory Systems Specialist, Aberdeen Distribution Center (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
  "Umit started at The Container Store in 2015 and is a true example of a '1=3' employee. He consistently demonstrates a winning attitude and is energetic when facing any operational task that he is presented with. In addition to his extensive operational knowledge, he has been responsible for training for success by contributing directly to the training and onboarding of all of our system planners. Umit brings the 'Air of Excitement' daily with his positive attitude and willingness to support the team in any way he can."
  - Carlos Putney, Aberdeen Distribution Center General Manager
• Daphne Beck | Replenishment & Put Away Specialist, Dallas Distribution Center (Foundation Principle: Air of Excitement)
  "Over the course of 25 fabulous years, Daphne has set the standard for what a true '1=3' specialist is all about. Her daily mission is to not only generate great individual results, but to lift and empower others across the DC to take her same pride and ownership to help the team succeed. She's a bright ray of sunshine, never failing to have a smile on her face and a kind word for anyone she comes across. We're so grateful for Daphne's contagious positivity, unmatched performance, and uplifting spirit." - Loscar Mejia, Dallas Distribution Center General Manager
• Louis Gonzalez | Truck Processing Specialist, Manhattan Logistics (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
  "It has been a pleasure working with Louis over the past 15 years he's been on our overnight merchandise processing team in Manhattan. During most of that time, he has been leading the process and supporting the team, helping to troubleshoot and lead through any obstacles that might come up. Over the years, as he has described his role, he has talked about how every time he gets ready to lead he gets butterflies in his stomach because of the excitement about the process and our team. Louis has been a consistent support and mentor to many people over the years, sharing his love for his team and The Container Store." - Jenny Pavlakovich, Sixth Avenue Store Director
• Kim Quigley | Design Specialist, Stonebriar (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
  "I was so pleased to learn Kim was selected as a Foundation Award recipient. She will be celebrating five years at The Container Store, and our Stonebriar store was thrilled to have her return last year. She did an incredible job reconnecting with peers she knew and building relationships with employees new to the organization. She exemplifies the '1=3' Foundation Principle in so many ways; a passionate Design Specialist, great mentor to new employees, and a strong partner to the management team. Kim sets a great example of teamwork, a positive attitude, and is willing to do what is needed in all areas of the business, accepting challenges with grace and determination." - Barbara Gonzales, Stonebriar General Manager
• Lisa Carlson | Visual Manager, Edina (Foundation Principle: Air of Excitement)
  "Lisa epitomizes our Foundation Principles as an employee and as a human being. She has such passionate energy for taking care of our people and doing everything necessary to accomplish all that it takes to run our store, from leading merchandise processing and visual projects to providing that 'second set of eyes' in Custom Closets while leading the sales floor. Lisa's commitment to our stores and team mirrors her strength as a single mom doing whatever is necessary to raise her sweet daughter into a strong woman like her." - John Urbin, Edina General Manager
• Kristy Ware | TCS Services Supervisor, Support Center (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
  "This is such an amazing and well-deserved honor for Kristy. She is one of the most humble, compassionate, driven, energetic, and funny people I know. She has such a great, positive impact on everyone she works with at The Container Store. Kristy is one of the first ones in and the last to leave to ensure that the Service department supports the stores, customers, and installers." - Joe Wilkinson, Senior Director of Custom Closets Installation & Services
• Sheryl Kolb | Receptionist, Support Center (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
  "Sheryl has been with The Container Store for 15 years, starting in our Southlake store and then transferring to the Support Center more than ten years ago. Everyone who visits the Support Center has the privilege of meeting her and is greeted with a smile and a warm, friendly welcome. She wears many hats, making sure all Support Center new hires have a perfectly-coordinated first day. She answers questions and helps people all day long, both in-person for employees and vendors, and customers on the phone. She loves to have fun at work, and is consistently part of new ways to celebrate at the Support Center. Sheryl is one of the reasons The Container Store is a great place to work." - Maggie Aplis, Real Estate Logistics Director