Above: Our Foundation Award winners posing with The Container Store CEO Satish Malhotra (second from left) and members of our Executive Leadership Team at the awards dinner.
Earlier this year, we announced the winners of our second-annual Foundation Awards. Seven employees from across our stores, distribution centers, and Support Center, were nominated by their colleagues for best representing our seven Foundation Principles, fundamental business philosophies about treating everyone with respect and dignity.
All seven employees recently visited our Support Center in Dallas for a celebratory dinner with our Executive Leadership Team and receive their award pin, trophy, and a cash prize of $10,000. Read more about each of our Foundation Award recipients from their peers below!
Andrew Coon | System Planner, Aberdeen Distribution Center (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
Andrew's colleagues praise his "passion, perspective, and experience" as well as his "dedication, readiness to learn, and eagerness to problem solve." Jason Mandroc, our ADC Distribution Director says, "Andrew has a great attitude and is always happy to help in every situation."
Deloya Pepe | Inbound Coordinator, Dallas Distribution Center (Foundation Principle: Air of Excitement)
"Deloya is an absolute joy to be around," says DDC Manager Blake Calhoun. "She does a fantastic job of running the department effectively and efficiently, but her biggest impact is her positive attitude and ability to connect with the people around her."
Beth McGee | Custom Spaces Market Manager, Reston VA (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
"Beth has been instrumental in growing our custom spaces business," says District Director Will Chenoweth, describing her tireless drive. Other colleagues praise her for selflessness, saying "she loves her job and gives of her time to see others thrive and develop."
David Russeth | Order Specialist, Paramus NJ (Foundation Principle: 1 Great Person = 3 Good People)
"When I think of someone on the team who embodies The Container Store, David is the first person that comes to mind," says Paramus General Manager Erinn Wegman. "He's a smart, kind, genuine, calm, positive 'jack-of-all-trades' that makes everything look effortless."
Jose Villa | Design Specialist, Arlington TX (Foundation Principle: Communication IS Leadership)
Jose's colleagues love that he "cares for those around him" and "looks to uplift others in their own successes." The Arlington store's General Manager Stephanie Combs heartily agrees, saying that "he's a true example of what The Container Store stands for."
Ashley Krier | Visual Specialist, Edina MN (Foundation Principle: Communication IS Leadership)
"There are not enough words to describe how amazing Ashley is or how deserving she is of this award," says Lisa Carlson, Edina's Visual Manager and one of last year's Foundation Award winners. "She is so supportive of the team in all the right ways, brings fun and laughter, and can jump between multiple tasks without a hitch."
Josh Mendez Arce | Loss Prevention Investigator, Support Center (Foundation Principle: Communication IS Leadership)
Jeremy Leonhardt, our Corporate Loss Prevention Manager, describes Josh as "one of those special individuals who puts his heart and soul into everything he does." Another colleague describes him as "excellence in the sea of greatness here at The Container Store."
Congratulations to the 2023 Foundation Award recipients! We are proud to have you on our team!
