These are the team members who don’t just complete tasks; they build relationships, solve problems, and consistently go above and beyond to ensure our customers receive exceptional service. Every year, we pause to recognize those individuals who exemplify the core values that define our organization, and this year’s award winners represent the very best of what Hodge Industrial stands for.

Success in our industry requires more than technical knowledge or sales figures. It demands integrity, dedication, and a genuine commitment to serving others. It requires leaders who inspire, technicians who deliver excellence under pressure, and team members who understand that every role matters. The individuals we’re honoring today demonstrate these qualities daily, and their contributions create a ripple effect that strengthens our entire organization.

The Heart of Our Success

Before we introduce this year’s winners, it’s worth reflecting on why recognition matters. In an industry that moves quickly and demands constant attention to detail, it’s easy to let exceptional performance become the expected norm. But taking time to acknowledge those who consistently elevate their game serves a vital purpose. Research shows that regular recognition improves engagement, productivity, and retention—reinforcing why celebrating our team matters so much. It reminds us what excellence looks like. It reinforces the behaviors and attitudes that drive our success. Most importantly, it shows our team members that their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

We don’t give these awards lightly. They represent months of observation, feedback from colleagues and customers, and careful consideration of who truly embodies our core values. The recipients aren’t just high performers; they’re individuals who make everyone around them better. They’re the people their teammates turn to for guidance, the ones customers request by name, and the leaders who set the tone for how we operate.

Team Member of the Year: Hudson Hodge

Every organization has individuals who embody its culture and values in a way that reminds everyone else why they’re proud to be part of the team. Hudson Hodge is exactly that person at Hodge Industrial. His enthusiasm, work ethic, and team-first mentality represent the spirit we strive to build across our entire organization.

Hudson approaches his work with an energy and commitment that’s genuinely infectious. He understands that success isn’t just about individual achievement; it’s about how we support each other and work together toward common goals. This team-first mindset shows up in countless ways—volunteering to help colleagues, taking on challenging tasks without complaint, and consistently bringing a positive attitude that makes everyone around him better.

In many ways, Hudson represents the future we’re building at Hodge Industrial. His enthusiasm for learning, willingness to embrace challenges, and commitment to excellence demonstrate exactly the kind of culture we want to foster. He reminds us that when people genuinely care about their work and their teammates, extraordinary things become possible.

Office Team Member of the Year: Leigh Mehalick

Every successful operation depends on people who ensure that the details are handled correctly, that processes run smoothly, and that nothing falls through the cracks. These contributions often happen behind the scenes, but they’re absolutely essential to our ability to serve customers effectively. Leigh Mehalick embodies this type of excellence, bringing consistency, accuracy, and a positive attitude to every aspect of her work.

In an office environment, it’s easy to underestimate the impact of someone who simply does their job well day after day. But consistency is actually one of the most valuable traits a team member can possess. When colleagues and customers know they can rely on someone to handle tasks accurately and efficiently, it creates a foundation of trust that allows everyone else to perform at their best. That’s exactly what Leigh provides.

Beyond her technical abilities, Leigh brings an attitude that makes the workplace better for everyone around her. She approaches challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, maintains composure during busy periods, and contributes to the positive culture that makes Hodge Industrial a great place to work. Her attention to detail ensures that operations run smoothly, and her willingness to help wherever needed makes her an invaluable member of our team.

Leader of the Year: Derik Bray

I have the opportunity to work closely with every department in our organization including Supply Chain, Service, Sales, Finance, Marketing, and People and Culture. Collaborating across the company gives me a deeper understanding of the challenges we face and allows me to support our teams in a meaningful and unified way. What I value most is the opportunity to invest in our people through one-on ones and daily conversations. Supporting team members both personally and professionally and watching them grow into their potential is the most rewarding part of what I do.

Leadership is a passion for me. Celebrating the wins of others and seeing them succeed is what drives me. I cannot single out one person who made me better this year because the entire team rose to every challenge including major changes like our transition to Monday.com. They stayed positive, open minded, and focused.

The values I emphasize are simple. Be on time and be thorough in everything you do. When the workload intensifies this team responds with resilience and dedication.

I am motivated by being surrounded by people who want to become a better version of themselves tomorrow than they are today. This team truly feels like a second family. If they take anything from my leadership, I hope it is that I lead with heart and accountability.

I am grateful for this recognition and even more grateful for the people who made it possible.”

Leadership isn’t about authority; it’s about influence, accountability, and the ability to inspire others to achieve their potential. Derik Bray demonstrates these qualities consistently, setting an example that motivates his team to pursue excellence in everything they do.

Great leaders understand that their success is measured by the performance and development of their team members. Derik embraces this responsibility fully, holding himself and others accountable to high standards while creating an environment where people can learn, grow, and succeed. He doesn’t ask his team to do anything he wouldn’t do himself, and his drive for excellence is matched by his commitment to supporting those around him.

What makes Derik’s leadership particularly effective is his ability to balance high expectations with genuine care for his team members. He pushes people to reach beyond what they thought possible while providing the guidance and support they need to get there. The result is a team that doesn’t just meet goals—they exceed them, and they do so with a sense of pride in their work and confidence in their leadership.

Sales Representative of the Year: Tony Gilleland

Thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and helping me grow. I’m proud to represent this team, I’m excited to keep serving you all and looking forward to accomplishing the 2030 Mission. I Love this Sales Team”

In sales, relationships are everything. Anyone can take an order, but building lasting partnerships with customers requires something more—a genuine commitment to understanding their needs, following through on promises, and being there when challenges arise. Tony Gilleland exemplifies this approach every single day.

Tony’s success isn’t measured only in numbers, though his results speak for themselves. What sets Tony apart is his unwavering dedication to serving customers with integrity and excellence. He understands that our reputation is built one interaction at a time, and he treats each customer relationship as an opportunity to demonstrate what Hodge Industrial stands for. His work ethic is second to none, and his commitment to delivering results has earned him the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

When customers work with Tony, they know they’re getting more than a sales representative—they’re gaining a trusted advisor who will help them find the right solutions and stand behind them long after the sale is complete. That’s the kind of service that builds loyalty, and it’s why Tony continues to set the standard for our sales team.

Technician of the Year: Jonathan Hardigree

Behind every successful service call is a technician who combines technical expertise with problem-solving skills and a commitment to getting the job done right. Jonathan Hardigree brings all of these qualities to his work, along with something equally valuable: the reliability and leadership that make him someone his team can always count on.

In the field, challenges don’t arrive on a predictable schedule. Equipment fails at inconvenient times, solutions aren’t always straightforward, and customers need technicians who can think on their feet while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Jonathan handles these situations with a level of expertise and professionalism that makes difficult jobs look routine. But technical skill is only part of his value to Hodge Industrial.

What truly distinguishes Jonathan is his willingness to step up whenever and wherever he’s needed. He mentors newer technicians, shares knowledge freely, and approaches every job with the same level of commitment regardless of its size or complexity. His peers recognize him as a leader not because of a title, but because of how he consistently demonstrates what excellence in the field looks like. Jonathan doesn’t just maintain equipment; he maintains the standard of service that our customers have come to expect.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate these five exceptional individuals, it’s important to remember that they represent something larger than individual achievement. They embody the values and standards that define Hodge Industrial as an organization. They show us what’s possible when dedication meets opportunity, and they inspire everyone around them to raise their own performance.

To Tony, Jonathan, Leigh, Derik, and Hudson: thank you for your outstanding contributions, your unwavering commitment, and the example you set for all of us. You make Hodge Industrial better every single day, and we’re honored to recognize your achievements.

And to every member of our team: these award winners remind us that excellence isn’t achieved by accident. It’s the result of showing up with purpose, serving others with integrity, and committing yourself fully to the work at hand. That’s the standard we strive for, and it’s why we’re confident in the future we’re building together.

Here’s to celebrating success, recognizing excellence, and continuing to build a culture where everyone can thrive.