Metro Building Products Inside Sales Representative Donnie Johnson has been recognized with the September Above & Beyond Award for his persistent efforts to help a couple find a specialized railing system. The couple came to Metro looking for a specific product not available in the store’s regular inventory. Despite the challenge, Johnson spent six weeks identifying the right vendor, learning how the railing system worked and collaborating with Metro’s Purchasing team to place the order. The couple later sent a handwritten thank-you card to express their gratitude for Johnson’s exceptional assistance.
Johnson, who has been with Metro for over two years, previously worked in big-box hardware stores. After starting at Metro as a forklift driver and order puller, he transitioned to an inside sales role last year. Johnson emphasized how the job has enabled him to provide more personalized service to customers. “At Metro, we’re closer to the customers, able to provide better service,” he says. “The exciting part of my job is learning about new products and developing that closer relationship with customers.”
Johnson’s advice to other employees who aspire to his level of customer service: “Take it one customer one at a time and make sure they’re happy,” he says. “I get satisfaction from helping people, going that extra mile.”
In his off time, Johnson enjoys family cookouts, going to concerts and binging Netflix.
The Above & Beyond Award is presented to high-performing employees who work within the Spahn & Rose family of companies, which includes Dunn Lumber, Metro Building Products, City Lumber and Still Lumber. These employees are recognized for high levels of customer care and significant contributions to their team. Employees can be nominated for the monthly Above & Beyond Award by coworkers, supervisors and customers.
When a customer submits (or walks in with) a review, any employees mentioned are nominated for the honor. Customers can also nominate employees for Above & Beyond through Spahn & Rose’s social media channels, including Metro’s Facebook page and Spahn & Rose’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
Johnson and other monthly winners of the award receive a $100 Visa gift card and are eligible to be named Employee of the Year, which includes a $1,000 award.