Kay Schimmel has a way of changing the feel of a room before she ever says a word. At Still Lumber in Conyers, Georgia, the day seems steadier when she walks through the door, ready to check on three things at once while somehow remembering who needed a form, who had a rough morning, and who forgot lunch. She answers phones, tracks down paperwork, keeps the front office moving — and then, without any fuss, checks to make sure everyone else is doing all right too. She is part organizer, part problem-solver, part unofficial “work mom,” and all heart. For her coworkers, Kay represents the best of what Still Lumber strives to be every day: capable, steady, and deeply caring about the people around her. It is fitting, then, that she has been named the Spahn & Rose family of companies Employee of the Year.
When she learned about the award, Kay did not see it coming. “I was totally surprised when Mr. Davis told me the reason he was here,” she said. “I never expected anything like this.”
Kay is an office assistant at Still Lumber, but anyone who works with her will tell you that the title barely scratches the surface.
General manager Shane Corbett highlighted the qualities that make her stand out, saying, “Kay brings an outgoing and friendly personality. She can be counted on for anything someone might need.”
Jason Hill, Spahn & Rose Senior Regional Director of Operations, also pointed to Kay’s consistency and care for both people and the business.
“Kay has a great attitude, is dependable, and she cares about her job, the company, and fellow employees,” Jason says. He noted that she regularly goes above and beyond, mentioning her role as a resource for the Still Lumber team, saying she helps employees with questions or problems related to benefits, health insurance, and retirement.
“She has a great attitude, is funny, gets along with everyone, and is always willing to help with anything,” Jason says.
Shane also shared specific examples of how she goes above and beyond: “Kay is particularly good at making new employees feel welcomed and appreciated during the onboarding process and checks in with all employees’ wellbeing regularly.”
Her teamwork is equally evident every day. “She will jump on a phone call, take lists to forklift drivers, clean the showroom — do anything that needs to be done.”
Shane added that interacting with her is enjoyable because of her mindset: “Good attitude and conversation and willingness to help with any situation.”
Leading with Kindness, Looking Out for Everyone
Her “company mom” nickname is well-earned. Shane explained how that plays out daily: “She will make sure that everyone has some food to eat often offering to bring from her house or make a run to a nearby store.”
For Kay, the Still Lumber team is truly like family. “The best thing about Still Lumber is my co-workers,” she says. “We are very much a family. I get along with all my colleagues that I can’t wait to come to work.”
Her advice to fellow employees across the Spahn & Rose Family of Companies reflects her everyday approach. “Listen to each other and help each other out,” she says. “You never know when you will need help from someone.”
Spahn & Rose CEO Dave Davis said Kay embodies the company’s culture. “Kay reminds us that great companies are built by people who care about one another,” Davis says. “She leads with kindness, she supports her teammates, and she delivers for customers. That is exactly the spirit we strive to recognize with Employee of the Year.”
She also joked about one possible use for her award money: “I may splurge and buy a new sofa with my award money.”
How Above & Beyond, Employees of the Year honorees Are Chosen
Sofa or not, one thing is certain—Kay’s presence makes Still Lumber stronger. She welcomes new employees, supports coworkers, keeps things moving, and makes people look forward to coming to work. That spirit is why she is the Spahn & Rose Family of Companies Employee of the Year.
The Spahn & Rose Employee of the Year Award is the annual culmination of the Above & Beyond Award program, which recognizes employees within the Spahn & Rose family of stores, which includes 24 Spahn & Rose locations; Dunn Lumber in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Metro Building Products in Marietta, Georgia; Still Lumber in Conyers, Georgia; and City Lumber in Huntsville, Alabama; and Whit Davis Lumber Plus with three Arkansas locations. Recipients of the Employee of the Year Award receive $1,000.
Above & Beyond Award winners receive a $100 Visa gift card and are eligible to be named the company’s Employee of the Year. Spahn & Rose staffers can be nominated for the Above & Beyond Award by coworkers, supervisors and customers. When a customer submits 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 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.