Stan McKee was pleasantly surprised to be named employee of the month during the February all-staff meeting. In part, management chose Stan because he takes pride in his work, is respectful of tenants, offers his assistance and knowledge, and takes a proactive approach to improving the agency’s properties.
But Stan’s own attitude is probably the biggest indicator of why he was chosen. “I believe in team work, being a team player, and giving 110 percent,” he says.
Stan was hired as a maintenance technician on Dec. 2, 2002, and has shown exemplary work and dedication throughout the last three years. His responsibilities include maintaining the west-side EDEN-owned properties, with a typical day consisting of plumbing, some electrical work or maybe a little carpentry. He also responds to maintenance emergencies as needed.
Stan’s favorite part of the job is making sure the tenants are satisfied. “If they’re happy, I’m happy,” he explains.
Of course, working maintenance at various properties is sure to provide some excitement now and then, like the time a tenant’s dog chased Stan right out of the house. “It was just a little dog,” Stan admits of the overeager pet that sent him running, “but it was very aggressive!”
Unfriendly dogs aside, Stan appreciates other aspects of working for EDEN, like the communication among the employees and management. He explains that Elaine Gimmel, Brian McCoy and Vernard Jones are great at communicating with the maintenance staff. “They’re always there [for us],” he adds.
Stan says he’s glad to represent the maintenance staff as their first recipient of the employee of the month award. He thanks management for recognizing his hard work and dedication, and even offers a little of his own work philosophy: “When you do your job, you should do it 110 percent and take pride in what you do.”
And that’s exactly what Stan does.
