Vol. 8, No. 12 — August 2020
We appreciate the efforts of all Ring Power employees, as we have had to adopt different working conditions and extra steps in sanitation efforts for the benefit of our employees and customers. There is no doubt that if not for these efforts, we would have experienced a much different result in maintaining our exposure in the workplace. The COVID-19 Response Team continues their meetings to address any new or ongoing issues, and will continue to communicate those out to employees.
For the safety and well-being of our team members, we have implemented temperature checks for all visitors or guests proceeding past our common areas (Reception, Parts / Rental Counters, Will Call, etc.) attending a meeting or scheduled appointment in-building.
We highly encourage that all meetings are held virtually, in the event that an in-person meeting needs to be scheduled this is the procedure that needs to be followed:
*REMINDER: 6-foot social distance is expected during all interactions and where we are not able to achieve, masks are required.
Obviously, COVID-19 can be transmitted anywhere, not just in Ring Power. Not following precautions outside the workplace places you, your family and your Ring Power family at risk. It is our request that you exercise good judgement not only while working, but also in all your activities.
Ring Power Corporation understands that social media can be a fun and rewarding way to share your life and opinions with family, friends and co-workers around the world.
However, use of social media also presents certain risks, and carries with it certain responsibilities. To assist you in making responsible decisions about your use of social media, Ring Power has an established policy for social media. Please review the social media policy and be mindful of the content you post online.
The same principles and guidelines found in Ring Power Corporation policies apply to your activities online. Ultimately, you are solely responsible for what you post.
Before creating online content, consider some of the risks and rewards that are involved. Keep in mind that any of your conduct that adversely affects your job performance, the performance of fellow co-workers, or otherwise adversely affects Ring Power’s reputation, customers, suppliers, or people who work on behalf of Ring Power’s legitimate business interests may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
Carefully read the social media policy, as well as Ring Power Corporation’s Ethics Policy, Confidential Information Policy, Equal Opportunity Policy and Harassment Policy. It is your responsibility to ensure your postings are consistent with these policies. Postings that include discriminatory remarks, harassment, and threats of violence or similar unlawful conduct will not be tolerated and may subject you to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
In an effort to provide some relief to team members in need during these difficult times, the company recently partnered with the United Way in the development of a new resource – the Ring Power Employee Assistance Fund. The aim of this fund is to provide limited financial assistance to qualified active Ring Power team members who have experienced a verifiable personal financial hardship due to a catastrophic event that has occurred within 90 days of applying.
In order to establish the Employee Assistance Fund, Ring Power will make an initial 100 percent match on any team member contributions up to a maximum of $50,000 total to the fund during the roll out process. As of this writing, we have $19,920 in the fund, which includes the initial Ring Power donation of $10,000 to start the fund, as well as, the individual donations and the donation matching.
Now is your opportunity to play an important role in helping to support others in the Ring Power family should they find themselves in need due to disastrous personal financial hardship. To contribute to the fund, complete a pledge form. The pledge form can be found under “HR Forms” on the employee intranet. Donations can be made via cash, check, credit or debit card. If you are making a one-time donation via personal check, please make your check payable to United Way and loop it, along with a printed copy of your form, to Jonathan Long, Ring Power United Way Chairperson, at WCC. To make a donation via credit or debit card, contact Tiffany Minor at extension 7668. Team members have also asked if a department can collect cash to donate as a group, if you or your team wishes to make a cash donation, please contact Tiffany Minor x7668 and she will provide a receipt to you for the cash donation. These group donations are still eligible for the 100-percent match. Your contributions to this important Fund are deeply appreciated!
COVID-19 is having affects in unexpected places. Due to changes in the laundry facilities where our rags are laundered to reduce contact exposure, rags that had previously been returned folded and stacked are now being returned in a bag. These metal fragments were entangled in the bagged rags, creating an injury potential for our employees, and for the employees of the laundry company, as well. The laundry vendor has taken steps to help ensure this doesn’t occur in the future. Follow these tips to help prevent hand injuries when handling rags.
Use this as an opportunity to think about how changes in routines (COVID-related or not) can have unintended consequences.
Ring Power has implemented an initiative through our People Power process to incentivize and recognize employees for reporting near misses and hazards through the VelocityEHS platform.
For each confirmed near miss or hazard reported through VelocityEHS, eligible employees will receive 50 points from People Power, good to save or spend on gifts from the rewards catalog.
Entering is easy. Simply click on the VelocityEHS logo on the intranet home screen, click ADD NEW in the black strip and then NEAR MISS or HAZARD ID to begin. Follow the on-screen steps and click submit. The safety team will review and award points for qualifying events.
What is a Near Miss?
A near miss is when there is an interaction between a hazard and a person that, except for a few inches or seconds, could have resulted in an injury or property damage. There is no contact with people in a near miss, no first aid treatment, no injury or no property damage. These events are required to be reported as an incident.
What is a Hazard ID?
If a hazard is recognized before it even has a chance to interact with people, it gives us a great opportunity to avoid a more serious event. In the vast majority of Hazard IDs, the reporting person can correct the situation before someone gets hurt. Correcting the hazard is an important part of the Hazard ID process.
What are some examples of Hazard IDs?
Hazard IDs can fall into two categories: Unsafe conditions or unsafe acts / behaviors. An Unsafe Condition is something that exists in the work place. Some examples are broken concrete in a walkway, or a slick spot caused by rain draining from the roof. An Unsafe Act/Behavior is something done (or not done) by a person. This includes things like not wearing required PPE for an area or task, or using an unsafe or improper tool. Some could fall in to either category, such as the trip hazard in a work bay that an employee creates. If the employee is observed it is an unsafe act (and they can correct it), if unwitnessed it is an unsafe condition (and you can correct it)!
We know that unsafe acts or behaviors cause the vast majority of all injuries seen in the work place. If you have the opportunity to stop the situation before someone gets hurt you should do it, then report it as a Hazard ID! It can be a little challenging to have that conversation, but if you approach the person as you would like to be approached, with respect and their safety in mind, it's not bad. When they thank you for looking out for their safety, it can really make your day.
How do I access VelocityEHS?
From the intranet home page, click on the logo ( http://intranet.ringpower.com )
The Fine Print: This recognition program will run until closed at a later date. Hazards identified as part of the JHA or assigned inspection are not eligible (If you find a defect on a forklift during the daily inspection, for example). Incidents are reported according to their highest level (for example, if there is an injury, a near miss related to it can't also be reported). Generally, only the name of the reporting person needs to be entered (to give credit). The Safety Director or his designee will review and approve entries for recognition.
Thanks for all you do for the safety of yourself and other members of the Ring Power family. Please start reporting these events right away, and we all win!
If you are at least 50 years old prior to the end of 2020, and you've contributed $19,500.00 to your 401k for this year, you have the option to elect the "Age 50 or over Catch-Up contributions”. This means you can contribute an additional $6,500.00 between now and the end of the year.
You will need to notify Payroll that you want to have the “Catch-Up” contribution start once you have contributed the maximum amount allowed, $19,500.00. They will also need to know what percent of your pay you want to contribute.
If you wish to participate, please send an email to Payroll@ringpower.com. Type in the Subject line, “401k Catch up contribution”. Include your full name, employee number, and the percent you would like to contribute. Payroll will enter the 401k catch up deduction in the system to start with the next regular pay.
Now more than ever, it is important to prioritize your physical and mental well-being.
Thankfully, fitness professionals are offering online resources to help you break a sweat for free!
To access available virtual workouts, click here.
Login: ringpower
Password: ringpower
COVID-19 has changed how we all work and operate. But while many stay home, construction workers and equipment operators remain on the frontline. As essential workers, the job doesn’t stop. While work on critical projects continues, machine operators still require ongoing training on the equipment they use to get the job done. Ring Power’s operator training department has made extensive changes to ensure these essential workers receive the training they need, as safely as possible.
Safety Precautions Include:
All communication with the student after initial familiarization and start up is now done over two-way radios to decrease close contact encounters
“Our group is resilient and committed to our customers and we have adapted and will continue to adapt as things are always changing, said Blake Conwell, Field Operations Manager. “As long as we are able to provide the same great service to our customers in a safe responsible manner, we are going to do that day in and day out!”
The Gainesville Heavy Equipment shop has installed a Tuxco HCS-40 Hydraulic Cylinder Servicer to better serve Gainesville customers hydraulic cylinder repair needs.
The new hydraulic repair bench is capable of repairing cylinders up to 27 feet long, 22 inches in diameter. With its massive 40,000 lb-ft of torque force, disassembling and reassembling hydraulic cylinders is easier than ever.
"The new Gainesville hydraulic repair bench will allow hydraulic cylinder repairs to be completed quickly and efficiently, said Dan Jung, Hydraulic Support Consultant. "Instead of having to be sent to an offsite location, hydraulic cylinder repairs can now be completed onsite at the Gainesville hydraulic repair shop -- saving customer's time and money."
On Aug. 17, the newest class of ThinkBIG technician scholarship recipients will begin their ThinkBIG journey at South Georgia Technical College.
Over the next two years, the six students will rotate in eight-week intervals between classroom instruction at South Georgia Technical College and hands-on training at their Ring Power branch.
Five of the students will follow the heavy equipment technician track; one will complete the generator technician track. Upon graduation in 2022, all of the students will have earned an Associate Degree in Applied Technology.
The students enrolled are Isaiah Greer (WCC HE), James Bozman (WCC HE), Lucas Missall (Gainesville PSD), Mason Underkoffler (Orlando HE), Alex Laird (Tampa HE) Simon Westra (Tampa HE).
For more information on Ring Power's Technician Scholarship program, visit www.ringpower.com/thinkbig
Photos and Article by Clyde Rogers
JLG engine powered manlift service training has recently been completed in both Saint Augustine and Tampa with 20 technicians from the Cat Rental Store coming from all branches.
Manlifts, especially JLG‘s, are a big part of the rental store's business. Having trained technicians to support that large and growing market helps us to stand out among our competitors.
The training department was asked to start this training in the first part of 2020, but because of Covid19, the trainings had to be postponed. We are now back on track.
The Cat Rental Store has recently started purchasing reconditioned JLG manlifts from JLG ground support at a reduced cost to make them more profitable and in an effort to help to save the environment. A typical JLG Remanufactured Manlift will save about 12 tons of steel, as well as saving on oil, electricity, and water in the manufacturing of the new steel. I attended a JLG factory training so that we would be able to present the latest and greatest material to our technicians.
JLG manlifts are used around the world and right here at home. Recently a large number of them were used at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida, to repaint Cinderella‘s Castle at the Magic Kingdom. We are all hoping we will be able to again attend the nightly laser and sound shows that thrill millions from around the world and is right here in our backyard.
Congratulations to...
Sue Miller (WCC - SVP, Marketing & Public Relations Director), right, receiving her award from David Alban for completing 40 years of service March 3.
Joe Mangum (NC Crane Service Mgr.), right, receiving his award from David Courtney for completing 35 years of service May 28.
Kevin Robbins (WCC – EVP, Sales), right, receiving his award from David Alban for completing 35 years of service April 1.
Assumpta O’Brien (WCC AVP, Flight Department Manager/Exec Admin Assistant), right, receiving her award from Randy Ringhaver for completing 35 years of service June 16.
Chuck Hayes (Tallahassee EPG FS Tech I), left, receiving his award from Steve Averna for completing 25 years of service Aug. 7.
Dan Leach (WCC PSD Product Support Sales Mgr.), left, receiving his award from Pat O’Brien for completing 25 years of service June 19.
Gerald Matthews (WCC Generator FS Tech I), right, receiving his award from Leah Graff for completing 25 years of service on August 16.
Curt Bristol (Tampa Warranty Service Tech I), right, receiving his award from Eddie Jones for completing 20 years of service June 12.
Kevin Cason (Brooksville Parts Mgr.), left, receiving his award from Richard Yarborough for completing 20 years of service April 3.
Judy Cleary (Tampa Crane Service Admin), center, receiving her award from David Courtney and Roy Scanlan for completing 20 years of service June 8.
Jim Davidson (Daytona HE FS Tech I), left, receiving his award from David Allen for completing 20 years of service April 10.
Jon Rodgers (Daytona CRS FS Tech II), center, receiving his award from Trevor Juaire and CRS team members for completing 20 years of service May 30.
Frank Smith Jr. (Orlando PSD FS Tech I), center, receiving his award from Louis Sorrentino and Jason Conley for completing 20 years of service June 14.
Paul Danese (WCC Marine FS Tech Master), left, receiving his award from Jason Descoteaux for completing 15 years of service May 16.
Kelly Goins (Jax Phoenix Buyer), Annette Perry (Jax Phoenix Accountant), Zanin Basic (Jax Phoenix Plant Mgr.), Ernest Johnson (Jax Phoenix Service Laborer), Richard Hartney (Jax Phoenix Engineering Mgr.), Ilmedin Husnic (Jax Phoenix Engineering Tech), and Ricky Deel (Jax Phoenix Warehouse Lead), who all recently celebrated 15 years of service.
Jeff Davis (GA Crane Branch Mgr.), right, receiving his award from David Courtney for completing 15 years of service May 2.
Cody Kretzer (Brooksville HE FS Dispatcher), left, receiving his award from John Duncan II for completing 15 years of service June 13.
Phillip Lacey (Brooksville CRS Service Tech I), right, receiving his award from Frank Zurita for completing 15 years of service May 16.
Chad Lawson (Gainesville Truck Service Tech I), left, receiving his award from Andrew Geiger for completing 15 years of service April 4.
Amra Margeta (WCC Facilities Custodian), center, receiving her award from David Wheelus and James Byrne for completing 15 years of service May 23.
Nikki McDaniel (WCC Executive Secretary), center, receiving her award from Brian Cholmondeley and Kevin Robbins for completing 15 years of service June 16.
Jason McLeod (Tampa HE FS Foreman), right, receiving his award from Tiffany Hudson for completing 15 years of service July 26.
James McQueen (Brooksville HE Service Tech II,) left, receiving his award from John Duncan II for completing 15 years of service June 17.
Robert Smith (Daytona Marine FS Tech 1), left, receiving his award from Paul Uzialko for completing 15 years of service May 9.
Pam Lecates (WCC Executive Admin to the President), right, receiving her award from David Alban for completing 10 years of service June 16.
Floyd Mitchell (SC Crane Product Support Mgr.), right, receiving his award from David Courtney for completing 10 years of service May 10.
Harold Abreu (Orlando HE CS II), right, receiving his award from Brian Phelps for completing 5 years of service April 20.
Reggie Bailey (WCC Credit Collector), right, receiving his award from Carol Butterfield for completing 5 years of service Aug. 3.
Steve Bourn (Tampa HE FS Dispatcher), right, receiving his award from Steve Boyd for completing 5 years of service on August 31.
Bubba Gulvin (Brooksville CRS Service Tech I), right, receiving his award from Frank Zurita for completing 5 years of service July 6.
Adam Phillips (WCC HE Inside Sales), left, receiving his award from Randy Harper for completing 5 years of service February 23.
Rene Harrelle (Orlando Truck Service Tech II), left, receiving his award from Alex Driver for completing 5 years of service May 4.
Cory Baker (Tampa SITECH Technology Specialist), right, receiving his award from Greg Hasty for completing 1 year of service May 1.
Regina Colburn (WCC Facilities Custodian), center, receiving her award from David Wheelus and James Byrne for completing 1 year of service June 25.
Roberta Crumley (WCC Facilities Custodian), center, receiving her award from David Wheelus and James Byrne for completing 1 year of service June 12.
Garrett Colston (Palm Bay CRS Sales Coordinator), right, receiving his award from Ryan Schmidt for completing 1 year of service June 17.
Jose Gonzalez (Tampa Floor Tech), right, receiving his award from James Byrne for completing 1 year of service May 6.
Jacob Melcher (Tallahassee Truck Service Tech III), left, receiving his award from Clint Bull for completing 1 year of service July 29.
Dani Nevel (WCC Purchasing Buyer), left, receiving her award from April Rado for completing 1 year of service May 20.
Devin Paularinne (Tampa CRS Sales Coordinator), right, receiving his award Nathan Thomas for completing 1 year of service May 1.
Richard Pineda (Orlando HE Service Welder I), left, receiving his award from Brian Phelps for completing 1 year of service March 18.
Priscilla Prive (Tampa HE Branch Receptionist), left, receiving her award from James Scarpo for completing 1 year of service June 17.
Roy Scanlan (Tampa Crane Service Tech Master), right, receiving his award from David Courtney for completing 1 year of service July 1.
Rachel Smith (WCC CES Travel Coordinator), center, receiving her award from Kevin Robbins and Jay Williams for completing 1 year of service June 3.
Scott Sweet (WCC AC Rental Supervisor), center, receiving his award from Roger Adkins and Brian Cholmondeley for completing 1 year of service May 16.
Lisaury David Torres (Orlando Floor Tech), center, receiving her award from Mark Geers and James Byrne for completing 1 year of service July 8.
Justin Thompson (WCC HE CS III), right, receiving his award from Daryl Gandy for completing 1 year of service June 24.
Randill Whitman (HE FS Tech II), left, receiving his award from John Duncan II for completing 1 year of service June 17.
New Places
Christopher Aten Tampa Generator Service Tech II
Kyle Baker Tampa HE Service Advisor
Gregory Baker-Fitzgerald Daytona HE Transport Dispatch Supervisor
John Black Palm Bay HE Service Tech III
Dustin Blackmon Tampa AC CSA Coordinator
Brady Bond Palm Bay HE FS Tech I
Justin Bowden Ocala Generator P.M. Tech
Gordon Bowen WCC HE Service CS II
Stephen Boyd Tampa HE FS Dispatcher
Randall Brock WCC HE Service P.M. Tech
Steven Brown Ocala LT Service Tech II
Dalton Chesser Orlando HE Branch Service Manager
Christopher Clark WCC Generator FS Tech II
Stephen Coates TX Utilities Account Manager
Lee Copeland Tampa HE PIP Coordinator
Tylor Deas Lake City Truck Service Tech II
Colin Doty WCC HE Service Tech II
Dalton Duffey Tampa Dragline FS Tech II
Ethan Fisher Lakeland CRS FS Dispatcher
Gregg Foster II Ocala CRS Service Tech III
Joshua Garrison Tampa HE P.M. Tech
Stefano Giannini WCC HE Service Tech II
Shane Gill Tampa HE Tech Comm Foreman
Travis Gillespie WCC Generator Service Tech II
Christina Green Tampa HE Service Warranty Tech I
Spencer Griffin WCC HE FS Tech I
Robert Gulvin Jr. Brooksville CRS Service Tech I
Jason Henshaw Sarasota HE FS Foreman
Malcom Huffaker Palm Bay HE PM Tech
Parker Jones WCC HE Service Tech II
Dan Jung WCC HE Hydraulic Sales Specialist
Austin Knighten WCC HE Service Tech II
Michael Lack Palm Bay HE Branch Service Manager
Cameron Lankford WCC HE FS Tech I
Noland Lashinski Ocala HE Branch Shop Foreman
Gavin Lewis Tampa HE Supervisor Trainee
Justin Locke Tampa AC Shop Service Leadperson
John Lynch Tampa CRS Account Manager
Christopher Marker Lakeland CRS Branch Shop Foreman
Sean Matthews WCC PSD FS Dispatcher
William Mckenzie WCC HE Service Painter I
Stuart Meyers Tampa HE New Equipment Salesperson
Floyd Mitchell SC Crane Product Support Manager
Jason Mone Orlando CRS Service Tech II
Donald Morissette Palm Bay HE Service Advisor
Matthew Mullins Orlando CRS Account Manager
Kendall Nieminen WCC HE Service Tech II
Jose Ortiz Santiago Orlando HE FS Tech II
Austin Palmer Lakeland CRS Account Manager
Edward Patrick Tampa HE Equipment Inspector
Jacob Peets WCC HE Service Supervisor Trainee
Austin Quandt Orlando HE P.M. Tech
Michael Rainer Orlando CRS Service Leadperson
Jose Rivera Orlando HE CS III
Jonathan Rodriguez Tampa Generator FS Tech I
Chad Ruhlander Pompano LT FS Tech II
Javier Salas Torres Tampa Truck Service Tech I
Damian Sanchez Brooksville HE Service Tech II
Mark Santiago Pompano LT Service Tech III
Michael Scipioni Palm Bay HE Inside Parts Sales Advisor
Cesk Shkurtaj WCC HE Service Painter I
Joshua Soleim WCC HE Service Tech II
Jack Spear Lakeland CRS FS Tech I
Conor Valdivieso WCC HE Transport Dispatch Supervisor
William Vanderwilt WCC HE Service Tech II
Salvatore Ventura Jax LT Account Manager
Christopher Virtuoso WCC HE Service Tech II
NEW FACES
James Allen Tampa HE Service Painter I
Clint Allen Lakeland HE Service Tech II
Kelly Anderson WCC Credit Clerk General
Alejandro Barreto Lugo Ocala HE Supply Chain Associate
Tomas Barroso Jr. CA ES Entertainment Transport Driver
Joshua Benefiel Tampa Truck Service Tech II
Kevin Brown WCC HE Service CS I
John Callaghan Tampa HE Service Tech Trainee
Antende Campbell Palm Bay HE Service Tech I
Rene Velez Cancel Orlando HE CS III
Joshua Carlton WCC HE Service Tech Trainee
Jennifer Castellano WCC Credit Collector
Lesley Chambley Palm Bay HE Service Tech II
Kyle Cornelius WCC CRS Sales Coordinator
William Crapps Jax Phoenix Service Painter III
Austin Dulin WCC HE PM Tech
Margaret Durant WCC HR Generalist
Alden Early Orlando HE Service Tech II
Hopeton Findlay Orlando HE Transport Driver
William Hancock Jax Pecan Parts Truck Driver
Joseph Hicks-Judd Tampa HE Parts Supply Chain Associate
Gregory Holton Jax Pecan CRS Service Laborer
Elijah Lynn Ocala RUP Supply Chain Associate
Ray Martinez Brooksville HE Service Laborer
Jose Matos-Diaz Ocala RUP Inventory Specialist
Justin Melton WCC PSD Project Manager
Noah Miller Sarasota CRS Yard Attendant
Joshua Moore NC Crane FS Tech I
Jeremy Nicholas Tampa HE P.M. Tech
Clinton Pelham Palm Bay HE Branch Store Parts Manager
James Rosenberg WCC PSD Mgmt Solutions Manager
Robert Rouse Jax Phoenix Service Fabricator A
Nicholas Shellberg Lakeland HE Service Tech II
Tyler Shoemaker Ocala HE Supply Chain Associate
Aaron Smith Tampa Dragline FS Tech I
Heidi Smith Ocala HE Parts Admin Assistant
Ian Snell Sarasota HE Parts Supply Chain Associate
Christina Tarpley WCC Tag & Title Admin
Maximino Torres Lakeland HE Parts Supply Chain Associate
Richard Vaughn WCC Environmental Manager
Samantha Walter Orlando LT Service Admin Sr.
Anthony Yancey Jax LT FS Tech II
Since you all think you're so clever, let's see if you can complete this challenge!
Spot the differences between the two photos. There are... I bet you thought I was going to tell you HOW MANY differences there were didn't you? HA! WRONG!
Point out the differences between the two photos and email a screen cap or a list of the differences to matt.shelley@ringpower.com for a chance to win one of five Cat hats. Entries must be received by August 31, 2020. Good luck!
Ring Power INSIDER is published to provide employees timely access to company news. Please direct inquiries about the publication to
Copyright 2018 Ring Power Corporation