Vol. 8, No. 9 — November, 2019
Tampa & St. Augustine "Gear Up" Events Showcase Game-Changing Equipment
More than 80 customers, representing 47 companies, came out to the Tampa branch on Oct. 3, eager to learn about the features and benefits of Next Generation Cat® machines. Two weeks later, 80 customers, representing 31 companies, attended the same event at WCC.
Highlighted machines included the D6 XE, the world’s first electric drive dozer; and the 120 Motor Grader — which features a redesigned cab. Attendees learned how new machine technology offers increased productivity, reduced fuel consumption, and reduced maintenance costs. Customers had the chance to get in the operator’s seat and experience new machine features for themselves.
In addition to showcasing new equipment & technology, the demo event featured a service expo for customers to learn more about what Ring Power has to offer.
Orlando Paint Shop Completes Unique Job
The Orlando Paint Shop recently completed this unique paint job on several new machines for Bonn-J Contracting. In the early 90’s, the owner of the company painted a crane “Wild Berry.” She liked the color so much, she now paints the entire fleet the unique color. It certainly stands out on the jobsite! Kudos to the Orlando Paint Shop team for the excellent paint job! Left photo L-R: Eddie Montalvo (Service Painter I), Sam Serrano (Service Painter II), Saul Serrano (Service Painter II), and Sam Steffens (Paint Shop Leadperson).
Cat Rental Store Achieves Excellence
Caterpillar Global Rental and Used Equipment Services recently announced that Ring Power’s Cat Rental Store achieved Gold status within the Rental Services Excellence Program.
The Rental Excellence Program was designed to create a culture of continuous improvement in market-leadership, standardization of processes, procedures and policies.
“Operational Excellence is a philosophy of leadership, teamwork and problem solving; resulting in continuous improvement throughout the dealership’s Rental Services business unit and contributing to rental profitable growth,” Caterpillar Global Rental and Used Equipment Services said in a statement. “Through becoming customer centric, empowering employees, optimizing processes and adapting dealer best practices our dealer network continues to provide consistent value and positioning to exceed customer expectations.”
The Rental Services Excellence Program is extremely rigorous and reviews all aspects of the SURGE business model.
• Separate the Organization & Instill a Service Culture
• Uncover New Customers
• Reshape Fleet & Grow Allied
• Grow Customer Coverage Physical & Digital
• Excel at Service & Operations
Kudos to the Cat Rental Store team on this awesome achievement!
Employee-Owned Tools Policy Update
Significant changes were recently made to the reimbursement policy for employee-owned tools. Loan limits and tool reimbursement allowances have increased for eligible employees. Notably, the prorated reimbursement schedule was replaced with a 100 percent company match for tool purchases up to $650 for eligible employees. Additionally, the list of eligible job titles for the tool allowance has been updated. Approving managers will make every effort to ensure documentation and procedures are in alignment with the requirements of the new policy as part of their approval process. Accounts Payable will provide a second level check to monitor and maintain adherence to policy requirements.
Please take a moment to review the newly revised policy by clicking on the link. Please contact your Supervisor if you have any questions regarding this policy change.
Top Drivers for 3rd Quarter by Division
In November 2014, David Gonsalez joined our safety team and became our dedicated driving instructor using the Smith Systems safe driving methodology. David has trained 900+ drivers since joining Ring Power!
In 2015, Ring Power invested in the Smith Systems 360 driver management program, combining on board diagnostics (GeoTab) with GPS monitoring.
An early success story from this investment: Speeding declined by 85 percent in the first month after results were distributed to drivers and their managers. GeoTab has also been monitoring seat belt use, harsh braking/cornering and hard acceleration.
As reported in the October issue of Ring Tales, the company has launched People Power pilot of Phase 2 in the 4th quarter.
One of the objectives is to begin rewarding safe behaviors. The first People Power awards for safety go to the top scoring driver in each division/business unit for driving performance during 3rd quarter (July 1 - Sept 30). Additionally, we recognize the "top boss" driving a company vehicle for 3rd Qtr.
These 15 drivers will be rewarded 1000 People Power points in November.
Air Compressor Brian Bruski (WCC FS Tech II)
Entertainment Services Kenneth Rowe (CA Transport Driver)
Cat Rental Store Blake Shira (Sarasota FS Tech II)
Crane Roy Scanlan (Tampa Master FS Tech)
Facilities Howard Chesney (Orlando Bldg Tech A)
HE Service Matt Gray (Tampa FS Tech I)
Lift Truck Justin Smith (Tampa FS Tech I)
Parts Russell Dornisch (Lakeland Driver)
PSD Service Nick Smith (Daytona FS Tech I)
RUP Joe Woods (Ocala Inside Sales)
Transportation Tony Horne (Orlando Transport Driver)
Utility Darren Osborne (Pecan Park FS Tech I)
SITECH John Hicks (Lake City Machine Control Tech II)
Top Boss Craig Szeman (Palm Bay Parts Mgr)
Dragline Mining Services Carlos Garcia (Pompano Field Service Tech I)
Any employee can earn People Power points by submitting an Idea for Excellence online or to a CI (Continuous Improvement) Board in the shop. How can you use People Power points? Log into People Power (click on Logo from intranet log on screen), select the shopping cart to view the awards catalog. Initiatives for recognizing top Customer Experience moments and Safety Observations will be launched in early 2020.
Kevin Bush named Tech Leader
Congratulation to Kevin Bush (WCC VP, Information Technology), whom the Jacksonville Business Journal recently named a “Tech Leader.”
The newspaper said Kevin was one of a handful of leaders in North Florida whose creative planning and skills helped shape their organizations and the business community at large. Way to go, Kevin!
The Rook at IACP
Law enforcement agencies from around the world were in Chicago, IL., Oct. 26-27, for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Conference and Expo. Ring Power Tactical Solutions exhibited The Rook during the conference. It was a great opportunity for agencies and first responders from around the world to see The Rook, learn what it can do, and hear how other agencies utilize it.
Prescription Safety Glasses & Safety Shoe Policy Update
The Prescription Safety Glasses & Safety Shoe Reimbursement policy has been updated to provide accessibility to employees in their new hire probationary period. Additionally, clarifications have been made regarding the loan process for safety shoe purchases and available prescription safety glass features.
Please review the revised policy by clicking on the link below. Please contact your supervisor if you have any questions about the updated policy.
Ring Power & Cox Marine Team Up at
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
Ring Power’s Marine division was with Cox Powertrain at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Oct. 30 – Nov. 3, exhibiting the CXO300 diesel outboard engine. Demonstrations were held for attendees on an Intrepid Nomad 345. Cox announced at the show that production of the CXO300 diesel outboard is imminent and that it will start shipping engines before the end of the year. Delivering 300 hp at the propeller, the twin turbo CXO300 is the world’s highest-powered diesel outboard engine. Ring Power is Cox Powertrain’s exclusive distributor for Florida.
Safety Alert: Wheel Lift & Cradle Failure
A Ring Power Employee preparing to begin work elevated the rear of the trailer off the ground using wheel lifts. The tire was too small for the lift. After walking to their toolbox, both wheels slid through the cradle of the wheel lifts. One of the wheel lifts kicked out and one jacked to become wedged between the tire and the frame.
To prevent potential SIF (Significant Injury or Fatality) incident related to jacking, cribbing, lifting, cradling:
• Complete JHA prior to beginning each job to avoid complacency
• Verify proper jacking, cribbing, cradling of any elevated equipment
• Verify equipment used for job is intended for the job
• Verify employees are trained on the lifting equipment being used
• Inspect area around operation prior to cribbing, jacking, cradling to reduce exposure risk of those near work area
Autumn Health & Safety Tips
Follow these tips to help you and your family stay safe and healthy this autumn!
Keep your kids safe and healthy.
Get involved with your kids’ activities at home and at school to help ensure they are safe and healthy.
Take steps to prevent the flu.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year in the fall. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands often. Stay home if you get sick.
Get smart about antibiotics.
Antibiotics can cure bacterial infections, but not viral infections. The common cold and the flu are viral infections, so avoid using antibiotics if you have one of these. Using antibiotics when they are not needed causes some bacteria to become resistant to the antibiotic, and therefore stronger and harder to kill. See your doctor or nurse to find out if your illness is bacterial or viral.
Keep food safe.
Food is center stage during the holidays. Be sure to keep it safe by following basic food safety steps. Clean hands and surfaces often. Separate foods to avoid cross-contamination. Cook to proper temperatures. Chill promptly.
Learn your family history.
National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day. Over the holiday or at another family gathering, talk about and write down the health conditions that run in your family. Learning about your family’s health history can help you take steps to ensure a longer, healthier future together.
Wash your hands.
Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It’s best to wash your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. If that’s not possible, use alcohol-based hand rubs.
Registration Open for The Outdoors Show
Christmas Extravaganza
The Outdoors Show will host their annual Christmas Show Extravaganza live from the WCC parking lot on Saturday, December 7 from 7 am – 10 am. Enjoy food, prizes and just a great time with Jeff, Kevin & Kirk celebrating the season! For the big drawings & fishing trips you MUST be registered by midnight of November 29th! Winners will be announced live on Dec. 7 at the Christmas Show! (need not be present to win). Visit the Facebook event page to reserve your spot.
Organization Updates
Power Systems
Alex Akers has been named Air Compressor Sales Representative, reporting to Roger Adkins. She will be based out of our Tampa location. Alex began her Ring Power career in 2017, as a Sales Coordinator for the Cat Rental Store in Tampa. Most recently, she was an Account Manager for the Cat Rental Store’s Tampa market.
Cat Rental Store
Angela Thompson has assumed the duties of WCC Scanning & Data Clerk, reporting to Ashlee Richardson. Angie joined the company in 2007, working as a scanner in the Accounts Payable department. Later that year, she assumed mailroom duties, and has been working in that position until her most recent selection.
Susan Murray has accepted the role of Warranty and Work Tool Administrator, reporting to Ashlee Richardson. Prior to joining the company, she spent nine years in the automotive industry, nine years with the City of Venice, and the past five years at a Ponte Vedra resort sales office. She will be based at WCC.
Heavy Equipment
Matthew Cheney has accepted the role of Paving Products Support Specialist, reporting to Phil Ireland. Prior to joining the company in 2016, Matt spent five years with an equipment rental company as a small engine mechanic. Most recently, he has worked as a Resident Technician for Jr. Davis Construction. Matt will continue to be based out of the Orlando branch.
Parts
Stacy Green has taken on the role of WCC Parts Warehouse Supervisor, reporting to Jose Leites. Prior to joining the company as a Supply Chain Associate in 2017, Stacy spent 17 years at Timken as a Logistics Supervisor. Since October 2017, he has fulfilled the role of Inside Sales Advisor, concentrating on Export Sales.
Jonathan Kelley has assumed the role of Ocala Warehouse Supervisor, reporting to Ron Avery. Prior to joining the company in 2015, he spent 7 years at Publix. His first assignment at Ring Power was as a Parts Counterperson B at the Gainesville branch. Since 2017, Jonathan has fulfilled the role of St. Augustine warehouse supervisor.
Utility
Jimmy Lewis has joined the company as Jacksonville Utility Production Manager, reporting to Larry Nieman. Prior to joining the company, Jimmy spent four years as the plant manager of a manufacturing company in Daytona.
Admin
Scott Skinner has been selected as Environmental Manager, reporting to Shane McLaughlin. Prior to joining the company, Scott served as the Environmental Compliance Manager for the Jacksonville Port Authority. He will be based at WCC.
kudos & Thank yous
Congratulations to Kenyon Hankins (NJ ES Entertainment Tech) and Reinaldo Heredia (NJ ES Entertainment Tech) for the phenomenal job done at the National Hockey League's Heritage Classic. Score!
SERVICE AWARDS
Congratulations to...
Everett Vickers (Tallahassee HE FS Tech I), right, receiving his award Rion Baker for completing 40 years of service Sept. 24.
Curtis Thompson (Tampa Generator Sales), right, receiving his award from Keith Moore for completing 40 years of service Sept. 21.
Tim Flagg ( Tampa HE Service Welder I), left, receiving his award from Mike Boyd for completing 30 years of service.
Rich Wishart (Ocala HE PSSR), fourth from left, receiving his award from Randy Harper for completing 25 years of service July 8.
Jason Bickerstaff (WCC Business Systems and Technical Support Manger), right, receiving his award from Dan Patin for completing 25 years of service Sept. 12.
David Collins (Lakeland HE Parts Assistant Manager), right, receiving his award from Austin Touchton for completing 25 years of service.
David Brown (WCC Parts Information Systems), center, receiving his award from Hubert Norris, Mike Furlough and Jose Leites for completing 25 years of service Oct. 3.
Chris Spivey (Tallahassee HE FS Tech I), second from left, receiving his award from Rion Baker for completing 25 years of service July 11.
Tim Whipple (Tallahassee Generator FS Tech I), left, receiving his award from Jessica Langston for completing 20 year of service Sept. 20.
John Morgan (Daytona HE FS Tech I), left, receiving his award from David Allen for completing 20 years of service July 6.
Jeff Rogers (Daytona HE FS Tech II), left, receiving his award from David Allen for completing 20 years of service Oct. 11.
Jamie Welu (WCC Truck Sales Manager), right, receiving his award from Frank Streva for completing 20 years of service Sept. 13.
Shane Butler (Brooksville CRS Service Tech II), right, receiving his award from Frank Zurita for completing 15 years of service Oct. 25.
Jill Penderghest (WCC Assistant Used Equipment Mgr.), center, receiving her award from Frank Streva and Paul Twigg for completing 15 years of service Oct. 1.
Craig Szeman (Palm Bay Parts Mgr.), right, receiving his award for completing 15 years of service Aug. 9.
Brent Kelley (Tampa Paint Shop Service Leadperson), left, receiving his award from Matthew Harden for completing 15 years of service Oct. 18.
Rabon Spires (SC Master FS Tech), right, receiving his award from Joe Mangum for completing 10 years of service Aug. 10.
Melvin Waller (Orlando HE FS Tech 1), center, receiving his award from Niels Akkerman, Dan Jung and the Orlando HE FS team for completing 5 years of service Sept. 2.
Mark Pitt (Orlando HE Service Welder II), left, receiving his award from Bryan Phelps for completing 5 years of service Oct. 6.
Mark Matson (Sarasota Truck Service Tech I), right, receiving his award from Jon Beaudry for completing 5 years of service Sept. 22.
Jeremy Williams (Jax Utility Quality Assurance Tech), right, receiving his award from Larry Nieman for completing 5 years of service Sept. 2.
Jason Lewis (Sarasota Transport Driver), left, receiving his award from Steve Short for completing 5 years of service Sept. 2.
Dylan Osborne (Orlando HE Shop Service Lead), left, receiving his award from Al George for completing 5 years of service Oct. 13.
Amanda Anders (Tampa Training Admin Assistant), right, receiving her award from Chip Handley for completing 5 year of service Oct. 13.
Bradley Myrick (WCC Service Painter II), left, receiving his award from Daryl Gandy for completing 5 years of service Oct. 6.
Buddy Budreau (Orlando HE P.M. Tech), center, receiving his award from Michael Torres for completing 5 years of service May 12.
William Clark (Ocala CRS FS Tech II), center, receiving his award from Larry Nieman and Dwayne Schell for completing 1 year of service Oct. 8.
Tony Alonso (Orlando Crane Service Supervisor), left, receiving his award from David Courtney for completing 1 year of service Oct. 1.
Shirley Trim (WCC Credit Collector), left, receiving her award from Carol Butterfield for completing 1 year of service Aug. 27.
Mark Martin (Pompano LT Salesperson), left, receiving his award from Felipe Martinez for completing 1 year of service Sept. 10.
Juliana Nielsen (Pompano Branch Receptionist), right, receiving her award from Jean McMahon for completing 1 year of service Aug. 6.
Edwin Toro (Sarasota Transport Driver), left, receiving his award from Steve Hiers and Steve Short for completing 1 year of service Oct. 29.
Clay Piel (Tampa HE FS Tech II), right, receiving his award from Mark Harden for completing 1 year of service Oct. 22.
New Places
Alex Akers Tampa Air Compressor Sales Rep
Steven Brown Ocala RUP Service Tech III
Austin Brown Daytona HE Service Tech III
Brenda Brunz WCC ES Rental Coordinator
Heather Canfield WCC Posting Clerk Jr.
Kristopher Cole Ocala CRS Service Tech II
Cole Cross Tallahassee HE Service Tech III
Matthew Dearwent WCC HE Parts Hose Tech
Alex Edwards Jax Pecan HE Inside Parts Sales Advisor
Myles Foster CA ES Entertainment Project Manager
Stacy Greene WCC HE Warehouse Supervisor
Royal Hendrix WCC PSD Cox Sales Support & Mktg Assistant Coby Horak Tampa HE FS Tech II
Derrick Hudson Lakeland HE PIP Field Tech
Tyler Johnson WCC HE Service Tech III
Cole Lawson Lake City CRS PM Tech
Chad Lower Tampa He FS Tech II
Joseph Merriex WCC Air Compressor Service Tech III
Michael Rainer Lakeland CRS FS Tech I
Adam Ray Tampa Generator PM Tech
William Revert Orlando Generator PM Tech
Nicholas Ross Sarasota HE FS Tech I
David Sala Lakeland HE Shop Service Leadperson
Gary Schmelzer WCC Floor Tech
Dakota Scott Orlando Generator FS Tech II
Gentian Shllaku WCC HE Service Laborer
Tyler Smith WCC HE Parts Admin Assistant
Laurence Snyder WCC HE CS III
Michael Stivender WCC Mailroom Clerk
Carson Tilton Ocala RUP Inventory Specialist
Angela Thompson WCC CRS Scanning & Data Entry Clerk Salvatore Ventura Jax LT FS Tech I
Tariro Wade WCC HE Jr. Accounting Clerk
Andrew Yancey Jax LT FS Tech I
NEW FACES
Lisaury Torres Orlando Facilities Custodian
Tiffany Davis SC Crane Service Tech III
Seth Emerdinger CA ES Entertainment Tech II
Jarrett Evans Palm Bay HE Service Tech II
Austin Frisbie Ocala RUP Supply Chain Associate
Robert Gay Jax Phoenix Service Fabricator A
Dylan Hackett Palm Bay PSD Think Big Tech Trainee Zachary Hart Sarasota CRS Yard Attendant
Robert Harvey WCC HE Service Tech III
Bradford Hawkes Jax LT FS Tech I
Lazaro Hernandez Miami LT FS Tech I
Tonya Hopper Trout Creek Store Clerk
Garrett Hultquist WCC PSD Think Big Tech Trainee
Martin Johnson WCC CRS Service Tech II
Wesley Kersey Tampa CRS Service Tech II
Kevin King Jax Pecan HE PM Tech
Michael Kraft Orlando CRS Service Tech III
Ray Kranich WCC CRS Service Tech II
Matthew Lambert Lake City CRS Service Tech III
Roland Lantigua Palm Bay HE FS Tech II
Jose Lopez Orlando ES Entertainment Tech III
Nathan Love Tampa HE Service Machinist I
Frank Lorenzo-Perez Jax Phoenix Service Laborer
Kyle Mathis Tampa HE PM Tech
Jacob Melcher Tallahassee Truck Service Tech III
Marc Miller Pompano LT PSSR
Jessica Nino De Rivera Cortes NJ ES Entertainment Tech III Ashley Nobles Tampa HE Supply Chain Associate
Priscilla Prive Tampa HE Branch Receptionist & Secretary Rodney Ramey Jax Pecan FS Tech II
Jaylin Rhodes Jax Phoenix Service Laborer
Joshua Roberts Ocala HE Think Big Tech Trainee
Juan Rodriguez Miami LT Sales Coordinator
Roy Scanlan Tampa Master Crane Service Tech
Jessica Schlegel Jax LT Service Writer
Matthew Sellberg Jax LT Yard Attendant
Brayden Skipper Tampa HE Supply Chain Associate
Jeremy Slater Jax LT Sales Coordinator
Lesley Smith Tampa HE Transport Driver
Jake Stallings Palm Bay HE Think Big Tech Trainee
Justin Thompson WCC HE Service Laborer
Joshua Verzaal Ocala HE Transport Driver
Jose Viera Tampa Generator FS Tech II
Harmony Walter Orlando Facilities Custodian
Randill Whitman Ocala HE Service Tech II
Jeffrey Woodward WCC Marine FS Tech I
Kevin Yoder WCC Generator Apprentice Service Tech
Michael ZiegelHoffer Jax LT Sales Coordinator
Reader Challenge
It's time for another round of spot the difference!
There are 7 differences between the two photos. The first photo has been unaltered. The second photo has 7 differences from the first.
Your EXTREMELY difficult challenge, dear reader, is to identify those differences.
Email matt.shelley@ringpower.com with your answers for a chance to win one of five Cat ball caps to cover those brilliant noggins.
Look ever so closely. Good luck!
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