Vol. 8, No. 5 — October 31, 2018
Ring Power Techs Respond
to Hurricane Florence
David Alred (Gainesville Generator FS Tech I), Steven Foster (WCC FS Tech I), Sean Mathews (WCC Generator P.M. Tech), Josh Whitehead (WCC Generator P.M. Tech), and Mike Loder (WCC Generator FS Tech I), all spent long days and nights in the Carolinas last month, witnessing firsthand the devastation and flooding caused by Hurricane Florence.
Four of the technicians were dispatched to the Carolinas in support of Publix, who sent four rental units from Ring Power and several of their own portables to the area. Another technician was dispatched to support Miller Electric and Walmart units in the storm’s path.
The techs spent more than two weeks enduring the wind and rain, road closures and lack of electricity and fuel for their service trucks. Throughout the entire event, Publix and Walmart maintained power to all of the stores that Ring Power technicians were assigned to monitor.
In addition to keeping their own stores powered, Publix, with assistance from Ring Power, came to the rescue of the Bladen County Hospital. The North Carolina hospital was just minutes from closing its emergency department when Publix stepped in to save the day with a working generator from Ring Power.
During Hurricane Matthew, in 2016, Bladen County Hospital had trouble with its generator. Not wanting to have problems again, they rented one from a company in Indiana prior to Hurricane Florence. When the power cut off, they employed the rented generator. After about five hours, it quit working. They then hooked up their old generator, which lasted for another five hours.
The hospital knew Publix had working generators, and reached out to them to see if they could help. Publix headquarters in Florida got right to work securing an 18-wheel tractor-trailer and driver to transport the store’s generator to the hospital. Publix also sent a fuel truck and a Ring Power generator technician to the hospital.
“We were just minutes from shutting the Emergency Department down,” said Dr. Wells, “when Publix stepped in and saved the day. Without a functioning Emergency Department, Bladen County EMS would have had to transport patients to other counties for treatment, putting their ambulances out of service for extended periods of time.”
Kudos to Steven Foster, Sean Mathews, Josh Whitehead and Mike Loder for outstanding service to Publix. Kudos to David Alred for outstanding service to Miller Electric. Kudos to Jason Descoteaux (WCC PSD FS Dispatcher), Amber Apple (Tampa PSD FS Dispatcher), and Leah Graff (WCC PSD Major Acct Supervisor), for their hard work preparing our technicians with parts and supplies, and working with Publix and Miller dispatching and coordinating the constant movement of personnel and equipment throughout the storm area.
Unfortunately, Florence was not the only storm to cause devastation this season. Just a few weeks after Florence made landfall in the Carolinas, Hurricane Michael came ashore near Mexico Beach in the Florida Panhandle. Ring Power crews are actively assisting in recovery and restoration efforts. Look for more info on their work in the next issue of Ring Tales.
Utility Equipment Division Gathers in
Tampa for Spiradrill Training Session
Ring Power’s Utility Equipment Division held a special training session at the Tampa branch in September for account managers on some of the most popular Spiradrill equipment we offer.
Mike Beauregard (Jax VP Utility Division) said his division has an initiative that involves quarterly, high-level sales meetings to get feedback to the allied equipment manufacturers. Part of that initiative includes regular training on key pieces of equipment.
“If we don’t stay engaged with the sales force, they can lose track,” Mike said. “So we did a full in-the-dirt experience.”
The training session included all the sales personnel as well as some of the field service team. The session gave all personnel the chance to see how the equipment functions and operates.
The Utility division team got an afternoon’s worth of refresher training on the LHD-35 as well as plenty of user training on the Stud-40. Mike said he expects the Stud-40 to be a big hit in the market in the coming months. The Stud-40 is an exclusively Cat excavator-mounted drill system, meaning Ring Power can continue to provide outstanding solutions for its customers' needs from both the Utility division side and Heavy Equipment side.
The Spiradrill training session was another way for the Utility division to give its sales reps even more confidence in helping our customers.
“For us, it’s an all-in situation,” Mike said. “Our guys are always excited about training. They’re always engaged and knowledgeable.”
Open Enrollment Reminder!
Open enrollment meetings are currently underway for all full-time, benefit-eligible employees, and will continue through Nov 12. Representatives from The Bailey Group, United Way, and our own HR department are conducting these meetings at all Florida branches.
These meetings are an opportunity to ask questions and receive valuable information about RPC benefits for 2019. If you have not yet had a meeting at your branch, please reference the calendar below for your scheduled meeting times.
Out of state employees and employees who were unable to attend an onsite meeting can click here to view a recorded webinar. The username and password is ringpower.
You must login to Plan Source and enroll in benefits between October 8 and November 12, 2018. Your benefits will NOT rollover for 2019.
November 1
Morning: 7:30 and 8:30 Gainesville
Afternoon: 1:00 and 2:30 and 4:00 Ocala
November 6
Morning: 7:30 and 9:00 Palm Bay
November 7
Morning: 7:30 and 9:00 Pompano
Afternoon: 2:30 Miami
November 8
Morning: 9:00 and 10:30 Miami
Making a Difference
Ring Power has a long-standing legacy of building up our community and providing a helping hand to those within our own company and the communities where our employees live and serve.
This legacy is a part of our company values and mission. We know The Power of Teamwork doesn’t stop when we leave the office. When we work together, we can produce better results than any of us can achieve alone. The same is true when we work to make our communities stronger – by collaborating we can make a greater impact.
The Employee Giving Campaign is one way we come together. Last year, the Ring Power Employee Giving Campaign raised $155,000! Our employee participation also increased. With your help, we can do even more! Our goal for this year’s campaign is $175,000.
Ring Power is committed to reaching this campaign goal and will match employee donations at 50 percent. This means for every dollar you donate, Ring Power will contribute 50 cents.
We will continue to partner with United Way, American Heart Association and American Cancer Society to meet the needs of our employees and our communities. Our employees have given their time and talent to these organizations throughout the year, continuing to show their enthusiasm for giving back.
You may also designate your donation to any 501(c)(3) of your choosing.
Ring Power’s annual Employee Giving Campaign will run in conjunction with open enrollment. Once again, pledges will be paperless this year. Employees wishing to contribute to this year’s campaign must designate their pledges when they login to Plan Source to make their 2019 benefit selections. Please remember, all 2018 campaign donations will be zeroed out at the end of the year.
Go Paperless, Sign up for Electronic W-2s!
Exciting changes have been made to the way that you can receive your W-2 form. Beginning this year, you can elect to receive your W-2’s electronically.
There are many benefits to opting to receive an electronic W-2 form:
Earlier access to your W-2. No possibility of your W-2 being lost, stolen, delayed or misplaced in the mail
Capability to access your W-2 from home, and save an electronic copy, or print a copy for your records
To take advantage of these benefits, you must grant the payroll department permission to deliver your W-2 electronically. Just follow these simple steps to grant consent.
1. Log on to the Ultipro Web Portal (this is where you view your pay stubs).
2. As soon as you log in, you should see the box below that says Go Paperless! If you want to go paperless, click on the green Go Paperless box at the bottom.
3. On the next screen, read the “Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement Consent;” Click on the circle next to Go Paperless – “I consent to receive my form W-2 electronically, “and then click on the green SAVE button at the top right corner.
Make Locking Your Computer a Habit
End-user security awareness is imperative to the safety of our organization. The IT department is currently working on a Security Awareness campaign to educate all Ring Power employees on the importance of overall computer security, and become more proactive in keeping our network and information systems secure.
To kickoff this campaign, the IT department is working to educate employees on the importance of locking their computer. Locking your PC before you leave your desk area is a terrific way to decrease the likelihood of anyone obtaining information from your PC. An unlocked and unattended computer gives malicious users the ability to modify, remove or even share confidential data. This is a major liability to Ring Power's data infrastructure.
To help remind employees to lock their PCs, the IT department is distributing courtesy reminder cards to all branches. If you notice a coworker has stepped away from their PC without locking it, place one of these cards on their desk as a reminder to lock their computer next time.
The overall goal with the courtesy cards is to not only to educate employees on the importance of security awareness, but also to make it a routine to lock your computer before stepping away.
Pressing a couple of key strokes (Windows Key + L key) will automatically lock your PC, and decrease the likelihood of anyone accessing your PC for malicious activities.
If we all work together, we can ensure our network stays safe and confidential data secure.
New Identity for Cat Products Reflects
the Brand's Premium Quality
Cat machines, engines, generator sets and work tools will soon have a new look. Caterpillar is replacing the current “Power Edge” trade dress (Cat trademark on a black background accented with a diagonal red bar) with a fresh new graphic design called “Cat Modern Hex.” The Cat Modern Hex design combines the traditional Cat trademark and product model names with a bold, three-dimensional red hexagon and grille pattern. The red color is a throwback to the graphics used on the company’s very first crawler tractors in 1925.
The Cat Modern Hex was designed by the Caterpillar Industrial Design Group. “Our goal was to create something with a premium look and feel,” said Ed Stembridge, product identity manager. “When you combine the Modern Hex design with our distinctive Cat product designs, it visually reminds customers they are buying and using the best products on the market.”
In addition to machines, gen sets and engines, the new trade dress will be used on Cat parts packaging and various licensed products such as toys and scale models. Cat products that are no longer in production will not be updated.
Look for the Modern Hex design on newly-manufactured Cat products in the near future as Caterpillar updates its whole product line by early 2020.
Ring Power Becomes Official Provider of
Thunder Creek Fuel and Service Trailers
Ring Power has signed an agreement with Thunder Creek Equipment to represent its fuel and service trailers throughout our territory.
Thunder Creek is the nation’s premier manufacturer of fuel and service trailers. The brand is widely recognized for bulk fuel trailers that that do not require a HAZMAT endorsement; lube trailers that are considerably less expensive to own and operate than lube trucks; and ISO 22241 compliant DEF handling systems that maintain purity of the easily contaminated fluid in any environment.
Below is an overview of the Thunder Creek product line now available to our customers:
Multi-Tank Trailers
These trailers are designed to legally transport bulk diesel – in 460, 690 or 920-gallon capacities – without a HAZMAT endorsement. In many cases a CDL may not be required either. In addition to fuel, customers can opt for a 100-gallon DEF System and a wide variety of additional service-minded options.
Multi-Tank Upfit
The recently launched Multi-Tank Upfit brings the functionality of a Multi-Tank Trailer to the medium-duty truck. A Ford F-550 can be upfit with 920 gallons of diesel capacity in eight 115-gallon tanks that are only connected when a common manifold is opened on site.
Service & Lube Trailers
A Service & Lube Trailer works like a lube truck at a fraction of the cost. The purchase price is usually one-quarter to one-third the cost of a comparably equipped lube truck. In addition, it is considerably less expensive to operate and maintain. The customer can customize a Service & Lube Trailer with fresh oils, used oil reclaim, coolant and diesel in 25-, 55- and 110-gallon tanks (440-gallon combined capacity.) DEF and grease systems are also available.
Additional Solutions
Ring Power customers will also have access to these Thunder Creek products:
• FST Series and Economy Fuel Trailers. These are ideal for customers who do not have CDL/HAZMAT concerns.
• Double Wall Fuel Trailers for customers in need of secondary containment systems on site.
• Bulk DEF Trailers for those who require larger volumes of DEF capacity.
• Split Tank Trailers for customers who would benefit from dual tanks of on-road/off-road diesel or dual oil products.
• DEF Transport Totes which provide 50-gallons of DEF capacity in a truck bed platform. To learn more, visit ThunderCreek.com and/or click here to watch a video on how our customers can benefit from Thunder Creek trailers.
Fragrance Sensitivity
in the Workplace
Fragrances from perfumes, colognes, personal care products, air fresheners, and cleaning products have been associated with adversely affecting a person’s health.
Symptoms include:
• Headaches
• Dizziness, Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Insomnia
• Numbness
• Upper Respiratory symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Skin irritation
• Malaise
• Confusion
• Difficulty with concentration
People with allergies and asthma report that certain odors, even in small amounts, can cause asthma symptoms. Please show consideration to your co-workers with a heightened sensitivity to fragrance. Share the air. Be fragrance free.
Organization Updates
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
Dalton Chesser has accepted the position of Heavy Equipment Field Service Foreman in Sarasota, reporting to Travis Anders. Dalton joined Ring Power’s Tampa branch in 2015. After a year on the wash rack, he joined Ring Power’s technician apprentice program and transferred to the HE main shop. While in the main shop, Dalton was selected for participation in the supervisor trainee program.
UTILITY EQUIPMENT
Joel Ross has joined the Utility division in Jacksonville as General Parts Manager, reporting to Mike Beauregard. Joel has worked in heavy equipment and material management within the utility industry for 14 years. His most recent role was as a supply chain supervisor in which he developed the material management program for major utility projects.
POWER SYSTEMS
Ally Pickren has taken on the role of Project Coordinator in Tampa, reporting to Jonathan Long. Ally most recently worked at the corporate receptionist at WCC. She is a graduate of Flagler College, where she was a recipient of the Ringhaver Endowed Scholarship. During her time at Flagler, she spent two summers interning at Ring Power, learning all aspects of the company.
Safety alert: Chemical approval and awareness
Description of the Incident:
We recently had two cases where employees were using chemicals that were not properly approved by Environmental and Safety. Both resulted in some skin irritation that could have been much worse, as the employees were not wearing proper PPE.
Prevention of Future Occurrences:
Before you bring any new chemical to your workplace:
1. Check the online database. All approved chemicals are listed.
2. If not approved, email Brian Brown and Steve Brown a copy of the SDS and your intended use. This includes for any trials. 3. If approved, the chemical will be entered in the database and you can purchase the product. Before you use any chemical new to you: 1. Understand how to use the product through task training 2. Review the SDS (Safety Data Sheet)
3. Wear the proper Personal Protective Equipment.
4. If you have any questions on using the chemical safely, contact your supervisor or anyone from the Safety department
Why do chemicals require approval?
Ring Power is required to maintain a chemical inventory to comply with several safety and environmental laws. In case of an injury involving the chemical, we need to have the SDS in our system to provide to the medical team or employee. Some chemicals can be harmful for the environment or damage our equipment.
Contact steve.brown@ringpower.com (Safety) or brian.brown@ringpower.com (Environmental) with any questions.
The Rook on Display at IACP 2018
Law enforcement from all across the world descended upon Orlando earlier this month for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference and Exposition. Founded in 1893, the IACP aims to provide law enforcement leaders with new strategies, techniques, and the resources they need to successfully navigate the evolving policing environment.
Ring Power’s Tactical Solutions team brought in The Rook for the big expo. Attendees were impressed with the capabilities of the armored critical incident vehicle, and the Tactical Solutions team fielded many questions from interested law enforcement professionals from around the world.
kudos & Thank yous
Congratulations to Creig Kirkley (WCC HE Fab Shop Lead), Daryl Gandy (WCC HE Unit Foreman), Jason Bickerstaff (WCC HE Main Store Service Manager), Brandon Jung (WCC HE PSSR), and Chris Green (WCC HE Field Service Foreman, who recently earned the praises of a customer. For their teamwork and dedication to excellence, they all are receiving Top Cat gold seals).
Hats off to Kevin Gill (WCC HE PSSR) for going out of his way to secure a part for a customer. Kevin’s commitment to excellence has earned him his first Top Cat gold seal! Your personal pride in your work is obvious…and never taken for granted.
Congratulations to Thomas Murray (WCC Truck Service Lead) on receiving his first Top Cat gold seal! Your personal commitment to excellence is an inspiration to others.
SERVICE AWARDS
Congratulations to...
Carl Davis (Perry HE FS Tech I), right, receiving his award from Hector Feliciano for completing 40 years of service August 31.
Howard Donaway (Orlando Parts & Service Operations Manager), center, receiving his award from Robert Burkhead for completing 30 years of service July 12.
Melvin Hicks (Brooksville Inside Parts Sales Advisor), center, receiving his award from Kevin Cason for completing 30 years of service August 15.
Tony Norris (Brooksville Master Field Service Technician), left, receiving his award from John Duncan for completing 30 years of service August 15.
Elvira Elliott (WCC Executive Secretary), left, receiving her award from Tim Maguire for completing 25 years of service Aug. 12.
Richard Wasden (Tampa HE Service Foreman), left, receiving his award from Travis Flowers for completing 25 years of Service October 18.
Rick Chapman (Jacksonville Marine Engine Sales), left, receiving his award from Keith Moore for completing 20 years of service August 1.
Belkis Coco (WCC Executive Secretary), left, receiving her award from Dave Glass for completing 20 years of service August 31.
Frank Verk (Palm Bay HE Branch Service Manager), left, receiving his award from Sammy Simmons for completing 20 years of service July 20.
Richard Burnett (Tampa U/C and Paint shop Leadman), on the left receiving his award from Matt Harden for completing 15 years of service October 6.
Donnie Harris (TX CES Rental Sales), right, receiving his award from Mike Hone for completing 15 years of service August 8.
Sylvester Hatten (Tallahassee HE Yard Attendant), right, receiving his award from Greg Meeks for completing 15 years of service October 6.
Randy Snoddy (WCC Truck Service Tech I), second to right, receiving his award from Thomas Murray for completing 15 years of service August 4.
Robert Taylor (HE Unit Foreman), right, receiving his award from Travis Flowers for completing 15 years of service August 11.
Todd Thurlby (Tampa HE Service Tech II), right, receiving his award from Rollie Watson for completing 15 years of service October 13.
Frank Zurita (Brooksville CRS Shop Foreman), left, receiving his award from David Jones for completing 15 years of service August 13.
Dawn Bazan (Sarasota Branch Administrator) second from right, receiving her award from Bert Hammett for completing 10 years of service September 29. Pictured L:R: Richie Bigi (Parts Manger), Bert Hammett (Branch Manager), Dawn Bazan, Travis Anders (HE Service Manager)
Mike Slay (Tampa Surface Mining Shop Leadperson), center, receiving his award from Dan Patin for completing 10 years of service September 29.
Michael Rainer (Lakeland CRS Service Shop Leadperson), right, receiving his award from Matt Burroughs for completing 10 years of service July 7.
Mauricio Castano (Miami Compressor Supervisor), third from left, receiving his award from Gene Meisenheimer for completing 5 years of service September 26.
Jayson Diaz (Sarasota Truck Service Shop Leadperson) left, receiving his award from Robert Jones for completing 5 years of service August 26.
Charles Harrell (Brooksville HE Inside Parts Sales Advisor), right, receiving his award from Kevin Cason for completing 5 years of service September 9.
Carson Howell (WCC HE Inside Sales), right, receiving his award from Randy Harper for completing 5 years of service August 19.
Eugene Lassiter (WCC Transport Driver), right, receiving his award from Drew Sellers for completing 5 years of service August 19.
Mark McMillan (Ocala Truck PSSR), left, receiving his award from Joey McCullors for completing 5 years of service July 15.
Ray Burns (Tallahassee P.M. Technician), center, receiving his award from Rion Baker and Greg Meeks for completing 1 year of service September 25.
Drew Doxzon (Jax LT Account Manager), right, receiving his award from Rusty Davis for completing 1 year of service August 1.
Jim Elkins (Tampa Tech Sales Rep), center, receiving his award from Dan Patin and Cory Cason for completing 1 year of service August 28.
Daniel Garcia (Orlando Service Welder II), right, receiving his award from Brian Phelps for completing 1 year of service August 31.
Patrick Hirschmann (WCC Service Painter I), left, receiving his award from Daryl Gandy for completing 1 year of service August 15.
Frankie McCance (LT Service Technician II), left, receiving his award from Rusty Davis for completing 1 year of service October 9.
Ethan Thompson (WCC CS III), left, receiving his award from Daryl Gandy for completing 1 year of service August 15.
James Branch (Tampa Sales & Rental Coord), right, receiving his award from Nathan Thomas for completing 1 year of service October 2.
Jeri Greenough (Lakeland HE Service Admin), left, receiving her award from Travis Flowers for completing 1 year of service October 16.
New Places
Jacquelyn Addair WCC Credit Admin Assistant
Jacqueline Brookins WCC Sr. Accounting Clerk
Richard Browning Jr Tampa CRS FS Tech III
Hannah Hudson WCC Credit Jr. Posting Clerk
Kyle Pausche Daytona CRS Sales Coordinator
David Pollen Lakeland HE FS Tech II
Jason Vickery Ocala HE FS Tech II
Melvin Waller Orlando HE FS Tech I
Johnny Weekes Orlando CRS FS Tech II
Austin Wells Orlando Parts Sales Advisor Trainee
Joey Zeaiter WCC HE Assistant Rental Manager
Tyler Peacock Orlando Supply Chain Associate
David Sanfilippo Orlando AC FS Dispatcher
Eric Totzke Jax Phoenix Electrician
NEW FACES
David Alred Jr. Gainesville HE FS Tech I
Robert Biggs Jr Ocala Facilities Assistant
Justin Brand Brooksville HE Service Tech II
Justin Cope WCC Truck Service Tech III
Jerry Dalton Tampa Generator FS Tech I
Paul Gibson Jr. Perry Supply Chain Associate
Larry Hay Orlando ES Entertainment Tech III
Mark Hernandez Tampa Surface Mining FS Tech I
Keven Jackson Orlando Supply Chain Associate
Katherine Johns Brooksville HE Service Admin
Tyler Johnson Jax Pecan Park Supply Chain Associate
Cody Meeks Tampa HE Service Tech III
Nolvia Mejia Flores Orlando Facilities Custodian
Sky Montalvo Orlando Facilities Bldg Tech B
Nimsay Montgomery WCC HE Marketing Liaison/Coordinator
Kyle Queenan Tampa AC Tech Trainee
Greg Ratliff Tampa Transport Driver
Kenneth Reeves Ocala HE Inside Parts Sales Advisor
Bobby Richardson Orlando HE Service Tech II
Casey Rodriguez Tampa HE Machinist Trainee
Luis Santiago Perez WCC Sr. Technical Analyst
Tyler Smith WCC Supply Chain Associate
Athena Stine Ocala Facilities Custodian
Peggy Wallace WCC PSD Project Manager
William Wise CA ES Entertainment Tech I
Michael Worrall Sarasota Transport Driver
Reader Challenge
Isn't the above photo beautiful? Taken on a lovely sunny day in Tampa, these two beautiful cranes sit enjoying the central Florida sun, waiting for someone to put them to work!
But what's that? Some villainous designer with Photoshop has come along and tampered with this glorious photo and replaced it below.
You thought last time was easy, huh? Well let's see you try to spot all 10 differences between these two photos. If you're successful in your endeavor, email Matt Shelley (matt.shelley@ringpower.com) a screen shot of the differences circled or list them out--any way to prove that you spotted the differences is acceptable. Send in your solutions by December 1.
If you manage to defeat this villainous photoshopper, you will be entered into a drawing to win one of four Cat Mini Machines packages.
Good luck!
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