What it Means to "Bleed Blue": Honoring a Legacy and Recognizing a Leader

NFI's culture continues to grow, develop, and bring an engaging sense of belonging, responsibility, and enthusiasm. Our people make us great, and their commitment to the company and each other is unlike any other I’ve seen. "Family" is not listed as our first value by accident. I've seen great growth at NFI over my 20 years making me even more excited for the future. It's not about perfection, it's about a continuous improvement mindset where we all make a difference every day.

This past week I had the honor of seeing most of my team for the first time in nearly 18 months. Creating a safe environment where everyone was vaccinated allowed us the chance to bond, laugh, and most importantly, be thankful for our health, well-being, and success. During a period of record-breaking new sales growth, it was liberating to have the opportunity to share in person, brainstorm about the business, and celebrate each other's success—success achieved while working from home—without the chance to see each other in person.???

2020 forced us to meet virtually. We made the best of it, but it wasn't the same. What remained the same was the engaging spirit of our SAM team (Sales and Account Management) and a continued desire to win. Seeing that spirit in person during the week was a wonderful reminder of how special NFI is. The vested interest in each other's success was never more apparent.?

Speaking of success, each year at our annual meeting, we present the “Bleed Blue” award in honor of one of NFI's most successful salespeople, Kaz Kaczerski, who passed away in 2018 following his battle with cancer. Kaz loved to win new business, and while employed at NFI for over 30 years, he signed a lot of new business, mostly driving endless miles (by choice) to see his customers. The award states the following:?

In recognition of an NFI employee who exhibits the following Kaz characteristics: dedicated and a loyal ambassador for the NFI family of companies. Appreciates, understands, and develops the customer relationship. Encourages team members to find a way to succeed. Brings positive energy—always looking forward to what's next.

This description eloquently captures how Kaz approached the business, his customers, and our team every day.?

The SAM Team's 2021 Kaz Kaczerski "Bleed Blue" award recipient is Kristie Tyler.? Kristie started with NFI in 2005 in operations as an Office Manager out in Chino, CA, transitioning to sales two years later, following her family's relocation back to the East Coast. Following promotions and increased levels of responsibility, Kristie participated in NFI's Accelerated Leadership Development Program (ALP) in 2017 and NFI's Women In Leadership (WIL) cohort program in 2019. She also sits on NFI's Diversity & Inclusion Council while leading a growing team of her own.?

The entire SAM team chose the award recipient. Kristie’s commitment to NFI and our team has never been in question. Her daily work ethic has always been very apparent. She outworks the competition and tries to help everyone she meets to achieve their goals. We want to congratulate Kristie on this tremendous accomplishment. Kristie, thank you for your dedication to NFI over these past 16 years.??

While I celebrate and reflect on these last few days, I'm reminded by Kristie and past "Bleed Blue" award recipients exactly how to do it the right way. Just like Kaz did too.

Bill Mahoney, EVP/CCO NFI

Pictured Left to Right - Kaz Kaczerski "Bleed Blue" Award Winners:? Andrew Kirkpatrick (2019), Kristie Tyler (2021), Gary Eubank (2020), and Steve Vogel (2018)

Pictured Left to Right:? Ike Brown (Owner); 2021 Award Winner Kristie Tyler; Bill Mahoney (EVP, CCO)and Jeff Brown (Owner)

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