Employee Appreciation

Every year in the Fall, we have a free lunch to honour the people who have been working at Southwest for 10, 15, 20, and 25 years. This year, two employees hit a very special milestone, their 30 year anniversary. So we wanted to honour them by telling you more about them as well as asking them how they started at Southwest and what has made them stay for all these years.

Anna Ostrowski:

Anna was the first person that Louis Cordeiro hired to help him run Southwest back in 1987. She has transitioned from many jobs at Southwest and although her current title is Administrative Assistant and Customer Service, there is nothing that Anna won’t do to help out. Anna is a remarkable woman who has never let her inability to hear weigh her down. She can read lips, speak both English and Polish as well as American Sign Language. Anna officially made 30 years working at Southwest on March 16^th. What made you start working at Southwest? Louis Cordeiro bought the Company in 1987, which manufactured binding supplies. At that time, I was interested working in the laminating field and performed this job and other bookbinding supplies. Louis is the reason I have moved my position to the office. I love all the jobs I have had throughout the years and I like working in administrative and office clerk area at the Southwest. I would like to thanks Louis for having me working at his company for 30 years, if he hadn’t bought this company, we would not be working here. Why have you stayed all these years? It's just a great environment to work in. Every job that I have performed is appreciated. I feel like I’m working in the family environment and I don't see myself working for another company. I feel good about the company I work for, and I want to be part of helping this company continue to grow.

Theresa Nilsson:

Theresa is the second person to reach the 30 year milestone. She has had a handful of jobs at Southwest over the years, but has enjoyed her current position as Director of Customer Experience the most. We have had the honor of seeing her get married and raise 4 wonderful children (all of whom are now adults). If you have ever called in to our office, chances are you have spoken to her on the phone more than once. She is a soft spoken woman who loves to laugh and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Theresa officially made 30 years working at Southwest on May 5^th. What made you start working at Southwest? Actually I started at Southwest because my sister was looking for employment (not me). I ended up being the one to get the job. At the time, Southwest was a small office setting where you did everything and I liked that. You were in charge of all office procedures, payables, receivables, inventory and even working in the factory. Why have you stayed all these years? As we grew, I guess I grew with it. You learn to work just as well by yourself as you do with others. A sense of fairness and trust by the owner goes a long way. When the owner knows not only you, but the rest of your family, it shows he cares. That forms a great relationship and is a good reason to stay for 30 years.   In addition to these Ladies, we also celebrated the following people who made their anniversaries this year as well:

25 years:

• Viviane Warmoes –Director of Sales Quebec Branch

20 years:

• Pamela Lorenz – Sales Representative

15 years:

• Greg Djoboulian – Quebec Branch Manager

   10 years:

• Israel Aizenstros – Sales Representative
• Shawn Maddigan – Prairie Branch Manager
• Lisete Medeiros – Binder Production
• Kathy Little – Receptionist
• Mary Albior – Tab Department Production Manager

  We feel very honoured to have so many great individuals as part of our team and want to wish them many more years as part of our Family.