In 2004, Kirby-Smith developed its own internal award program with the goal of promoting continued education in its parts & service departments. For over 13 years, the Guild Program has helped ensure that Kirby-Smith Parts and Service Employees are continually among the best and brightest in the industry.

Guild membership has been steadily climbing since the program’s inception, and 2016 set a record for award winners with 68 Guild members receiving recognition. 6 separate branch locations had at least one award winner, which tied the previous year’s record for branch participation.  

To be a member of “The Guild,” the company requires each participant to attend 40-plus hours of technical training each year and score 100% on quarterly exams. Jay Vanduzer, who manages the Guild Program, is pleased with the growth he has seen with the program.

“We are at the point where every year is a new record for participation in the Guild Excellence program, and that’s a good place to be. We had 14 more award winners this year than in 2015, and our membership levels for 2017 point to next year being another huge leap forward. What that tells me is that our Service and Parts people are invested in growing their knowledge base and experience, which means superior service for our customers. Ultimately, that is what the Guild Program is really about.”   

The 2016 awards banquets were held in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Abilene, Amarillo, and St. Louis. Over $20,000 in cash and awards were distributed during these events.

Guild Excellence Award Winners:   

Service - Construction Category:

                1st place – Ron Hagood - OKC

                2nd place – Chris Calhoun - OKC

                3rd place - Paul Cheek – Dallas

Service - Crane Category:

                1st place (tie) – Gary Cox - OKC

                1st place (tie) – Dale Schmidt – St. Louis

                2nd place – Justin Carey – Tulsa

                3rd place – Ralph Grass, Jr. - Tulsa

Parts Category:

                1st place – Ben Stoner – Tulsa

                2nd place – Mark Foster - OKC

                3rd place – Bob Weaver - OKC

 

About Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc.

Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc. was established in 1983 and is recognized as one of the premiere new and used heavy construction equipment and crane dealers in the country. Kirby-Smith Machinery and their hundreds of dedicated professional employees are committed to providing reliable new and used equipment for sale and equipment rentals, responsive service and equipment parts for multiple makes and models. Kirby-Smith has 10 branch locations in Oklahoma, North Texas, West Texas, Kansas, and Missouri. For more information about Kirby-Smith Machinery, call us at 888-861-0219 or visit our website at www.kirby-smith.com

 

Media Inquiries:

Andrew Clouse

Marketing & Business Development Associate

Kirby-Smith Machinery, Inc.

405-495-7820

aclouse@kirby-smith.com