FBG 2024 Value Award Winners
Each year, FBG honors exceptional individuals in every District with a value award, highlighting their embodiment of one of our five core values.
- Ethics and Integrity
- People Development and Empowerment
- Quality
- Innovation and Experimentation
- Growth and Stability
Each winner is nominated by their supervisor or district director. Read more about each winner below.
Cedar Rapids
Emina Okanovic
Cleaning Specialist at CBE
Growth and Stability
Emina’s reliability, coupled with her meticulous approach to her work, have played a crucial role in maintaining customer satisfaction over her 13 years at FBG. Her keen eye for detail ensures that every aspect of her responsibilities is executed flawlessly, leaving no room for error in meeting customer needs. Beyond her ability to uphold stability, Emina’s efforts have also contributed to the growth of FBG’s services with CBE. Her role in the success of a CBE project in Cedar Falls led to further opportunities with them in Clarksville, Tennessee. Emina’s dedication and hard work has paved the way for the company’s growth.
Frank Zarifis
Cleaning Specialist at Prairie Creek Generating
Quality
One of Frank’s standout qualities is his attention to detail, not only in his work but also in the maintenance of tools and equipment. He understands the importance of tools and equipment that not only look good but work well too. This reflects positively on FBG and enhances the company’s reputation. Cleaning an electric generating plant is hard work, but Frank’s efforts do not go unnoticed. Prairie Creek Generating thinks very highly of Frank. His strong work ethic is a rare and invaluable trait that sets him apart.
Jamie Estling
Operations Supervisor in Waterloo and Cedar Falls
People Development and Empowerment
From the moment Jamie started as a cleaning specialist at one of Cedar Rapid’s largest accounts, she demonstrated exceptional teamwork, responsibility and leadership qualities. This set a high standard for her colleagues. Recognized for her performance and positive influence, Jamie transitioned to her current role as an Area Supervisor, showcasing her strong organizational and interpersonal skills. The impact of Jamie’s promotion was felt immediately. Her ability to problem-solve and motivate others proved invaluable in enhancing team performance and operational efficiency. Under her guidance, employee morale improved, turnover rates decreased and overall customer satisfaction soared. Jamie’s genuine care and consideration for others fostered a supportive and respectful work environment, earning her the admiration and respect of her peers.
John Rochford
Cleaning Specialist at Ingredion
Ethics and Integrity
John’s proactive approach to identifying and addressing areas of value for the customer demonstrates his integrity and commitment to excellence. John’s reliability and steadfastness shone brightly during a strike at Ingredion. The strike increased his workload and altered his responsibilities, but he remained resolute in his commitment to the customer without missing a single day. His presence and dedication have been deeply appreciated by the customer, who has expressed gratitude for his exceptional service directly to his manager.
Larry McEowen
Cleaning Specialist at BAE
Innovation and Experimentation
Larry’s innovative approach to problem-solving and his willingness to experiment with new ideas make him a standout for the Innovation and Experimentation Award. During his shift, Larry uses a restroom cart to carry his equipment and supplies on. To better store his supplies, he made some minor modifications to the cart. The minor modifications Larry made not only demonstrate his ability to think outside the box but also reflect his commitment to optimizing efficiency and organization. His innovative solutions have not only improved his own productivity but have also enhanced the overall professionalism of FBG’s services.
Colorado Springs
Dorothy Steyer
Area Supervisor at Western Nebraska
People Development and Empowerment
By prioritizing open communication and valuing the perspectives of all team members, Dorothy fosters a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. She recognizes the importance of the technicians’ insights and encourages their active participation in meetings and events, understanding that their input is invaluable for driving innovation and improving service quality. Dorothy’s approach to empowering team members enables them to recognize the significance of their roles and their impact on customer satisfaction. She empowers the boots on the ground mindset so her team can take ownership of their development and contribute to FBG’s success.
Dustin Schneweis
Cleaning Technician at Focus on the Family
Growth and Stability
One challenge Dustin and his team recently faced was after a maintenance project that left a significant amount of debris behind. Dustin had to adjust his daily routine to ensure that the area was spotless for the next day. This further exemplifies his dedication to customer satisfaction and the company. Dustin also takes the role as a mentor to a predominantly young cleaning team. His willingness to offer advice and guidance to his colleagues reflects his leadership qualities and his dedication to empowering others to achieve their full potential.
Roger Montoya
Site Supervisor at UTC Collins Aerospace Pueblo
People Development and Empowerment
A key aspect of Roger’s effectiveness as a leader lies in his positive attitude during employee interactions. He is very supportive and empowers his teammates to thrive and progress towards employee ownership. His ability to lead and develop individuals is a testament to his dedication to their growth and success. Roger’s expertise and outstanding reputation extend far beyond his immediate responsibilities. His invaluable insights were sought after during the customer’s remodeling project, where he provided input on flooring maintenance and identified the most suitable solutions for the environment.
Ruben Gonzales
Technician at Western Nebraska
Innovation and Experimentation
Ruben’s consistent engagement with the leadership team, where he shares ideas and suggestions regardless of the outcome, fosters an environment of open communication and creativity. His willingness to challenge conventional thinking inspires other team members to explore new possibilities and contribute their own creative solutions. Ruben’s ability to think outside the box was recently demonstrated when he ingeniously diverted water through a makeshift contraption to prevent additional damage from a leaking pipe. This resourcefulness not only showcased his creative problem-solving skills but also minimized potential risks and losses for the premises.
Wendy Kan
Cleaning Specialist at Lumen Denver Locations
Quality
Since assuming her role as a cleaning specialist under the Lumen contract, Wendy’s has made a big impact. Her commitment to quality has resulted in a notable decrease in customer cleaning issues and consistently high scores on Vektr inspections. Under her care, there have been no reported quality issues, allowing both clients and supervisors to focus their time and efforts on more strategic activities. Wendy’s willingness to learn new skills, despite her years of experience at a different FBG client, demonstrates her adaptability and willingness to meet the unique needs of each location. Her ownership mindset shines through in her daily efforts to provide a clean and safe working environment for Lumen staff, ensuring their comfort and satisfaction.
Corporate
Brian Galloway
Vice President of Information Technology
Innovation and Experimentation
Brian’s has approached the Verification and Validation program head on and has developed many tools for both customers and team members. By providing a streamlined method to verify staff presence and task completion, Brian’s programs have significantly enhanced operational efficiency and accountability. A key aspect of Brian’s success is his ability to actively listen, ask pertinent questions and collaborate towards comprehensive solutions. His genuine demeanor and exceptional leadership skills make him an approachable and respected figure within FBG.
Mike Mailander
Facilities Manager
Quality
As the facilities manager in Omaha, Mike has played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the office remodel in 2023. Throughout the project, Mike demonstrated a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every aspect of the remodel met the highest standards of quality. He proactively pushed for quality workmanship and diligently monitored progress to ensure timelines were met.
Des Moines
Alejandra Piceno
Cleaning Specialist at Des Moines Area Community College Trailpoint
Quality
Alejandra’s meticulous attention to detail, thoroughness and precision in completing every cleaning task ensure that every corner of the Des Moines Are Community College shines with cleanliness. Since Alejandra’s arrival, operations have run smoother than ever before, and concerns about cleanliness that were once daily occurrences have vanished. Alejandra’s proactive approach to problem-solving and their commitment to maintaining high standards have made a significant difference in the overall cleanliness and appearance of the campus. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of their work meets or exceeds expectations.
Emily Cassise
Day Floater
People Development and Empowerment
Emily has helped train numerous employees and equipped them with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. Her ability to instill confidence and “buy-in” among team members reflects her exceptional leadership and mentorship qualities. In her assignment to the City of Des Moines Day Route, Emily quickly identified areas needing improvement and proactively addressed ongoing challenges. Her outstanding relationship-building skills enabled her to uplift staff and resolve issues effectively, earning praise from both clients and colleagues.
Kymberly Lawrence
PM Shift Floater
Innovation and Experimentation
Kymberly’s initiative extends beyond her immediate responsibilities, as she eagerly volunteers to take on new accounts. Her impressive performance at ISG recently is a testament to her dedication and adaptability, leaving a lasting impression on the customer. Kymberly always keeps in contact with her manager about issues she encounters while on the job. She also documents and follows up with her accounts regularly which alleviates pressure from the operations team.
Neftali Chavez Monjaras
Cleaning Specialist at Des Moines Area Community College FFA
Ethics and Integrity
Neftali’s meticulous attention to detail and refusal to cut corners demonstrate his integrity and respect for his responsibilities. His dedication to completing tasks correctly and consistently has helped foster a culture of trust and reliability at the college. His team knows they can depend on him to set the next shifts up for success. Neftali is always punctual and has consistent performance. His professionalism in interactions, respect for confidentiality and willingness to go the extra mile further exemplify his dedication to ethics and integrity.
Sandra Lopez
Site Supervisor at Des Moines Area Community College FFA
Growth and Stability
Sandra is always willing to work late weekend nights, cover events, handle absences and work numerous “swing” shifts. In short, Sandra “holds down the fort” at the college. Her efforts have allowed her managers to focus their attention on other accounts without the fear of issues arising in their absence. Sandra’s dedication to self-driven excellence has brought positive results to the FFA account, setting a high standard for performance and stability. Her flexibility in scaling her efforts to meet the immediate needs of the job supports her commitment to growth and stability.
Minnesota
Dario Arrenchu
Lead Cleaning Specialist in New Brighton
People Development and Empowerment
Dario’s positive attitude and ability to get along with everyone on the team makes him a valuable asset. His initiative to learn from others, share his cleaning methods and train his colleagues demonstrate his dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the team. What truly sets Dario apart is his willingness to conquer any obstacle and step outside of his comfort zone to learn and grow. He embodies the spirit of self-investment and takes full advantage of training opportunities offered by FBG to further his success.
Elizabeth Mejia Galicia
Cleaning Specialist
Quality
Elizabeth is a team player and is always willing to cover shifts with the operations team for her team members. Because of this, she has extensive knowledge of the building’s responsibilities and duties. This is just one way she demonstrates her dedication to understanding and fulfilling her role to the best of her ability. What truly sets Elizabeth apart is her professionalism and teamwork. Whether covering daytime positions, working at night or assisting her colleagues, she consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Her exceptional flexibility in her schedule allows FBG to rely on her with confidence, knowing that she will always be there to support the operations team when needed.
Gregory Karnes
Cleaning Specialist in Wisconsin
Quality
Gregory’s exceptional work ethic and ability to oversee numerous buildings do not go unnoticed by his team. His adaptability and flexibility in handling changes to his buildings demonstrate his commitment to excellence and his valuable contribution to the team. What truly sets Gregory apart is his proactive approach to communication. He not only provides a high level of quality in his work but also ensures that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively. His willingness to tackle challenges head-on and his grace under pressure make him an invaluable asset to the Minnesota team.
Irene Ackman
Cleaning Specialist in St. Paul
Quality
Irene’s positive attitude and commitment to getting things done exemplify her dedication to her role. She approaches her position with seriousness and professionalism, ensuring that her work meets the highest standards. This dedication is not only appreciated by FBG but also valued by the customer, who thoroughly enjoys Irene’s proactive approach and commitment to excellence. Irene’s ability to efficiently follow her scope of work and take pride in her position has significantly contributed to the smooth operation of the team. Her top-notch customer service skills have earned her high praise from the customer, who consistently commends Irene for her work ethic, attention to detail and overall satisfaction with her performance.
Urie Wallick
Cleaning Specialist
Quality
Urie’s charming personality, kindness and respect for his team members make him a pleasure to work with. He serves as a true reflection and role model of FBG’s values. His positive attitude shines through in all that he does. Urie continuously goes the extra mile to exceed customer expectations. Celebrating his recent three-year anniversary with FBG, Urie’s track record speaks for itself. In three years of service, he has only called in sick three times, demonstrating his exceptional reliability and dedication to his responsibilities.
Omaha
Azenet Vasquez
Operations Supervisor in Lincoln
People Development and Empowerment
Azenet’s recruitment efforts have significantly impacted the team. Half of the floor crew were her recruits. Her willingness to take on extra responsibilities and volunteer for additional projects also shows her dedication to the team’s success. Notably, Azenet’s reliability and selflessness shine through her readiness to assist team members, such as taking on tasks like trash duty when others are unable. Her ability to relate to her colleagues, coupled with active listening skills, further strengthens team cohesion. Azenet consistently upholds the values of the company, representing it positively and promoting a culture of support and collaboration.
Katie Restrepo
Program Supervisor at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo
People Development and Empowerment
Katie invests her time in nurturing the growth of each employee, meticulously guiding them through the expectations of their roles. Her willingness to step in and support the ZooLightful event during the holidays, upon the zoo staff’s call for assistance, is an example of her selflessness and dedication to the team’s success. Katie leverages her previous experiences to optimize cleaning processes, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Jungle and Adventure Trails. Her journey within the company, from a day porter to program supervisor, showcases her resilience and adaptability in overcoming obstacles. Despite limited prior managerial experience, Katie’s proactive approach and ability to navigate challenges prove her natural leadership qualities.
Quad Cities
Elsa Monroig
Team Lead/Administrative Assistant at Lake Zurich
People Development and Empowerment
One of Elsa’s notable contributions is her dedication to conducting quality orientations for new cleaning specialists. Through her efforts, she ensures that newcomers to the team are well-equipped with the knowledge and expectations of FBG, setting them up for success from the start. Elsa is always willing to take on additional responsibilities whenever needed. Her ability to step up when the team requires it exemplifies her dedication to the success of both FBG and the Lake Zurich team.
Jen Hughes
Internal Manager at FBG Quad Cities
Quality
Jen’s dedication to quality work has had a profound impact on our team, guaranteeing that every member is paid correctly and promptly. Her meticulous approach to payroll administration has resulted in minimal complaints, reflecting the reliability and efficiency of her work. What truly sets Jen apart is her ability to maintain quality standards even in a fast-paced environment. With grace under pressure, she navigates through challenges with calmness and composure, ensuring that quality is never compromised.
Kristie Wheeler
Team Lead at Palmer College
People Development and Empowerment
Kristie is a positive role model that cares for her job, the customer and her team. Since assuming leadership of the pink team route there have been zero complaints. Kristie’s coaching emphasizes following job schedules and safety protocols, to ensure her team performs at their best. Kristie’s contagious positive energy and effective coaching style inspire her team to excel. Despite only being at FBG three months, she has quickly established herself as a top-performing team lead.
Marlyn Stevens
Team Lead at Lake Zurich
Growth and Stability
Marlyn fosters a stable and supportive environment for her team at Lake Zurich through good training. She leads by example, demonstrating exemplary practices such as using the appropriate amount of chemicals, changing vacuum bags and increasing efficiency. Her proactive approach inspires her team members to follow her behaviors, leading to improved performance and adherence to quality standards. Beyond setting a positive example, Marlyn excels in building confidence among her team members and retaining quality employees. Her ability to work collaboratively with her team and provide guidance contributes to a strong sense of stability and cohesion within the Lake Zurich team.
Tyler Casey
Cleaning Specialist at Rockridge School District
Innovation and Experimentation
Tyler demonstrated a proactive approach to enhancing efficiency and effectiveness, through his development of a new cleaning routine for the second shift crew on game nights. Tyler’s enthusiasm for uncovering efficiencies and improving outcomes is contagious, inspiring his team to embrace new ideas and methods. His willingness to share ideas for improvement with his supervisor exemplifies his commitment to driving innovation within the team.