The Faces of KeHE: Scott Williams
At KeHE, we like to highlight our employees who have been with us for many years and have made a positive impact on their colleagues. Today, we would like to feature Scott Williams, who has been the Safety Manager for our Portland Distribution Center for 30 years. He is an outstanding employee and an amazing person.
Check out Scott’s story below!
Q: What brought you to KeHE? How long have you been with the company?
A: There is no flashy story of how I came to work for KeHE, I just needed a full-time job since I was only working part-time. I have been with KeHE for 30 years.
Q: Tell us a little about your role at KeHE and how it’s changed over the years.
A: Currently I am in the Safety Manager role for DC 25 Portland. I started in the Returns department in 1993 and from there I worked pretty much every department in the warehouse until I was offered a supervisor position. From there I became the Inbound Manager for a stent of 8 years. For the last 3 years I have been in the safety/food safety role.
Q: How has KeHE fostered your growth within the company?
A: I have been lucky to have bosses that recognized potential and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone to new challenges. I never experienced a leader that wasn’t invested in making me better even when I visited other DCs across the network.
Q: What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen during your tenure with KeHE?
A: Well, KeHE’s acquisition of Tree of Life in 2009 was a big change. The introduction of the ESOP program was exciting and becoming an Employee Owner was encouraging. I have witnessed an evolution of our company’s culture where employees are engaged and proud to be a part of a successful organization.
Q: During your time with KeHE, what milestones are you most proud to have been a part of?
A: In 2015, DC 25 got a new building near the Portland Airport. It was bittersweet to leave a building we had been in for 22 years, but this move served as a huge undertaking for the management team. In the end, we came together for a very successful move.
Q: What has been your favorite memory during your time at KeHE?
A: So many come to mind, but the one that sticks out the most is when a long-time beloved co-worker was diagnosed with cancer. The rallying cry that rang out from our whole team at DC 25 to back his fight was inspiring. You really got to see what people you work with are made of and that they are more than just co-workers.
Q: What legacy do you hope to leave behind with KeHE?
A: As someone who has dedicated 30 years (and hopefully more) to KeHE, leaving behind a legacy is only as good as the people you impacted. I have had the privilege of working with many talented individuals at KeHE, not just at DC 25. I would hope to have helped nurture and develop the skills and careers of my colleagues and subordinates.
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