2nd Annual Founders Awards Presented to Five Deserving Employees

Similarly to last year, the DiGeronimo family members working across the organization, as well as last year's four Founders Award winners, submitted their nominations and eventually participated by casting their votes for the five employees to ultimately receive the award.

Ruth Cottle is a 20-year employee with the large and difficult task of managing the Accounts Payable Department, which involves processing and paying the 30,000 invoices that cross her desk every year. Ruth's integrity and respect is evident with the good working relationship she has developed with our vendors over the years, working through issues and getting them paid on time. She has also been untiring in her dedication to our new document imaging system to take our accounts payable paperless.

Larry Hrovat is a 29-year employee and Project Manager with Independence Excavating. Larry's moral character and honesty represents Independence Excavating in almost every situation. Working with Larry, whether if we're talking with him about issues or problems on projects, it is fair to say that Larry's integrity and ethics couldn't be compromised. Larry has been involved in 100s of jobs with Independence Excavating, but his involvement with our largest job to date at Abrams Creek was impressive. He has been with Independence Excavating through the good and bad times. His involvement with most of our airport work and the grueling meetings and compliance requirements often finds him in the office most weekends staying on top of letters, change orders, and scheduling.

John Percun is a 20-year employee and General Superintendent with Independence Excavating. I believe it is fair to say that no one looks out for the company quite the same way as John. His recent willingness and commitment to travel has opened many doors for the company. John's involvement with the job and its precise makeup puts you automatically at ease knowing he will do whatever it takes to build it correctly. He has taught many of the employees the importance of good quality workmanship by the standards he holds for himself.

Steve Wilk is a 24-year employee and General Superintendent with Independence Excavating. Steve has long been viewed as the key to our success as a heavy demolition contractor. Loyalty is one of the best words used to describe Steve. No matter what is done for him, Steve almost always feels he doesn't have it coming. His understanding of the construction industry, especially in demolition, is second to none. Above all, his dedication and willingness to go the extra mile for the company, his family, and people in general makes him more than worthy to receive this award.

Tom Zuchowski (TZ) has 34 dedicated years of service and is currently General Manager of Precision. It is not easily quantified, but so much of Precision's success can be attributed to TZ. His leadership sets the tone for Precision on a daily basis, and has been a major reason why Precision has been able to set itself apart from the competition. Always practicing what he preaches, Tom is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether he is piling up the minutes on his phone or the miles in his truck or both, TZ is constantly working for the betterment of the company. This philosophy has driven Precision to become a 24/7 company that its clients know they can depend on at all times.

Congratulations to all of you!