Insider
Leading the Way
A MESSAGE FROM RAY MANCINI, JR. CEO
Welcome to the first issue of UCX Insider, our brand-new employee newsletter!
As part of our exciting rebrand to UCX and the adoption of our new mission and values, we believe this newsletter would be a fantastic way to showcase our new brand and our most valuable assets – our UCX Team!
First, I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone on the newsletter team for your enthusiasm and participation! When we announced the launch of this initiative in late December, we asked everyone to contribute to naming our newsletter. The team was overwhelmed by the support and participation from
“Success in business is all about people, people, people. Whatever industry a company is in, its employees are its biggest competitive advantage.”
— Richard Branson
UCX team members from Maine to Texas! They received over 125 name suggestions and many encouraging messages to let us know we’re on the right track.
Congratulations to Brenda Cashion Compliance Manager from our Southwest Division for naming our newsletter! We’d also like to congratulate Hanna Daily from our Northeast Division for her creative and thoughtful answers, which are now being used as titles for our regular features! Both Brenda and Hanna Daily will receive UCX prize packs for their winning submissions. Stay tuned for more contests and opportunities to win UCX gear in future issues. We hope you agree that the creation of this newsletter is not only a great way to align with our
“Communicate and Collaborate” value, but also a fun way for us all to get to know each other better. Each issue will feature regular updates that highlight both our team members and locations throughout the company. There will be news from Human Resources, IT, Marketing, Wellness information, and more, all accompanied by lots of photographs and information about your fellow team members. We’ll also ask for your feedback and participation. A dedicated email address has been set up for you to submit your feedback, ideas, and photos you think we should include in future issues. Insider@ucx.com
As always, I want to express my deepest appreciation for all that you do. We value your hard work and passion for making UCX a success!
Congratulations to Brenda Cashion, Compliance Manager, UCX Southwest Region for submitting the winning newsletter name. Brenda will receive a UCX prize pack for her winning submission!
We would like to congratulate Hanna Dailey, Data Administrator, UCX Northeast Region, for submitting multiple creative newsletter name submissions that were selected to be used through UCX Insider as regular column titles. Hanna will also receive a UCX prize pack.
Thank you to Brenda and Hanna for your creative and winning submissions!
Brenda Cashion Hanna Dailey
Ray Mancini, Jr. CEO
TALKING SHOP
A warm welcome to our newest UCX team members:
` Brian Taylor, Account Executive, Fort Wayne, IN
` Craig Hawkins, Sr. Accountant, Mansfield, MA
` Dion Parenti, Account Executive, Virginia Beach, VA
` Adam Hall, Account Executive, MA ME NH
Congratulations to all our employees celebrating work anniversaries! We appreciate your dedication and hard work. Your contributions are invaluable to the success of UCX.
JANUARY
` David Hamilton, Sr. —
35 years, Traditional Driver Mansfield, MA
` Frederick Yesko —
30 years, Account Executive Baltimore, MD
` Jennifer Foss —
25 years, Inventory Analyst, Mansfield, MA
` Brenda Williams —
15 years, Customer Service Baltimore, MD
` Karen Kouneski —
5 years, Pricing Specialist Baltimore, MD
` Hassan Lim —
5 years, Material Handler, Houston, TX
FEBRUARY
` Robert “Mike” Bennett —
25 years, Distribution Manager Orlando, FL
` Deborah Williams —
10 years, Customer Service Rep Wadeboro, NC
` Richard Thompson —
10 years, Sales Representative Outside Sales
Congratulations to our recent retirees! We wish you all the best in this exciting new chapter. Enjoy your well-deserved rest and relaxation.
` Will Carnes —
50 Years, Transportation Manager, Glen Burnie, MD
` Neil McShane —
48 years, Business Development Manager, Mid Atlantic
` Lisa LaClair —
23 years, Inventory Control, Glen Burnie, MD
` Dave Jones —
21 years, Maintenance, Glen Burnie, MD
` Lee Hall —
20 years, Replenishment Manager, Concord, NC
` Paul Allen —
17 Years, Account Executive, New Hampshire
` Warren Carfagno —
10 years, Account Executive, VA
ADP is here!
` Randy Boothe — 9 years, Builder/Multi-Family Business Unit Manager, Dallas, TX
Thank you for all your efforts working with the Human Resources department as we transitioned to this upgraded system. We are excited about the new features that will be available on ADP and will continue to provide updates. You should now be able to see and request your PTO, view your paystubs, punch in and out, and much more. Stay tuned for training opportunities that will be available on this new platform.
Dave Jones
Lisa LaClair
WELLNESS TOPICS
BlueCare Connect
Bringing all your health benefits together in one convenient location. No more jumping from app to app, trying to remember passwords, or calling different numbers to get answers.
With a single log-in or phone call, members can access health and wellness apps, plan information, care management, and customer service—and get personalized health support from Care Guides, nurses, and coaches.
BCBSRI members have a wide range of health plan programs and services available to them. BlueCare Connect makes understanding and accessing those benefits easier. Everything is integrated, personalized, and available through the easy-to-use app or online portal. Watch video for more understanding and using your benefits: HERE
WELLNESS WEBINARS
February 12th - Know Your Numbers
How do I register with BlueCare Connect?
Go to bluecareconnectRI.com (the member portal) or download the BlueCare Connect RI app. (Be sure you see “RI” in the app’s name.) The registration process is the same for the portal and app. When you are signing in for the first time: Use your existing myBCBSRI username and password. We’ve transferred your myBCBSRI username for you. All you’ll need to do is verify your account and create a new password.
(Click on the links below to register for each webinar or contact Kim Colomey at kcolomey@ucx.com or (508) 337-3812 to find out how to get access to these webinars.)
March
12th - Mealtime Tips for the Modern
It's Heart Month. Blood pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar....
24th - EFT Acupoint Tapping for Stress Relief
Learn the quick and effective technique of tapping on specific acupoints to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.
Take manageable steps for getting your family to eat healthy meals together again — at least some of the time!
24th - Mindful Eating Meditation
Enhance your awareness of eating habits with a guided meditation.
TALKING SHOP WITH Your
April 9th - Strengthening for Better Health
Learn about the benefits of muscle strengthening exercises and learn to perform a variety of exercises properly.
28th - Stretch Break for Injury Prevention
Take a 15-minute break to engage in a guided stretch session aimed at preventing injuries.
Human Resources Team
The HR Team is here to support you every step of the way.
` Joe O’Keefe, Chief Human Resources Officer: jokeefe@ucx.com
` Kelly Bradley, Sr. Payroll and Benefits Specialist: kbradley@ucx.com
` Paul Kielar, Sr. Human Resources Generalist: pkielar@ucx.com
` Kim Colomey, Talent Acquisition Specialist: kcolomey@ucx.com
` Debby Fishell, HR Support/Front Desk: dfishell@ucx.com
FROM THE MARKETING MILLHOUSE
MARKETING CORNER
Microsoft Teams Transition
The Marketing team has successfully transitioned to Microsoft Teams for document storage and sharing. All marketing documents for the sales and customer services teams like sales flyers, product information and pricing are now available to the sales team company-wide through the new Teams Sales Channel. This application replaces the Portal for the team in the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast and Dropbox in the Northeast. Dropbox will remain available until mid-late February for archival purposes only and will be completely phased out within the next six months.
UCX STORE
Training for both the Teams application and the new Sales channel were conducted in late December 2024 and early January 2025. This training session was recorded for any member of the sales team who was unable to attend.
Please contact Casey Diaz at IT@ucx.com to get access to the training videos and for any questions about the Sales Team Channel. There is a Quick Reference Guide pinned at the top of the General Product & Marketing Information Channel to help answer any questions.
UCX Store Now Open!
UCX gear can now be purchased through our online store. In addition to the items that were available following our brand launch, new items have been added to the store, and we plan to add additional options in the coming months. You can get everything from hats to sweatshirts to rain jackets – and more! All items purchased will be produced at the end of the month and shipped out when they are completed.
If you have any questions or suggestions for the UCX Team Shop, please contact Jillian Stworzydlak at jstworzydlak@ucx.com
` Visit the shop at ucx.marketinggold.biz
XTRA XTRA – Read all about US!
UCX enjoyed significant media attention in 2024 following the rebrand, with widespread coverage across industry publications and recognition for the successful unification of three leading companies. Here are some highlights:
` UCX in the News – Floorcovering Weekly August 2024 Highlight
` Ray Mancini Floor Podcast: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
` UCX FloorTrends Article
` UCX TileLetter Article
` UCX FCW Article
` UCX FCNews 2024 highlight
Introducing: UCX Alliance… Our new retail customer program! There has been a lot of input to combine both the Belknap White’s Flooring Plus and the Haines Loyalty Club over the past year so that all our customers have an updated and relevant marketing program. For the first time, UCX will host this annual meeting together as one at the UCX Alliance Summit in National Harbor, MD on March 11th and 12th. Direction for this program comes from our co-led team of Rosie Villano in the Northeast and Anne Kurtz in the Mid-Atlantic/Southeast.
UCX Alliance Summit 2025 • March 11-12, 2025
DISCOVER MANSFIELD
UCX's headquarters in Mansfield, MA, offers a prime location for the UCX team. Situated just 35 miles south of Boston and 25 miles north of Providence, RI, within a major business park, Mansfield provides easy access to a wide range of amenities. This convenient location, combined with a strong business environment, offers our employees a high quality of life. They can enjoy a thriving community with excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a convenient commute, making Mansfield an ideal place to live and work.
FUN FACTS UNDER THE FLOORBOARDS
Population of Mansfield: 23,860
TOP 10 Famous Foods:
1. New England Clam chowder
2. Lobster Rolls
3. Oysters
Local Slang to Know:
` We never pronounce the “R”
` Wicked
` Bubbler
` Clicker
Mansfield Sports Teams
4. Fenway Frank
5. Boston Cream Pie
6. Cannoli
7. Yankee Pot Roast
` Parlor
` Frappe
` Dungarees
` The T
8. Boston Baked Beans
9. Fried Clams
10. Fluffernutters
` Rotary
` Statie
` Bang a UeY
` Yah No
If These Floors Could Talk
If these floors at the Mansfield headquarters could talk, they'd probably be gossiping about all the exciting things happening at UCX! They'd whisper about marketing's brilliant ideas, share stories of customer service's infectious laughter, and marvel at IT's unwavering dedication. Let's just say, our floors at the
Let us introduce you to a few of our team members:
Mansfield headquarters have heard a lot of good things about this talented team! The Mansfield, MA location serves as a central hub for many key UCX departments, including the Executive Team, Customer Service, Credit, IT, Human Resources, Purchasing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and other essential teams.
Carlos DaSilva
Joy Anderson
Davy Buggea
Keri Morin
Leslie Corneau
Jacki Titus
Lisa Dennis
Jim Gringas
Pam Corneau
John Kussmaul
Jenn Foss, Bill Prescott, Jane Twombly Back row: Holly Kuzdzal, Joe O’Keefe
Mansfield Team in their UCX gear!
TECH TALK
Upgrade of Décor 24 System
The new D24+ system has launched! While all the existing functionality of Décor 24 is intact, you will notice some exciting upgrades on Mobile. The program now resizes for users outside of the desktop application. We have also upgraded the branding to include UCX logo. Keep an eye out for more information about training documents that will be distributed for both customers and team members. If you have any questions, please contact Ed Murphy at emurphy@ucx.com
Decommission of Existing Websites
By now you may have noticed that the existing company websites (belknapwhite.com and jjhaines.com) have been retired and those URLs are now pointing to the new UCX.com website. Transitional landing pages are in place to let users know they have reached the correct site and will be redirected to the new UCX.com website. Users visiting the former Belknao White website will automatically be redirected to the UCX Northeast section of the UCX site and JJ Haines users will be redirected to UCX MidAtlantic/Southeast. The STC and Swiff-Train websites are scheduled for decommission on February 1st.
If you have any questions about this process, or experience any problems with the change, please contact Jillian Stworzydlak at jstworzydlak@ucx.com
Help Desk: Having IT issues? Submit your questions and requests to the IT Help Desk at helpdesk@ucx.com.
Vice President promotions
As UCX continues to grow and unify as a company, we have realigned our Marketing and Products teams to better serve our customers, suppliers and internal teams. These changes will enhance our efficiency through improved collaboration, communication and standardization across our entire network. These changes will enable us to streamline processes and improve our organizational structure for the future. As always, our priority is to provide the Ultimate Customer Experience for our customers, both internally and externally, every time.
Dan Doyle has been promoted to Vice President of Product, Supplies.
Kelly Campbell has been promoted to Vice President of Product, Flooring.
Jessie Hansen has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing.
Lindsey Nisbet will be moving from Vice President of Marketing Southwest to Vice President, National Accounts and Product Development.
OUR VALUES IN ACTION
At UCX, we’re more than just a flooring distributor. We’re a team dedicated to empowering our employees, fostering a positive work environment, embracing change, going the extra mile, collaborating effectively, and celebrating our successes. These core values guide our decisions and actions every day.
Take Ownership
We take accountability and personal responsibility in a high-energy, self-sufficient culture. We take action and make things happen.
Be a Good Human
We act with honesty, integrity, transparency, empathy, respect, reliability, and inclusivity.
Be Adaptive to Change
We understand that change is the only constant and that embracing change is an opportunity to evolve.
Go the Extra Mile
We plan to win and maintain market leadership. That determination helps us push through when things get tough or we hit unexpected barriers.
Collaborate & Communicate
We prioritize collaboration and communication because they drive performance, momentum and innovation—and stop us from being complacent.
Go the Extra Mile
We judge success by what we collectively achieve. By marking our successes, we reinforce what makes us strong.
Go the Extra Mile
We’re thrilled to recognize Alaina Beavis in our Glen Burnie, MD location, for her outstanding contributions to our team!
Driving Success: Our Executive Leadership Team
As noted by Jim Jerista, Account Executive, Alaina consistently goes the extra mile, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of complex orders. She meticulously reviews each order, applying the correct codes, pricing, and delivery dates with precision. This attention to detail has significantly reduced potential problems and minimized the need for unnecessary credits. Alaina’s dedication to excellence exemplifies our company value of ‘going the extra mile’ and makes her a true asset to UCX.
Raymond Mancini, Jr., Chief Executive Officer
Paul Castagliuolo, President
Brian Green, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, North America
Bill Prescott, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, North
Stephen Mancini, Chief Operating Officer, North
Joe O’keefe, Chief Human Resources Officer
Fred Reitz, Chief Operating Officer, South
Derek Morrocco, Chief Information Officer
Chad Harrison, Vice President & Business Manager - Southwest, Accounting and Finance
What’s Everyone Caulking About
Throughout the year, UCX hosts a variety of employee events and meetings, across all three regions that encourage collaboration and communication. These gatherings not only help us achieve common goals but also reinforce our core value of 'Being Good Humans' by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels connected.
Members of the Glen Burnie Customer Service team in the UCX gear.
Our Glen Burnie location looked great this Christmas season decorated in UCX blue!
The HR team in Glen Burnie sporting their ugly sweaters in front of the lobby Christmas tree - L-R Debby Fishell, Kelly Bradley and Paul Kielar.
Glen Burnie, MD, rooting for their favorite team, the Ravens, on “Football Friday.”
The team in Buffalo, NY, celebrating “Football Friday” and the Buffalo Bills!
UCX Southwest showing their team spirit in Houston, TX.
UCX Mid-Atlantic/Southeast Account Executives under Ryan Musser and Josh Bell, participating in product training classes, giving them better understanding of the products we sell.