Watco Names Its First Be the Difference Winners

Four Watco team members representing Fleet Management, one of our railroads, and a North Dakota transload facility are the first-ever winners of Watco’s Be the Difference awards.

Watco launched its Be the Difference team member recognition program in July as a way to formally recognize and thank team members who live our values.

More than fifty team member nominations came in during Q3 for the quarterly awards, and members of executive leadership made the final selections.

“There were so many great options,” said Rachael Peterson, Watco Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer. “We want to congratulate these individuals for how they approach their jobs and what they do for other people. They are the type of people who set Watco apart."

One Watco Award - Given to an individual or group of team members whose teamwork generates an exceptional result for Watco or a customer.

Recipient: Denise Phillips, in memoriam

Denise Phillips’ determination and keen interest led her to make trips from Watco’s Pittsburg, Kansas, headquarters, where she worked, to Wisconsin, in

order to soak up knowledge about the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad and its customers. The same traits enabled her to overcome her initial challenges when learning an unfamiliar job, company, and industry to excel in her role.

After a car accident that would eventually claim her life, “I couldn’t believe the amount of response from the customers,” said Watco Sales Manager Brad Peot. “They really cared about her, and I think that’s because she really cared about them and about their business.”

Learn more about our One Watco Award recipient. https://www.watco.com/denise-phillips/

Extra Mile Award - Given to an individual or a group of team members who go above and beyond the call of duty at work or in the community.

Recipient: Perry Thomas

For Perry Thomas, a Pump Operator in North Dakota, it’s more important to put in a work order for a safer operation than avoid the awkwardness of having to put that kind of a note in front of customers.

He can be bold that way. He isn’t afraid to make a huge pot of soup or casserole to feed the whole team at the transload terminal, or to arrive on the volunteer scene in a head-to-toe rabbit costume.

Find out ways that Thomas goes the extra mile. https://www.watco.com/perry-thomas/

Safe Performance Award - Given to an individual or group of team members who take action to ensure safety for fellow team members, customers, suppliers, or property.

Recipients: Sam Brandt and Nick Vertein

Sam Brandt and Nick Vertein stopped work one day to investigate smoke rising near the tracks where they were working. At first, it looked like these two track laborers were looking at a small fire near some abandoned railcars.

It turns out that the incident they interrupted could have become a much more explosive event.

See how the story unfolded for these winners of the Safe Performance Award. https://www.watco.com/sam-and-nick/

These team members will receive $250 Watco Gear gift cards and exclusive Be the Difference Award Winner hard hat stickers.

The next award period is open. You can nominate an individual or group. Team members up to the general manager level are eligible.

Be the Difference award winners are just some of the many people at Watco who are making a difference in our company and in the community.