Sherry Griffin

Sherry Griffin has exceeded her job responsibilities numerous times. Most recently, she coordinated efforts between Valin’s credit department and a customer to release three orders totaling approximately $40,000 in sales. Sherry organized communication between the customer, sales, and the accounting department. She worked closely with the customer to determine the best path to rectify the situation. The orders were crucial because this customer was being developed by sales, and Valin was still on probationary supplier status. Thus, communication was key to establishing a good relationship. If not for her direct involvement, the orders would have remained on hold with a fledgling customer at risk.

Sherry is very detailed and demonstrates her thoroughness in purchasing. She often catches Customer Service and factory oversights and sees they are corrected before an order is impacted such as incorrect drop ships or delayed delivery dates. Her thoroughness is also revealed by her memory of pending tasks and in her follow-up when open orders become stagnant. For example, Sherry notified the appropriate personnel when an order was not moving forward because the customer had not returned approved drawings. Sherry is excellent at follow-through. Sales and customer service coworkers know that if Sherry is on the task, then it is in capable hands. She pushes others to be more efficient because they know she will follow up with each person on pending tasks!

She knows the various product lines very well and has extensive knowledge of vendor strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge helps control costs and increase margins because she knows where to buy the items for the best price, try for price breaks, or request special pricing when possible. Her understanding of the process heat vendors has assisted with developing a system of who to sell when based on supplier strengths, drop-ship practices, and responsiveness. Her knowledge and memory are also an asset when a customer only provides a partial part number. Sherry, at the very least, provides a path to begin a search and knows who to contact for help when needed. Sherry posts news or updates from vendors or customers on the Process Heat CSR Microsoft Teams page to keep the team informed of any changes.

Along with her ability to manage and handle multiple responsibilities including purchasing, 5-S Front Building Team Leader, and customer service, she makes the time to recognize each employee on their birthday. She ensures each employee has a birthday card, that is signed by everyone in the office, and she personally picks out their favorite cake. She is responsible for coordinating all office get-togethers. This has a large impact on morale and shows her thoughtful and generous character.

Sherry is always helpful and shares her knowledge and years of experience by explaining vendor processes and the nuances of customer and vendor relationships. Though there are not many “younger” employees at her location, there are those new to process heat or new to Valin, and Sherry always has a patient, helpful answer. If she doesn’t know the answer, she goes the extra mile to help them find the right resource. She follows up to make sure an answer is found, and the problem answered.

More importantly, Sherry continually encourages others to keep growing. She always has a smile for coworkers and customers. She takes pride in helping and doing things for others which is the mark of a truly valuable individual.