22. The following are highlights of testimonies received from ProBuild personnel who were supported by Tulsa Accounting and Accounts Payable from 2008 through mid 2011 These testimonies were received in response to a specific request for the information. Testimonies are presented in the order they were received. Who Will Testify 3
23. there is absolutely no question in my mind you and your team have accomplished the objective of providing “excellent customer service” make no mistake you and your team set the bar in terms of responsiveness, service and resolution. Who Will Testify Joe Barnes SVP Finance – SE Region March 23, 2011 4
24. never too busy for my numerous questions and inquiries. answered every question promptly and precisely, while maintaining a very friendly and upbeat attitude. Who Will Testify Bernard Timmer GM – Millwork March 25, 2011 5
25. I have been able to count on open, honest and timely communication from everyone. It is difficult for me to think there is another group out there that is as hard working and truly exceptional as the one you have in Tulsa. Who Will Testify Brian Kelly Buyer – Millwork March 28, 2011 6
26. the single most organized accounting work unit I have seen in my career the team was jovial, upbeat, and extremely helpful. The team exhibited an individual level of development in both accounting process, and computer literacy that I had not seen before. Everything works as smooth as clock work, and the team works well together, is happy, and all are engaged in some sort of leadership role. Who Will Testify Demi Minos Information Technology – Delivery March 29, 2011 7
27. they are exceptional people as they have known their fate for some time but have stayed the course Who Will Testify Jim Johnson GM – OKC South April 5, 2011 8
28. I truly appreciate the customer focus and level of care that this entire team demonstrates on a daily basis Who Will Testify Josh Brammer Director of Sourcing – Indirect Spend April 5, 2011 9
29. have worked tirelessly to answer questions and provide direction so that we could get on with the task of taking care of customers. Who Will Testify Tim McCaw GM – Conroe, TX April 5, 2011 10
30. our receipts have never been in such an outstanding position and accountability with the care and concern they have shown it has saved me personally a fortune in time Who Will Testify Ernest Williams GM – Santa Fe, NM April 6, 2011 11
31. Even though you guys are housed miles away the Atlanta Team was treated as if we were neighbors. You and your Team have always kept our financials in sound order. Who Will Testify Steve Riggs Area Vice President – Atlanta April 6, 2011 12
32. When it comes to making someone feel welcome my hat is off to the entire group. Who Will Testify Steve Siemieniewski GM – Topeka, KS April 7, 2011 13
33. the team you put together is the best thing that PBSC has accomplished in fixing a problem that was completely haywire and turned it around in a very short time. If I had to rate your department on a 1 to 10 Jerry I would score you and your team at a 15 plus. Who Will Testify Pat Chiado Area Vice President – NM April 8, 2011 14
34. You are a great team member that should be proud of what we have accomplished over the years it is not every day that you find a team this great. Who Will Testify Mike Raguse Area Vice President, Austin & San Antonio April 25, 2011 15
35. Everyone on your team is a true professional, and completely understands who the customer is (the operators on the field). Who Will Testify Paul Vaughn Sr. Vice President, Operations May 2, 2011 16
36. Few would have had the patience to help a non-financial person like me through this particular process, and make sure it was right Who Will Testify Scott Lee Director, Millwork Operations May 2, 2011 17
37. created a team and systems that produced results beyond anything we would have expected in such a short time confronts problems immediately and resolves them, and at the same time looks to cure the root cause so the problem does not reoccur cannot say enough about his work ethic and his ability to solve problems and provide the right kind of information necessary to run a business built a team that soon started exceeding the expectations of senior management and took our whole organization to the next level does every job as if it was her own company, and she takes great pride in not only her own work, but that of her team Who Will Testify Russ Kathrein President – ProBuild Midwest May 2, 2011 18
Editor's Notes
From: Barnes, JoeSVP FinanceSent: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 8:27 PMJerry, there is absolutely no question in my mind you and your team have accomplished the objective of providing “excellent customer service”. My experiences not only with you but with Karol, Donna and Kayla have been extremely positive. Just drawing on some of my experiences:- I never had to worry about rebates with Karol. Honestly, I probably took for this granted because I never had an issue. Karol was top of her stuff, understood the process and always had a timely answer in hand;- Kayla probably does not remember this but I remember one experience where we had a sub-tenant in our Griffen facility and we needed to collect some taxes. I remember specifically Kaylahad drafted a letter and all I needed to do was review and sign. I only wish I had that experience more often;- Lastly, with Donna, she has helped me with so many things that I can not even list everything. However, I know one thing specifically she assisted me with was the spending on the closed store locations. There were so many coding questions I had in the beginning of 2010 where Donna was able to respond with clear and concise direction. Much appreciated.I realize we are dismantling the Tulsa team but make no mistake you and your team set the bar in terms of responsiveness, service and resolution. You should take a lot of pride with your accomplishments and never forget the great things you contributed over the years.
From: Timmer, BernardGeneral Manager - MillworkSent: Friday, March 25, 2011 2:31 PMWe really have not had any interaction with the AP Group in Tulsa. I personally have had a substantial amount of interaction with Marsha Hilton on the PCard side until that moved to Denver. She was extremely helpful and patient with me during the set up process and as it moved through it's evolution late last summer. She was never too busy for my numerous questions and inquiries. She answered every question promptly and precisely, while maintaining a very friendly and upbeat attitude. As a new employee with ProBuild, I was very thankful for the sincere assistance given by Marsha and Laura Marcum.
From: Kelly, BrianBuyer - MillworkSent: Monday, March 28, 2011 2:39 PM Jim Miller forwarded your email to me regarding the group in Tulsa. I can honestly say that the first reaction I had when I heard that you and your team may not be with us going forward was a profanity laced tirade. I’ll spare you the details of that… Carol Pane, Karol Augustine, Sherry Chance, Laurie Ragland, Anita Peterson, Jeanette Sumners, Jayna Willison and of course yourself are tremendous people to work with. In the nearly 3 years I have worked with you and your team I have been able to count on open, honest and timely communication from everyone. If there was ever a problem that came up, I knew I could count on this group to help me through it. I have only one complaint – Jeanette didn’t tell me her name changed after she got married, but I’m trying to get past that… To summarize my previously mentioned freak out, knowing that I could be losing a group of contacts that I could count on to help me through anything that may come up is a bit unnerving. It is difficult for me to think there is another group out there that is as hard working and truly exceptional as the one you have in Tulsa.
From: Minos, DemiInformation Technology – DeliverySent: Tuesday, March 29, 2011 4:47 PM I had the pleasure of working with the ProBuild Tulsa Accounting Team only briefly. For me, this was unfortunate because during the short time I had I witnessed the single most organized accounting work unit I have seen in my career, spanning more than 20 years. Several things impressed me. Despite the complex world of accounting itself, and accounting systems used at ProBuild, this team has managed to leverage Microsoft and Legacy ERP assets to ensure efficiency and automation in the overall process, getting the job done with as few human resources as possible – doing more with less is this teams’ mantra. Despite the circumstances our meeting (me being there to facilitate process consolidation to another office) the team was jovial, upbeat, and extremely helpful. Having been in the same situation myself, I was pleasantly refreshed by the level of professionalism exhibited by the team, and its management. The team exhibited an individual level of development in both accounting process, and computer literacy that I had not seen before. They are the best example of “well-rounded” folks I’ve encountered to date. The team also exhibited true team work. Management has done an excellent job of providing growth opportunities across the job spectrum – industry (functional) development, technical development, and relationship development. Everything works as smooth as clock work, and the team works well together, is happy, and all are engaged in some sort of leadership role. While I understand why the company is consolidating work centers I am not so sure we are coming out ahead by losing the talent of this team. In any case I have no doubt these folks will thrive no matter where they land and, with ever whom they land, that entity is going to hit the jackpot.
From: Johnson, Jim (Norman) General ManagerSent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 12:57 PM I think what you are doing here is tremendous, it is hard to lose good people and I would say they are exceptional people as they have known their fate for some time but have stayed the course. I have made individual contact with Hollie Metcalf and have let her know I am available as a resource or reference anytime she has the need. It sounds as if she is going back to school to pursue a Physical Therapy career. If I can be of help to anyone else I would gladly do it.
From: Brammer, Joshua Director of Sourcing, Indirect SpendSent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 12:24 PM The Tulsa AP staff has supported me with great passion. I truly appreciate the customer focus and level of care that this entire team demonstrates on a daily basis and willingly advocate for those team members. I wish you only the best in your new endeavors. Thank you.
From: McCaw, Tim General ManagerSent: Tuesday, April 05, 2011 3:16 PM “Many Thanks” to the entire group for your support over the years. A special thanks to Anita Peterson and Brandon Shreffler, on whom I’ve depended for timely help and information. These folks have worked tirelessly to answer questions and provide direction so that we could get on with the task of taking care of customers. Finally, Carol Payne and Marsha Hilton have been reliable partners in finding our way through new procedures and protocols. Thanks again to all, you’ll be missed.
From: Williams, Ernest General ManagerSent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 10:28 AM I would like to acknowledge our accts. Payable staff for the outstanding job they have done for the Santa Fe store our receipts have never been in such an outstanding position and accountability. I would like to mention that with the care and concern they have shown it has saved me personally a fortune in time that I have not had to spend in looking up invoices and payments or fielding phone calls from vendors. I have had no circumstances of questions or negative comments about our accounting staff and it pleasures me to be able to brag and acknowledge their efforts and professionalism that they have given to the work they perform tirelessly. Thank You for what you have performed.
From: Riggs, Steve Area Vice PresidentSent: Wednesday, April 06, 2011 2:59 PM It has been a pleasure working with you and your Tulsa Team. Even though you guys are housed miles away the Atlanta Team was treated as if we were neighbors. You and your Team have always kept our financials in sound order. We thank you for that. You and your Team can feel free to use me as a reference as you begin your new career search. Thanks for all the support.
From: Siemieniewski, Steve General ManagerSent: Thursday, April 07, 2011 5:53 PM Even though my accounting is in a different part of the world the support I have received from the folks in Tulsa has been wonderful. When it comes to making someone feel welcome my hat is off to the entire group. Marsha Hilton took the lead on assisting me with a PCard and worked the system to ease my pain. This is reflective of the staff that has been built.Many thanks
From: Chiado, Pat Area VP NMSent: Friday, April 08, 2011 2:24 PM Jerry I started with PRO-BUILD in December 07’ and I believe you came on board shortly after that, so I do not have a lot of history prior to you starting, but what I did experience before you came on board was not very good at all. I would honestly say when PRO-BUILD South Central hired you and the team you put together is the best thing that PBSC has accomplished in fixing a problem that was completely haywire and turned it around in a very short time. If I had to rate your department on a 1 to 10 Jerry I would score you and your team at a 15 plus. Thank You and your Team for a job well done,
From: Mike Raguse Area Vice President Austin & San AntonioSent: Wednesday, April 25, 2011 10:37 AM The word “Team” is defined as “A group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task or job. And the ability of a team to work together and grow together is what makes a team great and the difference between good and great. I have worked with most of you over the years and want you to know how much you are appreciated and how much I have enjoyed working with each and everyone of you. You are a great team member that should be proud of what we have accomplished over the years itis not every day that you find a team this great. Thanks for all your support and best of luck in your next adventure.
From: Vaughn, Paul Sr. Vice President, OperationsSent: Monday, May 02, 2011 1:48 PM Jerry, I wanted to pass on quick note to tell you that you have done a tremendous job building a great accounting team. Everyone on your team is a true professional, and completely understands who the customer is (the operators on the field). You are a great leader, as evidenced by the loyalty and commitment of your team. You and your team will be sorely missed. Please pass on my sincere thanks and gratitude to everyone on your team.
From: Lee, ScottDirector, Millwork OperationsSent: Monday, May 02, 2011 4:41 PM Kayla,I want to thank you for your extensive assistance in developing a workable understanding of the Manufacturing Variance (MV) portion of our P&L’s. The dedication to see me through the background driving it was extremely detailed and necessary for the region’s understanding of the MV and it’s impact on the P&L. Few would have had the patience to help a non-financial person like me through this particular process, and make sure it was right. In addition, you did it with an phenomenal and supportive attitude.
RE: Letter of Recommendation for Carol PayneTo Whom It May Concern:Carol Payne supported my operations for three years. She came into a broken accounts payable department and turned it around by providing strong leadership and recruiting excellent talent. Carol takes full responsibility for the actions and results of her department. She confronts problems immediately and resolves them, and at the same time looks to cure the root cause so the problem does not reoccur. When evaluating talent I ask myself the question “If I were starting a business, would I want this individual on my team?” In Carol’s case not only would I want her on my team, but I would move her across the country if that’s what it took to have her. She is a leader who understands that good customer service and a sense of urgency are no longer merely nice qualities to have. In today’s business climate they are the price of admission. I highly recommend Carol Payne to anyone looking for an employee that will make a difference.Sincerely,Russell W. KathreinPresident – ProBuild MidwestRE: Letter of Recommendation for Donna PattersonTo Whom It May Concern:I worked with Donna Patterson through a time when our company’s accounting support was in a shambles. Donna came in as part of a team that we hired to try to get our books in some resemblance of order. Not only did Donna succeed through hard work and long hours in reconciling the books so that we could get some accurate financial information, but she created a team and systems that produced results beyond anything we would have expected in such a short time. She then assumed a more proactive role and started trying to resolve potential issues before they became problems. Donna is an excellent leader, and she is a joy to work with. I highly recommend her for any job, especially one that is complex or requires that extra mile of effort.Sincerely,Russell W. KathreinPresident – ProBuild MidwestRE: Letter of Recommendation for Ramona ToddTo Whom It May Concern:I have worked with Ramona Todd since 2007. I have watched her steadily take on more responsibility on our organization, and in turn she has had an increasing impact on the success of our company. She does every job as if it was her own company, and she takes great pride in not only her own work, but that of her team. I highly recommend Ramona for any position where you need an employee who will take ownership of her job and produce results.Sincerely,Russell W. KathreinPresident – ProBuild MidwestRE: Letter of Recommendation for Jerry SurineTo Whom It May Concern:I have worked with Jerry Surine for three years. I cannot say enough about his work ethic and his ability to solve problems and provide the right kind of information necessary to run a business. When Jerry came to ProBuild in Tulsa we had a non-functioning accounting team that had been run into the ground by the previous Controller and was incapable of getting anything correct or meet any kind of deadline. Not only did Jerry quickly get the team producing the information we needed in a timely basis, but he recruited and built a team that soon started exceeding the expectations of senior management and took our whole organization to the next level.If you are looking for a person to turn around an accounting department or for someone to lead your accounting team in a changing environment, Jerry Surine would be the first one on my list that I would call.Last, I would be remiss if I did not comment on Jerry’s ability to work with Microsoft Excel and Access. Many self proclaimed Excel experts were humbled when they could not find a solution to their problem, but after talking to Jerry they were shown a quick way to accomplish their task using Excel or Access. He is undoubtedly the most talented Excel user I have ever encountered.Sincerely,Russell W. KathreinPresident – ProBuild Midwest
![Accounting Jerry Surine Ramona Todd Donna Patterson Karol Augustine Kayla Bindrum Michelle Beitman Jeanette Sumners Who Will TestifyProBuild - Tulsa ,[object Object]](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)