The Ding Bell Service & Loyalty Award was established in 2016 to honor Ding and his 46 years of service and loyalty to our company.
The award is granted annually to a HODGE employee who exemplifies outstanding service and loyalty to the company and to the community in which they live.
To be a recipient of this award, an employee must not only demonstrate longevity and tenure within the organization, but a sincere commitment to their co-workers and HODGE customers alike. Our employees are the lifeblood of our organization and we look forward to continuing Ding’s legacy by awarding and recognizing an employee once a year who demonstrates these important qualities.
Austin Strain
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
Austin Strain joined the HODGE family in 2014. Austin has supported Davenport's Building Four operation in his nine years with the company. In his current role as a clerk, Austin supports the operation and goes above and beyond to ensure his coworkers understand the importance of working safely. Austin isn't only dedicated to his work at HODGE but also to his family and kids within the community. He and his wife are one of just a few safe homes for children in the Quad Cities. If a safe home is needed for a night or a week, Austin opens his home and is fully committed to the safety and security of these children.
TOM STOFFEL
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
Tom Stoffel joined the HODGE family in 2011 after Ding Bell encouraged him to apply at HODGE. He's been with the company ever since, supporting the warehouse operation in Peosta, Iowa. Since starting at HODGE, Tom has held a variety of job roles in the warehouse and now serves as a Coordinator. From the moment he joined the team, Tom has ensured a career of passion, integrity, and commitment to HODGE. He motivates other warehouse technicians and shares his knowledge in a way that fosters personal growth and continual improvement. Tom inspires everyone to try a little harder, put forth a little extra effort, and have some fun while completing the task at hand.
MIKE KANE
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
Mike Kane joined the HODGE family in 1996. In his 25 years of service, Mike has held numerous positions but currently serves as Director of Warehouse Operations. Mike has been with HODGE through three generations of family ownership and is a true example of what hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment can earn. There are very few departments within the company that Mike hasn't supported in his tenure, and he's left a positive mark on each of them.
CHRIS MILES
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
Chris Miles joined the HODGE family in 2011. In his eight years of service, Chris has supported our Deere-Hitachi operation in Kernersville, North Carolina in several capacities. Starting at HODGE as an agency employee, Chris has always worked hard to support many departments of the operation including Field Kit, Order Fulfillment, Receiving, and Shuttle Services. He has also served in a variety of coordinator and lead positions in his eight years with the company.
JOHN PARDUE
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
John Pardue joined HODGE in 2005 when HODGE took over warehouse operations for Deere-Hitachi in Kernersville, North Carolina. Since joining the team, John has been instrumental in helping the operation transition to various locations. In his day-to-day work, John is able to guide warehouse technicians and share his knowledge to help them grow and improve. One of John's greatest strengths is communication. He is honest and clear about goals for his team which has allowed him to achieve success with HODGE and exceed the expectations of the engineers, technicians and, ultimately, the customer.
VINCE HEYER
WAREHOUSE LOGISTICS
Vince Heyer joined Hodge in 2011 during a very pivotal time for their Davenport Warehouse Operation. In the midst of a software change with their customer that was the culprit of many line down challenges, the company needed a strong leader with a can-do attitude — Vince was exactly the individual Hodge needed. As Operations Manager he rolled up his sleeves, kept a positive attitude and led the organization through major changes under a challenging landscape.
TODD FLYNN
ENTERPRISE
Since 1989, Todd Flynn demonstrated an overwhelming willingness to do “whatever it takes” to help the company grow. Flynn was challenged not once, but twice with starting a new business division and relocated to do so. Flynn not only rose to any task asked of him, he exceeded them. His flexibility, adaptability and dedication to Hodge are undeniable.
ANDY DAUGHETEE
ENTERPRISE
Selected as the first recipient of the Ding Bell Award, Andy Daughetee earned respect and admiration from his peers over his nearly 30-year career with Hodge. Daughetee's strong work ethic and compassion through ups and downs undoubtedly impacted the success of the company. Through his many different positions at Hodge, from managing warehousing accounts to heading up the entire Material Handling Division, Daughetee never wavered from his commitment to helping others.
The man. The myth. The legend. A man who has truly been as unforgettable as his name. An originator of the Whatever It Takes mentality. Stephen “Ding” Bell has been as much a part of Hodge as Hodge has been a part of “Ding.” Over the course of his 46-year career with the company, “Ding” has seen it all, and certainly done it all. His success, has been our success. We pay tribute to him with this award.
Reliability
Consistency
Meeting Deadlines
Going Above & Beyond
Flexibility
Motivation
Community Involvement
Supporting the Team Sharing Knowledge
Attitude
Striving For Improvements
Perseverance
Honesty
Leading by Example
Discipline
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LIFE AT HODGE.
