Evan’s Corner: 2014 Was a Fantastic Year
By Evan Coulter
With 2014 going into the books in just a few weeks, I thought it would be helpful to look back and reflect on some of the team’s accomplishments. With one of our busiest years ever drawing to a close, I know one thing is certain: We couldn’t have accomplished everything we did without our employees’ dedication to our customers.
Here's a quick look back through the year.
January
The start of 2014 delivers steady business but we all know what’s coming: an influx of projects as our clients’ budgets come online and purchasing decisions pushed off in 2013 ramp up in the New Year. It’s the calm before the storm.
A photo essay series on the new UCEC blog gave a glimpse into our team's passions and hobbies. Here, Operations Support Manager Zach Fothergill meets a new friend in Peru.
February
In this month, we kick off a new website, update our logo and start a blog to chronicle our projects, new panel systems technology and to hear from our staff. With custom photography from Mark Inboden, our new website announces loud and clear: we’re not your everyday panel shop.
March
We update our ordering process with one of our main suppliers to an online ordering system. This proves to be a tremendous time savings.
The UCEC team revs up with kart racing after hours.
June
We spruce up the UCEC headquarters with a first-phase remodel that includes updating restrooms; adding a new kitchen; new janitor closet; new shower area; and new drinking fountains. We also invest in an intensive metal roof improvement that will reflect heat in the summer and add insulation in the winter.
A team of UCEC panel craftsmen pose in front of the MC-80.
July
UCEC continues its commitment to new technology that serves our customers well with the arrival of the eCAB ModCenter 80. This piece of new technology created by Steinhauer Elektromaschinen allows our panel shop to complete panel projects quickly and more accurately by shortening the time we lay out and drill holes in the panels. We keep our readers up to date about the MC-80, too. Read more about the unpacking, training and a recent update.
August to October
A busy year goes into hyperdrive during these months. Our panel shop runs long hours and pushes through weekend shifts to deliver our custom panels to our loyal customers. It’s a lot of work, but I am incredibly proud of the team and the craftsmanship that is produced during this season.
November
We add new people to the team in November, and we’re always eager to meet more possible team members. Potential candidates may not have had previous panel experience, but they’ll probably be good with their hands and have an eye for detail and craftsmanship. We offer an apprentice-style training in the shop that’s been successful for us.
Control System Designer Paul Touzinsky pauses for a moment to say hello.
December
It’s good when you can walk out on the shop floor, see that we pushed through a ton of projects and catch a glimpse of the light at the end of tunnel. All of that hard work has paid off and we know we’re going to make it through to the end of the year.
Stay tuned for new things to come in 2015. I think we’ll surprise everyone with where UCEC goes next. Happy holidays! I’ll see you next year.
Evan is the Vice President of Operations at UCEC.