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Birthdays and Anniversaries for October 2014
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
5
6
Angel Diaz Morales-Kansas
Manuel Sandoval-Field Ops
City, KS
Derek Harryman-SL Real Estate
Dept 5 years
Eliseo Francisco-Kansas City, KS
19 years
12
2
3
4
26
Robert Neibaur-Salt Lake City,
UT 9 years
Lynett Cates-Iron Highway Logistics
Marshane Hildebrand-Salt Lake
City, UT 12 years
8
9
10
11
Andre Charley-Granite City, IL
Jeff Kron-Field Ops
Carlos Carmona Mendoza-Mira
Loma, CA
Bryan Payton-New Orleans, LA
Johnny Hernandez-Toledo, OH
Jose Ortiz-Kansas City, KS 17 years
Carlos Medrano-Stockton, CA
Reynaldo Longoria-Kansas City, KS
Ann Cunningham-Gill-Tacoma,
WA 25 years
Robert Wright-Field Ops 21 years
Brandon Oien-Field Ops 3 years
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
Mathew Vanalstyne-KohlerHamden, CT
Dave Buckley-Clearfield, UT 32 years
Melody Hoberek-Field Ops 21 years
Marcos Dominguez-Toledo, OH
Rocky Smith-Corporate HQ
42 years
31 years
Connie Vizena-Hobart, IN 11 years Joe Maurer-Kansas City, KS
16 years
Mitchell Murray-Salt Lake City,
UT 1 year
27
28
David Hagadorn-Phoenix, AZ
18 years
Halbert Lipe-Field Ops 1 year
Michelle Armstrong-Kansas City, Brenda Robertson-Corporate HQ
KS 22 years
Juan Martinez Gonzalez-Kansas
City, KS 2 years
David Vega Del Valle-Kansas
City, KS
29
Melody Hoberek-Field Ops
30
Matthew Walters-Grenada Railway
Erik Morrabal Montes-Kansas
City, KS
Alejandro Lopez-Kansas City, KS
6 years
Adrian Laguna-Kansas City, KS
George Ross-SL Real Estate Dept
Gabriel Arreola-Kansas City, KS
3 years
Ector Roman-Kansas City, KS
3 years
October 2014
Mark Montgomery-Clearfield, UT
Eliseo Tosado Ortega-Kansas
City, KS
Michael Reeves-Kansas City, KS
John Boisdore-New Orleans, LA
13
Perry Whitledge-Dolomite, AL
Ann Cunningham-Gill-Tacoma, WA
Hector Dominguez Lopez-Kansas Kevin Hart-Kansas City, KS 34 years
City, KS
Jose Calderon-Kansas City, KS
19
7
Saturday
1
Rosario Beck-Phoenix, AZ
Gilberto Mendez HernandezRachael Espinoza-Iron Highway Field Ops
Logistics 7 years
Sandy Smith-Field Ops 30 years
Monthly Newsletter of
A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Officers Retreat
The Officer’s met for the 38th annual retreat at Kern’s home in Lake Tahoe the first weekend in September. With the group scattered across the country it is
always so nice to spend a few days together. This year we kicked off the event with dinner and a Casino night. With a focus on health and wellness we took
part in a pilates session, yoga, beach volleyball and a few games of tennis while we were there. Lyn Christen from SoulSalt, Inc. which is an executive coaching
company in Salt Lake City, joined us as our resource this year and worked with the group on our individual and collective management styles.
Marshane Hildebrand-Salt Lake
City, UT
Left to Right:
Morris Kulmer, Doug Davis,
Bruce Skousen, Greg Cornett,
John Boisdore’, George Ross,
Jeff Galyean, Kern Schumacher,
Rhonda Nicoloff, Phil Poce, Pat
Reeves, Beth Wyatt, Dave Minor,
Dan Britten, Alfredo Sansores,
Troy Schumacher
31
Rachael Espinoza-Iron Highway
Logistics
Mark Veath-Granite City, IL
Doug Davis-Corporate HQ
Sergio Vasquez-Hamden, CT
3 years
I Believe...
I Believe...
I Believe...
I Believe...
I believe...that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each
other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I believe...that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that
doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I believe...that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends
change.
I believe...that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had
and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve
celebrated.
I believe...that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once
in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe...that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I believe...that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache
for life.
I believe...that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe...that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the
last time you see them.
I believe...that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I believe...that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe...that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe...that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to
be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe...that it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you
have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe...that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for
your grief.
I believe...that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we
are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I believe...that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your
life forever.
I believe...that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something
totally different.
I believe...that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t
even know you.
I believe...that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe...that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe...that the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.
I believe...that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.
— Unknown
Copyright 2014 A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.
Direct Line to Rhonda L. Nicoloff, President
801-244-5083
To Contact the Editor:
Cheryl Norton
[email protected]
PO Box 30076, SLC, UT 84130
801-977-6328
Operations
Employee News
Field Operations employees have had a
busy summer with many take-up jobs all
over the country. These very interesting
pictures show just a few of the things they
have been working on.
I would like to announce the wedding of my son Chris Villarreal to Kristen Hardman. Chris is a former A&K employee. Last August he
decided to move to South Carolina to be closer to his bride to be. The wedding took place in Greenwood, South Carolina on September
13, 2014. It was an adventure for me trying to arrange for wedding plans from West to East Coast.
I also would like to announce the wedding of Adam’s daughter Averie Rangel to Kody Casares.
Their wedding took place in Victoria, Texas on September 20, 2014. So once again another
wedding trip.
Ron Struck loading ties
Crossing removal in
Camas, Washington by
Casey Miller’s crew –
before & after with road
re-paved.
Ron Struck loading rails
Yes, getting ready for two weddings just a week apart is beyond stressful but it was nice to see
all the children and family. It has been a while since we have seen or spent time with everyone.
It was nice to take a few days off also since we are always on the go getting orders out. We never
know when we will get that phone call to pack up to head to this or that job. So taking a few days
off to refresh our minds is wonderful.
— Hortencia Cantu and Adam Rangel
Averie and Kody
John Hager cutting rail with Ron Struck on fire watch
The 116th Johnson County Old Settlers Celebration was on September 6,
2014. The Parade is the largest in the state of Kansas. It has an average
of 160 entries, including 16 area High School and Middle School bands,
numerous club and organization entries and several commercial floats.
The parade is attended by between 65,000 and 75,000 people. The
Parade Theme this year is; “Under the Big Top”! The Parade is the kickoff to
Saturday’s events. After the parade you can enjoy food, fun and
entertainment that is located right off the parade route. This year’s Cub
Scout Float was designed by Sandy Groff. Pack 3387 boys helped build the
tiger cage, including her son Weston Groff. The Pack won second place in
the Youth Float competition! Congratulations boys!
Wellness SPOTLIGHT
5 FOODS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY & ANXIETY FREE
Turkey: You know that tired feeling people feel after Thanksgiving dinner? It’s actually from the tryptophan in the
turkey. Tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps you to feel calm.
Avocados: This superfruit is great for brain health and anxiety. They contain potassium which helps naturally
lower blood pressure. Avocados also contain beneficial B vitamins and monounsaturated fats that are needed for
neurotransmitter and brain health.
Dark Chocolate: Science has vindicated chocolate lovers everywhere. People, who eat about 1.5 ounces of dark
chocolate per day, feel calmer than those who do not.
Welcome – Talisa Miller Caddle,
Corporate Headquarters
Omega-3 Fats: Inflammation is one factor when it comes to brain health and anxiety. Omega-3 fats have
been shown to decrease anxiety. Omega-rich foods like Alaskan salmon and grass-fed beef can help decrease
inflammation and help cortisol and adrenaline from spiking.
I joined the A&K accounting team in June. Previously I
worked at a trucking company doing AP work. I’ve really
enjoyed working here so far and look forward to many
years. Recently I took the plunge and got married. Tevin
Caddle and I were married on August 14th. I enjoy going
to movies and dancing, trying new things, boating and
playing volleyball. I do hair and even have my own salon
in my home but I only do this for fun not a career.
Mostly I love hanging out with my sweet dog, a miniature
dauchsend, named Brown Sugar (my husband knows he
has competition for my attention)!
Leafy Greens: If you struggle with stress and anxiety increase the greens! Plant foods like Swiss chard and
spinach are rich in magnesium, the natural “chill pill,” which also helps regulate the brain-adrenal axis.
HEALTHY QUICK TIP: Try to drink less sugar this month! Sugary drinks are tons of empty calories.
FAST FOOD MENU OPTIONS: KFC Grilled Chicken Breast plus mashed potatoes (without gravy) 310 calories; 10g fat.
We are looking forward to receiving your feedback and ideas for upcoming issues. Please submit to Katrina Gougis.
Be happy and healthy, - A&K Wellness Committee
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
If you want something YOU’VE
NEVER HAD, then you’ve got to do
something YOU’VE NEVER DONE!
Two more BBQs wrapped up the season at Corporate Headquarters. The first was hosted by Operations. The menu consisted of smoked tri-tip, a big variety of fresh fruits with fruit dip, and rolls.
It was delicious and refreshing. The second was hosted by Sales. They prepared a taco bar with
fresh grilled meat, rice, beans, salsa, and all the toppings, with brownies for dessert. Everything
was homemade and had wonderful flavor! These luncheons have been so fun throughout the
summer thanks to everyone’s participation!
Brenda Robertson,
Jordan Hopkin, Jeff Long,
Shantell Higbee, Brooke Braga
Top Performers for August 2014
Alfredo Sansores Spring, Texas
Dave Minor McMurray, Pennsylvania
Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas
Rocky Smith, Korey Richins,
Fred Chipp, Chi Tran
Top Sales Year-to-Date
Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas
Chris and Kristen
Alfredo Sansores
Dave Minor
Beth Wyatt
Operations
Employee News
Field Operations employees have had a
busy summer with many take-up jobs all
over the country. These very interesting
pictures show just a few of the things they
have been working on.
I would like to announce the wedding of my son Chris Villarreal to Kristen Hardman. Chris is a former A&K employee. Last August he
decided to move to South Carolina to be closer to his bride to be. The wedding took place in Greenwood, South Carolina on September
13, 2014. It was an adventure for me trying to arrange for wedding plans from West to East Coast.
I also would like to announce the wedding of Adam’s daughter Averie Rangel to Kody Casares.
Their wedding took place in Victoria, Texas on September 20, 2014. So once again another
wedding trip.
Ron Struck loading ties
Crossing removal in
Camas, Washington by
Casey Miller’s crew –
before & after with road
re-paved.
Ron Struck loading rails
Yes, getting ready for two weddings just a week apart is beyond stressful but it was nice to see
all the children and family. It has been a while since we have seen or spent time with everyone.
It was nice to take a few days off also since we are always on the go getting orders out. We never
know when we will get that phone call to pack up to head to this or that job. So taking a few days
off to refresh our minds is wonderful.
— Hortencia Cantu and Adam Rangel
Averie and Kody
John Hager cutting rail with Ron Struck on fire watch
The 116th Johnson County Old Settlers Celebration was on September 6,
2014. The Parade is the largest in the state of Kansas. It has an average
of 160 entries, including 16 area High School and Middle School bands,
numerous club and organization entries and several commercial floats.
The parade is attended by between 65,000 and 75,000 people. The
Parade Theme this year is; “Under the Big Top”! The Parade is the kickoff to
Saturday’s events. After the parade you can enjoy food, fun and
entertainment that is located right off the parade route. This year’s Cub
Scout Float was designed by Sandy Groff. Pack 3387 boys helped build the
tiger cage, including her son Weston Groff. The Pack won second place in
the Youth Float competition! Congratulations boys!
Wellness SPOTLIGHT
5 FOODS TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY & ANXIETY FREE
Turkey: You know that tired feeling people feel after Thanksgiving dinner? It’s actually from the tryptophan in the
turkey. Tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which helps you to feel calm.
Avocados: This superfruit is great for brain health and anxiety. They contain potassium which helps naturally
lower blood pressure. Avocados also contain beneficial B vitamins and monounsaturated fats that are needed for
neurotransmitter and brain health.
Dark Chocolate: Science has vindicated chocolate lovers everywhere. People, who eat about 1.5 ounces of dark
chocolate per day, feel calmer than those who do not.
Welcome – Talisa Miller Caddle,
Corporate Headquarters
Omega-3 Fats: Inflammation is one factor when it comes to brain health and anxiety. Omega-3 fats have
been shown to decrease anxiety. Omega-rich foods like Alaskan salmon and grass-fed beef can help decrease
inflammation and help cortisol and adrenaline from spiking.
I joined the A&K accounting team in June. Previously I
worked at a trucking company doing AP work. I’ve really
enjoyed working here so far and look forward to many
years. Recently I took the plunge and got married. Tevin
Caddle and I were married on August 14th. I enjoy going
to movies and dancing, trying new things, boating and
playing volleyball. I do hair and even have my own salon
in my home but I only do this for fun not a career.
Mostly I love hanging out with my sweet dog, a miniature
dauchsend, named Brown Sugar (my husband knows he
has competition for my attention)!
Leafy Greens: If you struggle with stress and anxiety increase the greens! Plant foods like Swiss chard and
spinach are rich in magnesium, the natural “chill pill,” which also helps regulate the brain-adrenal axis.
HEALTHY QUICK TIP: Try to drink less sugar this month! Sugary drinks are tons of empty calories.
FAST FOOD MENU OPTIONS: KFC Grilled Chicken Breast plus mashed potatoes (without gravy) 310 calories; 10g fat.
We are looking forward to receiving your feedback and ideas for upcoming issues. Please submit to Katrina Gougis.
Be happy and healthy, - A&K Wellness Committee
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
If you want something YOU’VE
NEVER HAD, then you’ve got to do
something YOU’VE NEVER DONE!
Two more BBQs wrapped up the season at Corporate Headquarters. The first was hosted by Operations. The menu consisted of smoked tri-tip, a big variety of fresh fruits with fruit dip, and rolls.
It was delicious and refreshing. The second was hosted by Sales. They prepared a taco bar with
fresh grilled meat, rice, beans, salsa, and all the toppings, with brownies for dessert. Everything
was homemade and had wonderful flavor! These luncheons have been so fun throughout the
summer thanks to everyone’s participation!
Brenda Robertson,
Jordan Hopkin, Jeff Long,
Shantell Higbee, Brooke Braga
Top Performers for August 2014
Alfredo Sansores Spring, Texas
Dave Minor McMurray, Pennsylvania
Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas
Rocky Smith, Korey Richins,
Fred Chipp, Chi Tran
Top Sales Year-to-Date
Beth Wyatt Kansas City, Kansas
Chris and Kristen
Alfredo Sansores
Dave Minor
Beth Wyatt
Birthdays and Anniversaries for October 2014
Sunday
Monday
Wednesday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
5
6
Angel Diaz Morales-Kansas
Manuel Sandoval-Field Ops
City, KS
Derek Harryman-SL Real Estate
Dept 5 years
Eliseo Francisco-Kansas City, KS
19 years
12
2
3
4
26
Robert Neibaur-Salt Lake City,
UT 9 years
Lynett Cates-Iron Highway Logistics
Marshane Hildebrand-Salt Lake
City, UT 12 years
8
9
10
11
Andre Charley-Granite City, IL
Jeff Kron-Field Ops
Carlos Carmona Mendoza-Mira
Loma, CA
Bryan Payton-New Orleans, LA
Johnny Hernandez-Toledo, OH
Jose Ortiz-Kansas City, KS 17 years
Carlos Medrano-Stockton, CA
Reynaldo Longoria-Kansas City, KS
Ann Cunningham-Gill-Tacoma,
WA 25 years
Robert Wright-Field Ops 21 years
Brandon Oien-Field Ops 3 years
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
22
23
24
25
Mathew Vanalstyne-KohlerHamden, CT
Dave Buckley-Clearfield, UT 32 years
Melody Hoberek-Field Ops 21 years
Marcos Dominguez-Toledo, OH
Rocky Smith-Corporate HQ
42 years
31 years
Connie Vizena-Hobart, IN 11 years Joe Maurer-Kansas City, KS
16 years
Mitchell Murray-Salt Lake City,
UT 1 year
27
28
David Hagadorn-Phoenix, AZ
18 years
Halbert Lipe-Field Ops 1 year
Michelle Armstrong-Kansas City, Brenda Robertson-Corporate HQ
KS 22 years
Juan Martinez Gonzalez-Kansas
City, KS 2 years
David Vega Del Valle-Kansas
City, KS
29
Melody Hoberek-Field Ops
30
Matthew Walters-Grenada Railway
Erik Morrabal Montes-Kansas
City, KS
Alejandro Lopez-Kansas City, KS
6 years
Adrian Laguna-Kansas City, KS
George Ross-SL Real Estate Dept
Gabriel Arreola-Kansas City, KS
3 years
Ector Roman-Kansas City, KS
3 years
October 2014
Mark Montgomery-Clearfield, UT
Eliseo Tosado Ortega-Kansas
City, KS
Michael Reeves-Kansas City, KS
John Boisdore-New Orleans, LA
13
Perry Whitledge-Dolomite, AL
Ann Cunningham-Gill-Tacoma, WA
Hector Dominguez Lopez-Kansas Kevin Hart-Kansas City, KS 34 years
City, KS
Jose Calderon-Kansas City, KS
19
7
Saturday
1
Rosario Beck-Phoenix, AZ
Gilberto Mendez HernandezRachael Espinoza-Iron Highway Field Ops
Logistics 7 years
Sandy Smith-Field Ops 30 years
Monthly Newsletter of
A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.
Anniversaries
Birthdays
Officers Retreat
The Officer’s met for the 38th annual retreat at Kern’s home in Lake Tahoe the first weekend in September. With the group scattered across the country it is
always so nice to spend a few days together. This year we kicked off the event with dinner and a Casino night. With a focus on health and wellness we took
part in a pilates session, yoga, beach volleyball and a few games of tennis while we were there. Lyn Christen from SoulSalt, Inc. which is an executive coaching
company in Salt Lake City, joined us as our resource this year and worked with the group on our individual and collective management styles.
Marshane Hildebrand-Salt Lake
City, UT
Left to Right:
Morris Kulmer, Doug Davis,
Bruce Skousen, Greg Cornett,
John Boisdore’, George Ross,
Jeff Galyean, Kern Schumacher,
Rhonda Nicoloff, Phil Poce, Pat
Reeves, Beth Wyatt, Dave Minor,
Dan Britten, Alfredo Sansores,
Troy Schumacher
31
Rachael Espinoza-Iron Highway
Logistics
Mark Veath-Granite City, IL
Doug Davis-Corporate HQ
Sergio Vasquez-Hamden, CT
3 years
I Believe...
I Believe...
I Believe...
I Believe...
I believe...that just because two people argue, it doesn’t mean they don’t love each
other. And just because they don’t argue, it doesn’t mean they do love each other.
I believe...that sometimes when I’m angry I have the right to be angry, but that
doesn’t give me the right to be cruel.
I believe...that we don’t have to change friends if we understand that friends
change.
I believe...that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you’ve had
and what you’ve learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you’ve
celebrated.
I believe...that no matter how good a friend is, they’re going to hurt you every once
in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe...that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.
I believe...that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache
for life.
I believe...that it’s taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe...that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the
last time you see them.
I believe...that you can keep going long after you think you can’t.
I believe...that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe...that either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe...that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to
be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe...that it isn’t always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you
have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe...that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn’t stop for
your grief.
I believe...that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we
are, but, we are responsible for who we become.
I believe...that you shouldn’t be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your
life forever.
I believe...that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something
totally different.
I believe...that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don’t
even know you.
I believe...that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe...that money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe...that the happiest of people don’t necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything.
I believe...that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you’re down,
will be the ones to help you get back up.
— Unknown
Copyright 2014 A&K Railroad Materials, Inc.
Direct Line to Rhonda L. Nicoloff, President
801-244-5083
To Contact the Editor:
Cheryl Norton
[email protected]
PO Box 30076, SLC, UT 84130
801-977-6328