Spectrum Connection: November

From the desk of Dave Smalley:

A GREAT DAY.

Have you ever had a great day? I bet you have, but I am pretty sure you have never had a great day like ours. It was October 8th 2003. Yes, it has been fifteen years since this one particular great day. Mind you, I have had more than my fair share of great, awesome days, but this day was special. You see, that was the day that a fire completely destroyed our 15,000 square foot warehouse on Rob-inson Road.

Every single production item we owned, with the exception of one solitary pal-let jack, was reduced to rubble. I can remember it like it was yesterday; the smells, the emotion, the smoke, the devastation. I am also acutely aware that many of our associates, if not most, may not even be aware that this October 8th was such a significant part of our past history, and the fabric that makes us who we are. Everything we had, nearly eve-rything we owned, including the kitchen, was gone in a matter of hours. It was a Great Day!

One might ask, “How could October 8th, 2003 be a great day? All your stuff just burned up!” Simply because it proved our company, Spectrum, was tougher than anything that could be inflicted on us; more resilient than any disaster, more determined than any amount of odds stacked against us. We stared it down and did not blink. That is what truly tough people do, what champions do.

It was only a matter of hours after the fire that significant catering events were to go out, and the next day the gear for a golf tournament was scheduled to leave. No one asked, “What are we going to do?” No one threw a pity party or wallowed in the moment. No, everyone got right to work affecting what they could. Catering went to the store and headed to another of our facilities, the Lone Star Convention Center. Concessions went to Home Depot to get materi-als, tools, and generators to build back what was lost. Operations got storage containers and began ordering and gathering supplies. Spectrum’s champion spirit was on full display. We never missed a beat.

For four days the wreckage smoldered. Alan Smidlein worked diligently on our insurance claim. Our office, spared, was the scene of many late night strategy sessions. The guys worked tirelessly, around the clock, in darkness, in the pour-ing rain, to rebuild. Huge efforts. After the fire we learned of a couple of interesting instances. One, is that a longtime friend with the city took it upon himself to drive to the water plant and manipulate the valves to divert a greater flow of water to fight the fire. Another, was that the firemen exhausted from fighting the blaze for hours, were so taken with our selflessness. We checked on them, brought them refreshments, put our concern for them higher than our concern for ourselves. They were inspired to go the extra distance to keep our offices from succumbing to the fire. It was a Great Day!

The lessons learned continue to pay dividends. The bonds of those who experienced it all are still strong as steel. The knowledge that no matter how grim things might look, we can overcome it, empowers us. We are the people, the lives, and the souls of Spectrum. We know no defeat, we have each other. It was a Great Day. Fifteen years later, we still walk in the footsteps of those great folks that laid our foundation and stared down tragedy. I take comfort in knowing that no matter what we all may face, we have each other, and we have the strength to overcome. May we never forget that GREAT day, and all the great days we have that shape us.

Thanks to all for your support and contributions that make Spectrum a special place. I wish all of you, YOUR Great Day!

With the Utmost Respect,

~Dave

From the Desk of Melanie Parker:

Trials and Tribulations Victories and Successes. We’ve had them all. Individually and as a team, and we’ve conquered them and made it to the other side even when getting to the other side seemed impossible.
As a believer, I know that we are given challenges to strengthen our resolve and our faith. The trials we face allow us to lean on our trust of Him, to dig deep within ourselves to focus and to be motivated to face the challenge head-on.
I absolutely know people that would rather “sit” in their problem, looking for someone to come along, lend a hand, cheer them on, and motivate their spirit. I am sure I have been one of these people; just as I am certain I have been the person lending a hand and sitting in the cheering section.
Do I think it’s important to lend that hand and motivate others? Absolutely, I do 100%. Do I think that those without self-motivation will end up back in the same spot “sitting” in their problem? Yes, I do, and that’s not to say that great people won’t continue to come along and inspire those that are less motivated. Sometimes, we all need that help and encouragement.
But, if one only see the problems, one will be defeated at every turn. If one sees the possibilities, the opportunities, and the light at the end of the tunnel…well, then those victorious moments are just around the corner. We just have to trust and have faith that WE CAN DO IT, again and again, over and over, every time we are faced with a challenge. Then hopefully, our next challenge seems less daunting, and we can lean on our experiences and victories.
May you be motivated by victories, big and small. “Where there is no struggle, there is no virtue.”
Cheers!
~Mel

 

November 2018 2

Wicked Whisk had the wonderful opportunity to work on another fun event with Cosmo Cool Concepts on October 3rd. This time, the event was held at the gorgeous George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas. Wow, what a venue! 350 guests were in attendance. They wanted to give them a true Texas Experience, and we were happy to oblige with a delicious Texas BBQ Menu with all the fabulous “fixins’!” The large menu included 18-Hour Smoked Brisket, Shiner Beer Glazed Smoked Chicken, Fried Cornmeal Catfish, Texas Caesar Salad, Cast Iron Baked Beans, and Chuck Wagon Corn. It ended with three types of Fruit Cobbler, and of course, Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream! It was a night of Texas fun! (Photo Credit: D. Jones Photography)

~Sandra B.

 

 

Employee Spotlight: Cedric Pierson

What do you for Spectrum?

November 2018 3

I work on occasion in the warehouse assisting other team members after the events and rental jobs come back to the warehouse.

How long have you known Dave? Where did you meet?

I’ve known Dave along time. We met about forty years ago when we worked for a Restaurant called Steak and Spirits. This was located in The Woodlands, Texas back then. I would consider Dave a very close friend.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Some of my hobbies consist of dancing, socializing, and just having a good time. I also like to go see new movies from time to time. I love spending time with my family too. I have many close family members that are still in the area. Some are still living, and some may no longer be with us. I like listening to older music, Zydeco or the blues. I don’t travel as much as I used to, but in the past I always enjoyed traveling to Louisiana with friends and family.

What are your favorite restaurants and foods?

I love Chinese food, it’s my favorite! If I had a second, it would be Mexican food. Everyone who knows me in the warehouse, knows how much I like my Dr. peppers too!

Welcome!!

Hello! My name is Jillian Nennig, but everyone calls me Jill. I am super excited to join Spectrum’s Golf Division as the new Staff and

November 2018 5

Vendor Coordinator! I was born and raised in Houston, and I stuck around to attend the University of Houston to grab my B.A. in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Along with my degree, which was my chosen path from a young age, I have a minor in Beverage Marketing and Sales with an emphasis in Alcohol and Spirits. So, if you’re ever in need of random alcohol facts, regarding anything from sales to production, I’m your girl! I’ve managed multiple restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Benihana and was the Assistant General Manager at Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen after I graduated from college. I have two cats, Luna and Nala, who have my entire heart. I spend lots of my free time binge-watching crime shows like Criminal Minds and Law and Order. I have a passion for the hospitality industry and everything it stands for, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to utilize my skills and gain loads of knowledge along the way. I’m excited and proud to be a part of this team and cannot wait to work with you all!

 

Hi! My name is Julia Lane. I am joining Spectrum in the Golf Division as a Staff & Vendor Coordinator. I grew up in Brenham, Texas,

November 2018 6

 

so Blue Bell ice cream has a special place in my heart. I graduated this past May from Texas A&M with a B.A. in Horticulture and a certifi-cate in Event Management. My mom is a high school counselor and former cross country coach, and my dad is a high school soccer coach. They are excited about this job, because eve-ryone likes to workout! Lol. I have one pup named Ollie. He has a beard and looks like he is thirteen even though he is only two. He loves to go on runs and take naps. I also enjoy taking naps, as well as listening to music, going to see musi-cals, dancing always, and painting my nails. I am also very crafty, and Hobby Lob-by is my happy place. I have a talent for sewing and used to do alterations to make mon-ey in college. I have four old-er brothers that have defi-nitely shaped my personality and just one perfect niece. My favorite person in the entire world is my grand-mother, Pam, who I talk about way too much, but also not enough. My current Netflix show is The Office, and my current obsession is Mean Girls The Musical. This is a picture of my reaction of me meeting my favorite ac-tress who plays Regina in the movie. I am so excited to be a part of Spectrum and to meet everyone!

 

It is a day we will never forget! Helen was the first one on site. By the time I ar-rived there were already five fire trucks at the scene. You could see the emotions and uncertainty in the crew’s faces. Dave was his usual, positive self, and he as-sured us all that we would “just rebuild.” Once everyone got over the “now what,” the crew got started on purchasing new tools, lumber, paint, and various supplies to build new concession stands on the spot. The Spirit Golf Tournament was right around the corner. The kitchen moved their operations to the Lone Star Convention Center. They actually had a job for that day, that they fulfilled. Fifteen years later, and we are stronger than ever! After all this time and inspection of random appliances, we never found out what started that fire. Check this out! ~Ruben G.

November 2018 7

Spectrum has some exciting and interesting news to share! As you know, in 26 consecutive years, Spectrum has increased sales, and 2018 will make it 27. In addition, you may recall that last year we set a one month sales revenue record, exceeding the total sales for the entire year of 2003. Well, this past September of 2018, we demolished that record by over 25% and exceeded our total sales for the entire year of 2005 by nearly 2 million dollars. Another championship record! Congrats to all!!!

Congrats

Jim Smalley

11/01/2007

Matthew Lepine

11/01/2017

Peggy Kozan

11/08/1995

Keith Haskins

11/08/2011

David Webster

11/08/2011

Alex Manan

11/14/2011

Reginald Carroll

11/14/2017

Morgan Greer

11/25/2011

Megan Bybee

11/27/2017

Tanner Figueroa

11/28/2017

Melissa Abercrombie

11/30/2015

Rachel Boyes

11/30/2015

Wishes

Kim Nguyen

11/04

Cristian Ventura

11/07

Maverick Smalley

11/09

Victor Alcala

11/09

Consuelo Aquino

11/11

Michael Rozier

11/15

Carlton Lepine

11/17

Jim Smalley

11/20

Rochelle Alley

11/26

Maisie Wilkinson

11/26

Daniel Perez

11/27

Nick Goodin

11/28

Taylor Hignite

11/30

Santos Ventura

11/30

Coming Up

Astroworld Music Festival

11/17

Lighting of the Doves Festival

11/17

Orange Bowl Beach Bash

12/28

Lights all Night Music Festival

TBD

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