January Employee Spotlights

Chairman Award This award recognizes an amazing leader, mentor, coach, and continued support for the Hermann organization and our customers. Hector Comulado, Manager for our Bordentown-Hedding Road, New Jersey, warehouse received this award. Hector has been with Hermann since 2022. “The award was a surprise to me!” exclaimed Hector. “I love and enjoy working at Hermann, this award shows that others have noticed my dedication as well. I’m always looking to see what else I can do for Hermann and helping employees.”

One example of Hector’s exemplary leadership skills can be seen in the two warehouse locations he’s responsible for managing. Under his supervision, these warehouses have been able to expand the services they provide in bulk, rack, and temperature-controlled spaces. Hector also served as a mentor to Demea Tyson, Director of Administration, when she began working for the company. “Hector has taught me how to work efficiently in the warehouse to accommodate all our customers’ needs,” said Demea. Many of the people who work with Hector have noted that he enjoys being able to help customers and employees alike. “Hector is the type of person who sees potential and growth in all his employees. He teaches everyone he is in contact with and has fun doing it!” said Karen Huffman, Director of Warehouse Operations.

Mentor/Coach This award was created to acknowledge an employee who successfully onboards, coaches, or supports others while also doing great work. Dracy Hyman, Compliance and Training Manager for our corporate headquarters in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, received this award. Dracy has been with Hermann for 10 years. “I am deeply honored to receive this award, and I am incredibly grateful for the recognition of my work!” exclaimed Dracy. “This recognition inspires me to continue to strive for excellence.” In her role, Dracy trains our staff on how to use McLeod, our transportation management software (TMS). This also includes managing ticket requests and helping users with any issues that may arise. She is also responsible for new driver orientation training related to paperwork guidelines and serves as Project Manager for many transportation projects.

Driver of the Year This award recognizes excellence in work, safety on the road, team support, and commitment to our customers. Driver/Driver Mentor Horace Jordan received this award. As a driver mentor, he helps our new drivers get comfortable with the processes we use here at Hermann. “I was truly grateful and appreciative of the award and recognition from Hermann. This touched my heart!” said Horace. Anyone who has met Horace can tell he cares about supporting our customers and employees alike. Horace has been with Hermann for 16 years. He also received a safety award at a safety meeting last year where he was recognized for his high achievements in 2024.

Employee of the Year This award was given to an employee who consistently demonstrated excellence in their work, leadership, and commitment to the company’s values. Helen Rinkens, Accounts Payable Supervisor, based out of our corporate office in Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, was the recipient of this award.  Helen has been with Hermann for nine years. “It was an honor to receive Employee of the Year and to work for a business that truly cares. It shows that my hard work and commitment to the team and organization doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Helen. “She runs a tight ship in the AP department to ensure that we are paying our vendors accurately and on time!” said Luisa Hermann, Chief Financial Officer.

Team Spirit This award is for the employee who always cheers on, promotes, and assists others while providing excellent service themselves. Afua Adjekum, Assistant Controller at our Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, headquarters received this award. Afua has been with Hermann since 2022. “Team spirit is not just about working together—it’s about lifting each other up and achieving more than we could alone. I love working for a company that embraces teamwork and all my noise makers and clappers!” said Afua. She embodies the true meaning of ‘work hard, play hard,’ consistently delivering strong results while maintaining a positive and upbeat atmosphere in the office.

Warehouse Employee of the Year This award recognizes the employee’s excellence in work, commitment to being a team player, role model, safety in the warehouse, and creating ongoing success. Enrique Vasques, Warehouse Associate for our Bordentown-Hedding Road, New Jersey, warehouse was the recipient of this award. Enrique has been with Hermann for 17 years. “I’m lucky and blessed to have him in my warehouse,” said Enrique’s manager, Hector Comulado. “Enrique has worked with at least five different managers, and they all would still love to work with him anytime. I haven’t met someone yet who would say something negative about him.”

Enrique was honored to have received this award. “Having so many people supporting and recognizing me for my work these past few years is wonderful,” says Enrique. “Having my team cheering for me when my award was presented was amazing. Receiving this award has only pushed me to work harder for my team and company!” Enrique is known throughout the company for the positive energy and enthusiasm he brings to work every day, making it even more appropriate that he received this award.

Team Player This award was created to acknowledge the employee who consistently goes above and beyond to support their colleagues and foster a collaborative work environment. Erin Lydon, Controller at our Monmouth Junction, New Jersey office, received this award. Erin has been with Hermann since 2023.  “Being recognized by my peers as a ‘Team Player’ means so much to me!” said Erin. “Being a Team Player is truly a core value for me, and I strive every day to support everyone at Hermann! Having an organization that works well together will truly succeed together!” Erin is known for her collaborative spirit. She’s always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues, working together to find solutions to any challenges they encounter.

Hermann Cares This award recognizes the employee who demonstrates commitment to charitable causes inside and outside of work. Melinda McKenzie, who works in the Billing and Dispatch Department of our Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, office, was the recipient of this award. Melinda has been with Hermann for three years and was truly surprised to win this award. “To be noticed for good work is an awesome feeling. The hard work, patience, and dedication of handling a team of people is a big responsibility,” she said. “I started this path because someone came to me and gave me the courage to speak about one of my most vulnerable secrets, LUPUS – an autoimmune disease. I never wanted pity, I never wanted people to see me as weak. Now, to be able to speak out, to help and assist others with the same issues that I was having and may still be dealing with keeps me motivated to push through my day.”

Melinda’s story of overcoming adversity and becoming an advocate for others has inspired many. “As someone having it myself, I love being part of her journey and Walk For a Cure, as we help each other and others with our issues,” said Kim Hermstedt, AR Representative for our corporate headquarters. “I couldn’t think of anyone else who deserves it more than her!” Melinda’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others exemplifies the spirit of the Hermann Cares Award.