RefrigiWear Announces 24th Annual Warehouse Heroes of the Year
DAHLONEGA, GA (December 1, 2023) – RefrigiWear, the 70-year industry leader for insulated industrial workwear, announced today a slate of 28 winners in its 24th annual Warehouse Heroes program. The company honors 24 dedicated men and women, as well as 4 lifetime achievement winners, for their outstanding contributions as essential workers in the cold storage and the food supply chain.
These Warehouse Heroes embody what RefrigiWear stands for: toughness, dependability and an unwavering commitment to getting the job done, no matter how extreme the conditions. It's not just about surviving the cold; it's about thriving in it. These individuals are the best of the best in the cold chain industry, exhibiting not only resilience in the face of harsh conditions but also exemplary leadership and ingenuity.
"We've always said, working in the freezer is one of the toughest jobs due to the conditions and the physicality of it. This year's Warehouse Heroes epitomize that," says RefrigiWear CEO Ryan Silberman. "They're the ones who don't just work in the cold; they tough it out harder than anyone else. Their hard work and dedication, day in and day out is just awesome to see and hear about."
The Warehouse Heroes of the Year Award goes beyond just recognizing outstanding work in the cold; it's a celebration of quality over quantity, trust, dependability and practicality—the very values that define both RefrigiWear and the hardworking individuals the company serves.
Each of the 28 winners will be featured in the 2024 Warehouse Heroes calendar and receive a specially curated package of personalized RefrigiWear gear, designed to complement their dedication and provide them with the reliability they need in challenging work environments. Additionally, a commemorative plaque is awarded to each winner as a token of gratitude for their commitment to excellence.
2023 Warehouse Heroes of the Year Winners
Robert McPhaul from Americold, Bloomingdale, GA
Edgar Hernandez from BJ’s Wholesale Club, Elkton, MD
Johnny Gonzalez from Core-Mark International, San Antonio, TX
Nelson Gines from Quality Refrigerated Services, Omaha, NE
Gabriela Escobar from Cargill, Inc., Springdale, AR
Nathan Leaman from Denver Cold Storage, Denver, PA
Myles Whitney from Heartstone Farm, Dover Foxcroft, ME
Berthee Thronton from KeHE Distributors, Stockton, CA
Jessica Baker from Chick-fil-A Supply, Cartersville, GA
Tyler Knaff from ColdPoint Logistics, Edgerton, KS
Richard "Pops" Vavra from Dot Foods, Mount Sterling, IL
Charles Leggins from Interstate Warehousing, Franklin, IN
Juan Carlos Marinez from Wonder Ice Cream, Union City, CA
Travis Owens from Americold, Cartersville, GA
Lisando Zamores from Manfredi Cold Storage, Toughkenamon, PA
Jared Franklin from Nestlé, USA, Anderson, IN
Juan Leon from Envision Cold, Oakland, CA
Guillermo "Gizmo" Aviles from WinCo Foods, Denton, TX
Raymond Robinson from McLane Foodservice, LaGrange, GA
Carlos Martinez from Tyson Foods, Russellville, AR
Ruben Flores from Universal Chain, Inc., Denver, CO
Bernie Beaulieu from Sysco, Norman, OK
Bryan Santiago from Nortera Foods, Lebanon, PA
Buddy Dewaine from US Foods, Norwich, CT
2023 Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
Rick Wilganowski from US Foods, Houston, TX
Vern Grim from Sysco, Harrisonburg, VA
Ricky Hitsman from Ben E. Keith, Edmond, OK
Charles Scott from RRS Foodservice, Ashland, VA
Today's announcement underscores RefrigiWear's ongoing allegiance to those who face the cold head-on. It's not just about creating gear; it's about recognizing and celebrating the true heroes who wear it.
For more information about RefrigiWear's National Accounts Program for employee recognition in the food service and cold storage industries visit pro.refrigiwear.com/employee-recognition.
For more information on insulated workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers facing cold, harsh conditions, please visit pro.refrigiwear.com or call 800-645-3744.
About RefrigiWear
RefrigiWear, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of insulated industrial work wear, accessories and personal protective equipment for use in subzero temperatures, inclement weather and low-visibility environments. That same expertise in cold environments has also gone into creating everyday insulated clothing for work or play. For over 65 years, RefrigiWear has supplied the most demanding industries and climates with insulated garments and accessories to keep people warm, safe and productive. RefrigiWear is located in Dahlonega, Georgia, where many items are manufactured.
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Company Information
RefrigiWear, LLC
54 Breakstone Drive
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: 800-645-3744
E-mail: keepmewarm@refrigiwear.com
Website: pro.refrigiwear.com
Media Contact
Paula Glover
Phone: 800-645-3744
E-mail: marketing@refrigiwear.com