Take for example our operations at Asbury Methodist Village, (embed link in Asbury Methodist village http://www.asburymethodistvillage.org/index.htm) a 130-acre retirement community that includes 74 villas, more than 700 apartments, 133 assisted living suites and 285 licensed nursing care accommodations in Maryland. During the seven days of the two major storms in early February, most of the Dining and Culinary Managers voluntarily bunked at a local hotel, two and three to a room, so they could be safe and close to work. Some managers volunteered to drive to pick up associates to get them to work. We even had one associate who postponed his vacation to stay and work. In spite of the difficult conditions, this amazing team fed 1,675 meals a day plus 300 staff members.

That’s dedication! And the really amazing thing is that despite the inconvenience, discomfort and extra-long hours the Sodexo teams sustained a great attitude. This quote from Senior Executive Chef Evaristo Gustines says it best: “Staff members were tired but the morale was high, they love what they are doing and our residents really appreciate it too!”

After working at Sodexo for 18 years, that really doesn’t surprise me, but I still am impressed. I know that as a service company, our people are our greatest strength, and regardless of winter, spring, summer, or fall, I am continually amazed at the intensity our people bring to what they do. It’s because of our people that we have such a strong culture of providing the best experiences for our customers and their clients whether they are students, medical providers, patients, seniors, our military men and women or corporate employee, and improving their quality of daily life. It’s why we can offer so many types of services to our 6,000 clients in North America.

We’re going to keep sharing stories about Sodexo employees in our blogs, and on www.SodexoCommunity.com, because their stories are the Sodexo story. There’s really no better way to show you what our company does – and how we do it better than anyone else -than to focus on our people. I hope you’ll come back and visit these blogs often.

George Chavel