Celebrating our People: LeighAnna Emunson

LeighAnna Emunson, East Area Manager

The SCS Ted Lasso Award Recipient

At our September company meeting, SCS proudly recognized an individual who truly embodies what it means to be a team coach, mentor, and people‑first leader. LeighAnna Emunson was honored with the 2025 SCS Ted Lasso Award, an award given to someone who is always there with a positive word, motivates those around them, and leads with heart, optimism, and purpose.

This award celebrates forward‑thinking leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to inspire and guide others toward achieving organizational goals, and LeighAnna exemplifies every one of those qualities.

LeighAnna has an exceptional understanding of her team on both a personal and professional level. She knows how to meet people where they are, while still clearly communicating expectations and guiding them toward success. No matter the situation she is faced with, LeighAnna handles it with grace, clarity, and confidence, making her an incredible mentor and a leader that everyone at SCS can look to as a model of excellence.

One of LeighAnna’s most remarkable accomplishments is building an entirely new team from the ground up. Using her experience and strong management skills, she has created an environment where engagement, growth, and collaboration thrive. She continually invests in her team, mentoring each individual to be the best version of themselves, professionally and personally.

What truly sets LeighAnna apart is her energy and attitude. She leads by example with a pep in her step, a smile on her face, and a cheerleader’s spirit that never fades. Through the good days and the challenging ones, she is always encouraging, always positive, and always pushing her team forward. Her passion for this business radiates in everything she does and in every interaction, she has, whether with her team, colleagues, or partners across the organization.

Like Ted Lasso himself, LeighAnna inspires through both words and actions. She makes those around her feel supported, empowered, and capable of more than they thought possible. Whether she’s guiding a project through challenges, celebrating wins big and small, or offering just the right words at the right moment, LeighAnna exemplifies leadership that is people‑first and forward‑thinking.

Congratulations to LeighAnna Emunson on being named the 2025 SCS Ted Lasso Award winner. Your leadership, heart, and unwavering positivity continue to make a lasting impact on your team and the entire SCS organization.

Celebrating our People: Blain Schumacher

Blain Schumacher

The SCS Captain Caffeine Award Winner

At the S.C. Swiderki (SCS) annual All Company Meeting, we decided to have a bit of fun with our recognition efforts. We recognize our team members for their years of service and for achievement of excellence. Sometimes there is a staff member that needs special recognition for a characteristic that is, let us say, a bit out of the box. This year, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee was especially sweet and ever present for one team member: Blain Schumacher, the recipient of the 2025 SCS Captain Caffeine award.

The SCS Captain Caffeine award is a new tradition for SCS, handed out to the most caffeine-enthusiastic team member. It is not just about who drinks the most coffee, but who embodies the true spirit of caffeinated camaraderie. Whether they show up to meetings with a meticulously crafted latte, a bracing cold brew, or, perhaps, their third piping-hot cup of the morning, the SCS Captain Caffeine is never far removed from the brew. This lighthearted accolade celebrates the energy, enthusiasm, and, of course, love for coffee that fuels our team’s success.

Blain’s Caffeinated Journey

This year, Blain has made a lasting impression since day one. Nominated by his colleague, Dale Bergman, Blain’s reputation as a coffee connoisseur was established almost instantly. As Dale recounts, “One of the first questions Blain asked me on his first day here was, ‘Where do I find the coffee?’ He has been self-promoted to the ‘Safety, Compliance & Coffee Manager’! Blain’s love for the bean is unmatched. He enjoys the aroma and the little ‘pick-me-up’ is an added bonus!”

Blain’s daily ritual is evident to anyone who works alongside him. Whether he’s cradling a tall mug during early morning check-ins or championing a mid-afternoon run, his passion for coffee is infectious. For Blain, coffee is not just a beverage, it is an essential part of his workday rhythm and a delightful way to connect with his teammates.

More Than Just Coffee

While the SCS Captain Caffeine award is a playful honor, it underscores something important about the SCS culture: the value of bringing energy, camaraderie, and a sense of fun to the workplace. Blain’s enthusiasm for coffee is matched only by his commitment to his role. His self-appointed title of “Safety, Compliance & Coffee Manager” is more than just a joke, it reflects his approach to making work both productive and enjoyable.

In the fast-paced world of safety and compliance, where regulations reign, it is easy to overlook the small rituals that keep a team motivated. Blain’s dedication to his daily brew serves as a reminder that even the simplest pleasures can bring people together and power them through the toughest tasks.

Here’s to you, Blain. May your coffee always be hot, your mug never empty, and your enthusiasm continue to inspire those around you.

Celebrating our People: Krystal Jones

Krystal Jones

The SCS Rookie of the Year Award Winner

Announcing another award winner from the September All Company Meeting, the SCS team gathered for an inspiring day of recognition, collaboration, and celebration. Among the many highlights was the presentation of the SCS Rookie of the Year award. This year’s honor was given to Krystal Jones, whose remarkable contributions and exceptional performance as a new employee have set a high standard for excellence within the organization.

The SCS Rookie of the Year award is presented to a new employee who has distinguished themselves through outstanding performance. More than just a recognition of hard work, the award is a testament to the recipient’s ability to embrace new challenges, demonstrate initiative, and make a meaningful impact in a short period of time.

A Rising Star

Krystal joined SCS and stepped into her role with enthusiasm and a drive to succeed. From her very first day, Krystal demonstrated an exceptional ability to learn quickly and adapt to the fast-paced environment. Colleagues and supervisors alike have praised her work ethic, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond. Whether tackling projects or supporting her teammates, Krystal’s positive attitude and commitment to excellence have made her a standout member of the team. In a company that values initiative and teamwork, Krystal has proven herself to be a true asset.

Outstanding performance, especially from new employees, is vital for the continued growth and success of any organization. Krystal exemplifies how determination, adaptability, and a passion for learning can drive both personal and professional achievements. Her journey serves as a powerful example to other newcomers, inspiring them to seize opportunities and make their mark within SCS.

Receiving the Rookie of the Year award is not just an acknowledgment of Krystal’s accomplishments, it is a celebration of her potential. As she continues to grow and take on new challenges, the company looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will undoubtedly continue to make.

Congratulations, Krystal, on being named the 2025 SCS Rookie of the Year!