SUMMER 2021

88 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

88 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK Earnest Machine has received the Smart Culture Award for demonstrating cutting-edge practices in sustaining a “Smart Culture.” 2020 marks the second year in a row the distributor and manufacturer of large diameter and specialty fasteners is being recognized with the Smart Culture Award presented by the Smart Business Cleveland and Alliance Group. Smart Business recognizes companies in Northeastern Ohio for inspiring employee performance, creating an employer-of-choice environment, and appreciating the employees who impact revenue. To receive the award, the company must demonstrate how it improves productivity, enhances job satisfaction and provides a marketplace competitive advantage. “2020 was a year we’ll never forget,” Elise Bastian, Director of Culture and Talent Development, said. “with many unknowns and rising challenges, we have seen first-hand how our culture empowers and guides our teams to deliver results.” Earnest’s culture is built upon their core values of putting the customer’s needs first, respect one another, customers and suppliers, embracing change and continue to learn, and doing what they say they we will do. These guiding values helped turn a difficult year into a year of growth. “When the pandemic began, Earnest Machine was in the middle of an acquisition. Every one of our core values were tested every day. Our customer focused culture helped us integrate new processes, add new product inventory, and most importantly build new customer relationships, under some trying circumstances.” states Bastian. Earnest Machine receives the award yearover-year because it provides relatable company values, personal and professional growth opportunities, fun and educational activities, and community involvement. This year, Earnest Machine continues to push the same company values and mission, which will guide employees to once again exceed expectation. “Earnest Machine provides opportunities to grow personally and professionally by giving all employees the ability to contribute ideas – no matter their role.” Kirk Zehnder, President and Chief Executive Officer, said. “Our business success is a direct result of our company culture.” Earnest Machine was founded in 1948 and is a global importer, distributor, and manufacturer of large diameter and hard-to-find fasteners for the agriculture, construction equipment, heavy transportation, mining, structural construction and wind industries. Earnest maintains warehouses, sales offices, and manufacturing centers in Cleveland, OH, and Wolverhampton, England, as well as warehouses in Atlanta, GA, and Indianapolis, IN. For more information contact Earnest Machine Products at 1250 Linda Street, Suite 301, Rocky River, OH 44116. Tel: 1-800-327-6378 or visit them online at www.earnestmachine.com.