Our valued employees make Craig Industries a great company. We are so appreciative of their dedication and hard work. This month we’re highlighting a long-time employee, Production Supervisor, Tom Griggs, who has been with the company for 17 years!
Meet Tom Griggs!
How did you get your start at Craig Industries?
I started with Craig Industries in October of 2002 in the Setup Department.
What is your current role at Craig Industries and what other positions have you held in the past?
I’m currently a Production Supervisor over Door, Metal, Glue & Finish. I have also worked in Sales & Sales Support for Craig Industries, I have also been the lead in all of the departments I oversee at some point in my 17 years with the company.
What do you like most about your current role?
I enjoy working to help the company grow and improve the quality of the product.
What kept you working at Craig Industries? And how has the company changed since you started?
I like the family atmosphere here at Craig Industries and how they treat their employees.
What has been your favorite project at Craig Industries?
Company trips to Mexico, helping with the company cookouts, and helping to improve the company any way I can.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
Work smarter not harder.
What three traits define you?
Hard working, self-motivated, and punctual.
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I enjoy bowling, hunting, fishing & spending time with my family.
Tell us about your family. Any exciting developments?
I have 3 kids, Mackenzie is 17 a senior in high school and has joined the Illinois National Guard, Jakob is 15 a freshman in high school and enjoys playing on the football team, Sean is 12 and is in 7th grade he enjoys playing soccer & video games. My Cynthia and I have been married for 5 years, she works for Blue Cross.
Our valued employees make Craig Industries a great company. We are so appreciative of their dedication and hard work. This month we’re highlighting two employees – Sharon Martz & Sarah Gray. They are family members (mother-daughter) and current long-time employees.
Meet Sharon Martz & Sarah Gray!
(Left: Sharon Martz, Sales Support Supervisor; Right: Sarah Gray, Accounts Receivable Specialist)
How long have you worked at Craig Industries?
Sharon: 15 years this month!
Sarah: 4 years!
What is your current role at Craig Industries and what other positions have you held in the past?
Sharon: My current role is Sales Support Supervisor. I started in Accounting doing Costing. Also, I did Marketing for a short period of time before moving into Sales Support. Most of my career has been in Sales Support.
Sarah: My current role is Accounts Receivable Specialist. In the past, I have held secretarial and Accounts Payable positions.
How did it come about that Sarah ended up working at Craig Industries?
Sharon: My daughter, Sarah, was home from College and looking for a job. There was an opening for receptionist/secretarial here so she applied.
Sarah: There was an opening for a secretarial position – and at the time I was looking for a new job.
What is it like working with a family member?
Sharon: It is great. I love seeing Sarah every day.
Sarah: Fantastic! My mom is my best friend.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Sharon: The people I work with and solving issues.
Sarah: The people I work with.
What three traits define you?
Sharon: I have been told that I am very patient, which I think I am. Also, faithful and dependable.
Tell us about your family. Any exciting developments?
Sharon: My husband Don and I have been married for 38 years. We have two adult children – Greg and Sarah. Greg, who serves our country in the U.S. Air Force, is stationed in Little Rock, AR. Greg has two children Amber, who is 9 years old and Alex, who is 7 years old. Sarah and her husband, Isaac, live here in Quincy with their two dogs – Stella and Oliver. Don and I love spending time with our family and riding our Harley’s.
Sarah: I just bought my first home and we have a brand new puppy!
Quincy, IL, September 4, 2019 – Tia Albers was named Regional Sales Manager for the state of Nevada. Albers has been with the company for eight years serving the East/Northeast and Northwest/Mountain Territories. This experience, along with her enthusiasm and professionalism, will lend itself well toward serving U.S. Cooler’s customer base.
U.S. Cooler is happy to expand Alber’s territory and customer base and is assured she will be a valued addition to the state of Nevada and our organization’s aim to enhance dealer support.
For additional information on Albers Named Nevada Regional Sales Manager, contact Amanda Welker or visit www.uscooler.com.
Quincy, IL, September 4, 2019 – Tommy Bliefnick was named Regional Sales Manager for U.S. Cooler’s Western Territory, including California and Arizona. Bliefnick has been with the company for four years serving the greater Phoenix, AZ territory. He currently resides in Tempe, AZ. This experience, along with his enthusiasm and professionalism, will lend itself well toward serving U.S. Cooler’s customer base.
U.S. Cooler is happy to expand Bliefnick’s territory and customer base and is assured he will be a valued addition to this territory and our organization’s aim to enhance dealer support.
For additional information on Bliefnick Named Western Regional Sales Manager, contact Amanda Welker or visit www.uscooler.com.
Quincy, IL, August 29, 2019 – Kristin Rothwell was named Regional Sales Manager for U.S. Cooler’s Mid-East Territory, including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee. Rothwell is from Nashville, TN and brings with her many years of experience as a Regional Area Manager, managing commerce with direct purchase suppliers such as raw materials to equipment manufacturers. This experience, along with her enthusiasm and professionalism, will lend itself well toward serving U.S. Cooler’s customer base.
U.S. Cooler is happy to bring her on board and is assured Kristin will be a valued addition to this territory and our organization’s aim to enhance dealer support.
For additional information on Rothwell Named Mid-East Regional Sales Manager, contact Amanda Welker or visit www.uscooler.com.
This post was first published on Brewers of Pennsylvania blog. TheBrewers of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit trade association that brings together leaders of Pennsylvania-based breweries in order to promote and protect the brewing industry in the state. Established in 2011, the Brewers of Pennsylvania serves the consuming public of Pennsylvania by encouraging brand diversity in the market. We believe in the nobility of brewing and hold dear the great traditions and history of Pennsylvania brewing.
“Ice-cold beer” — it’s an iconic phrase, and one that you’ll still find on signs and menus all over the country. While at first glance, the slogan might seem trite, the idea of keeping beer cold is nonetheless integral. From storage and quality assurance to presenting the final product to the consumer, commercial cooling options are essential to breweries and taprooms. With the advent of the craft brewing industry, the invention of supporting technologies has boomed, and cooling and refrigeration equipment are no exception.
It’s a good thing, too! The growing presence of discerning consumers and the overarching demand for a large variety of beer styles to be available at once has made innovative cool storage options a necessity.
When U.S. Cooler (a division of Craig Industries) was founded in 1986, the craft beer movement was just beginning to gain momentum. At that time, U.S. Cooler focused on providing customized cold storage solutions. It’s been decades, but that is still the company’s focus. Its 58,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Quincy, Illinois, is the base of operations, and directly serves many industries, including breweries and tap houses.
Quite a bit has changed in the brewing industry since the 1980s, so what has changed in cold storage? “We’re seeing a growing trend of people wanting to taste beer on location at the brewery. Brewery tap houses and growler stations are thriving.” This is the insight of Amanda Welker, marketing and communications specialist for Craig Industries, Inc.
Another industry trend that has developed is the need to serve draught beer in a mobile environment. Whether it’s outdoor festivals, weddings or concerts, the demand for fresh craft beer at certain events is now a consumer expectation.
“We produce a product called Brew Wagon, which is a mobile, walk-in cooler unit integrated with a trailer — refrigeration included,” Amanda explained. “A Brew Wagon allows you to serve at locations where you wouldn’t normally have access to refrigerated storage. Taps and drip trays can be installed on the side of your Brew Wagon, giving you the ability to serve straight from the tap, no matter where you are.”
Technology like Brew Wagon is evidence of how industries adjunct to brewery operations are developing ways to meet the needs of both breweries and consumers.
Taprooms and Growler Fills
For modern-day consumers, it’s almost become expected to find a number of beers on tap with the option to purchase a growler to go. This demand has created an increased need for effective tap solutions. That’s why companies like U.S. Cooler have designed technologies specifically for this industry trend.
“No matter how many kegs you have on tap, we can design a cooler to accommodate them all,” Amanda said. “We can work around the layout of your space with angled designs. Shelving is available to organize kegs and maximize space efficiency. It can be mounted on concrete. Additionally, insulated floors are optional for those looking to increase energy efficiency.”
In addition to interior walk-in solutions, U.S. Cooler has a Brew Wall product that can be installed directly to walk-in coolers. “Brew Walls are designed to be a visible, multi-use application of your walk-in cooler. We can install taps into your Brew Wall for quick easy access. No need for a separate kegerator when you can tap your kegs straight from the walk-in,” Amanda added.
Luckily, replacement parts for custom coolers are available, so brewers aren’t left holding the buck when items need maintenance. “If you need replacement parts for your walk-in cooler or freezer, visit our parts website at www.walkincoolerparts.com,” Amanda said.
With such a rapid pace of change in the brewing industry, it’s hard to imagine what new trends and technologies will emerge just 10 or 20 years from now. In the meantime, it’s a good thing that companies like U.S. Cooler are here to help meet the needs of brewers and taprooms nationwide.
Walk-in coolers and freezers are a very custom product. Standard sizes are available in the industry but they assume some standard specifications. Walk-ins are not a one-size fits all item like other foodservice equipment. If you are shopping for walk-ins online, make sure to review the specifications used in sizing that walk-in. Where the walk-in is located geographically as well as if it will be installed indoors or outdoors makes a difference in the required equipment needed to run your walk-in effectively.
U.S. Cooler indoor walk-in cooler without a floor.
Here are some important things to consider before purchasing a walk-in cooler or freezer online.
Indoor or Outdoor: Indoor and outdoor walk-in coolers and freezers are manufactured differently. Outdoor models require additional weatherproof items on the walk-in. If your walk-in will be located outdoors, it will require some type of weather ceiling strips or a rain roof to protect the panels from the elements. If refrigeration units will be located outdoors, they require a weather cover as well as all-weather controls. An Indoor walk-in will not work properly outdoors without additional equipment. Indoor and outdoor refrigeration units are sized differently. Look closely at the description to make sure it will fit your location needs.
Floor or No Floor: Whether or not you’ll need an insulated floor depends on where your walk-in unit will be installed. Walk-in freezers almost always require an insulated floor unless you have an insulated concrete floor already in place with thermal breaks. Walk-in coolers do not always require a floor, but it depends on where the walk-in will be installed. For cooler units installed indoors on a bare concrete slab, a floor is not essential. In new construction, if you plan on carrying heavy loads in and out of your walk-in cooler, it is recommended to construct an insulated concrete pad with thermal breaks. This will help stop condensation from forming on your concrete floor. For a walk-in to be placed above-grade level such as over a basement or on a second story floor, an insulated floor is required.
Holding Product: What you are storing in your walk-in makes a difference in what refrigeration unit is needed. For coolers, many models are sized assuming product entering the cooler will be 55°F and the cooler will be holding at 35°F. For freezers, many models are sized assuming product entering the freezer will be entering at 20°F and holding at -10°F. Models vary, so make sure to check the specifications on how it was sized. If product is entering or holding at different temperatures than what the refrigeration is sized for, the refrigeration will be sized incorrectly causing it to not work properly.
Airflow around the Walk-in: When planning your space, remember that there should be at least 2” around the exterior of the walk-in for airflow. Without the proper airflow around walk-in cooler or freezer panels, panels could sweat or cause condensation.
Refrigeration Systems: There are two main types of refrigeration systems used on walk-in coolers and freezers.
The “pre-assembled-remote” refrigeration is a split system with the coil inside the cooler/freezer and the condensing unit either outdoors or near the walk-in. Most often on remote refrigeration systems the condensing unit is installed outside of the building. Remote refrigeration units require a licensed refrigeration contractor to install and run lines. For refrigeration warranty purposes all refrigeration must be installed by a licensed refrigeration contractor.
The “self-contained” refrigeration system contains the coil and condensing unit all in one that is installed on the ceiling or on/in the walls of the walk-in. Typically, a hole is pre-cut in the ceiling panel or wall panel and the unit drops in. This unit is usually ready to be installed, however a licensed refrigeration contractor must start up unit.
Geographic Location: The geographic location where the walk-in will be installed makes a difference. Walk-ins that are located in warmer or colder climates require to be sized accordingly. Walk-ins being shipped to warmer climates, higher elevations or with warm product entering temperatures may need a custom quotation and may not work with a “package” available online. Make sure to check the ambient temperature in the specifications to ensure the refrigeration is sized properly and will suit your climate.
Delivery: Due to the large product size, walk-in cooler and freezer panels are shipped on pallets and banded together for protection. A forklift will be needed to unload the unit or the unit can be unpacked and unloaded panel by panel off the pallet while it is still on the truck. Two or three people will need to be available to receive delivery if this choice is chosen. You may be charged a surcharge if it takes too long to unload the truck. Many trucks do not have a large enough lift gate for the size of pallets being delivered, therefor this option may not be available for you. It is recommended to have a fork-lift onsite at the time of delivery. It is a good idea to contact the shipping company to make an appointment for delivery to ensure the delivery process goes smoothly. Residential deliveries and limited access locations may incur sur-charges from the shipping company.
Our employees are what truly make Craig Industries a great company. We are so appreciative of their dedication and hard work. This month we’re highlighting a long-time employee, Inside Sales Representative, Sarah Barry, who has been with the company for 10 years!
Meet Sarah Barry!
How did you get your start at Craig Industries?
I was hired right out of college. I graduated with a Law Enforcement degree, so I thought this would just be a starter job. 🙂
What is your current role at Craig Industries and what other positions have you held in the past?
I am an Inside Sales Representative, but when I worked here before I was the Regional Sales Manager of the East Coast.
What do you like most about your current role?
I really enjoy working up pricing, and problem solving.
What kept you working at Craig Industries? And how has the company changed since you started?
I have been here a total of 10 years, with a little hiatus in the middle. I enjoy the work, and the smaller company feel. I think the company has made great strides not only for the employee’s but also in manufacturing.
What has been your favorite project at Craig Industries?
I don’t have a favorite project, but I do enjoy the company BBQ.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
“No worries” or “I will punch you in the throat” depends on the circumstances. 🙂
What three traits define you?
Laid back, Hardworking, Feisty (I am a ginger)
What hobbies and interests do you have outside of work?
I run… not because I like to, but because I like beer and Mt. Dew. Enjoy being with my kids and family.
Tell us about your family. Any exciting developments?
I have been married to Chad for 13 years this August. We have a daughter Natalee Jo (10) and son Ryland (7). Also, have beta named King, a boxer named Sadie, and a rabbit named Frankie.
New development: My sister and I are co-owning a children’s clothing boutique off of 6th and Hampshire. We started it for our little girls.
