“I show them what they need to know”
By Leigh Blander
One of the reasons AffinEco has earned a reputation as an outstanding building service provider is its managers. The company has created a culture where managers are more like mentors who coach their employees to learn more and advance their careers.
“I try to grow everyone I can,” said Nelson Hernandez, AffinEco VP and Branch Manager for the Bridgeport/New Haven area. “Step by step, I show them what they need to know. I go out into the field and talk to them and treat them like I want to be treated. I treat them with respect. They are more loyal to you that way.”
Hernandez pointed to AffinEco employee Glenda Perez as an example of someone who took guidance, learned her job and was rewarded. Perez started as a cleaner, but was later promoted to supervisor.
“I worked with her and she pays attention, she asks a lot of questions. I always tell my employees, ‘There’s never a silly question.’ She always asks for more training. Now she is one of my main supervisors and also helps with payroll,” said Hernandez.
Ezequiel Ramirez is another example of an AffinEco worker who has grown in his role. “Ezequiel is a cancer survivor,” Hernandez said. “I sat down with him. I’m working to get him ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons. I want to help employees get to where they want to be.”
Jorge Jimenez, AffinEco General Manager and Senior VP, highlighted another employee, Carlos Nique, as a great example of a worker who came to AffinEco and advanced because he followed through on what he learned in his training. Nique has become a Branch Manager, leading the company’s Blue Team, servicing customers from Greenwich, CT, to New York City and Long Island.
“Carlos has evolved into a very important part of our company,” Jimenez said. “It’s all about communication, helping people develop a knowledge of a situation, take control of the situation and then resolve the situation. He’s a very fast learner.”
AffinEco Estimator Jodi Nelson has helped managers become more efficient by training them in Excel.
“I go out in the field and provide the training for everyone. They’re able to present data quickly and apply formulas. It’s better for their superiors and their clients.”
Hernandez added that managers need to be hands-on if they really want their employees to grow and prosper. They need to “be a good role model. I came from the bottom up and I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and help out.”