June 19, 2017 - Friday afternoon the 16th of June, members of the Bell Family, current and past employees, and other guests who hold a long-standing relationship with the Company gathered to honor The Bell Company's founder at the annual John P. Bell Day picnic. More than forty people enjoyed delicious food from a popular Rochester barbecue restaurant as they listened to Bob Bell and his compatriots share stories of the early days of the company.
Bell President Steve Ruether recounted highlights from The Bell Company's impressive history, from the newspaper article that first announced the formation of the new company, through its evolution from a small family business into one of the largest (and most well-respected) mechanical contracting companies on the East Coast. It was a treat for the newcomers to hear first-hand how things were done "back in the day" when, as Ruether explained, true to the Company's culture of Performance, Innovation, and Integrity, every man and woman on the site worked hard to get the job done. He told stories about past jobs and how each employee’s determination and spirit was evident not only on the job site but after the day's work was done. As Tom Bell liked to say, “We work hard and we play hard.” That is how The Bell Company operated from the beginning and that is how they built relationships that are holding fast ten, twenty, and thirty years later.
Executive Vice Presidents Mike Benulis and Andy Carayiannis also hailed the company's culture and commitment to excellence. Benulis praised Bell employees past and present for their work ethic and adaptability to the ever-evolving construction industry. Carayiannis detailed some of the challenges the Company has faced and overcome, crediting the culture that John P. Bell and Sons instilled when they founded the company and that still sets The Bell Company apart today.
Pattie Chuhta, Bell's Controller, honored two of her staff, Laura Ferrin and Kelly Smith, for their commitment to the company. Each received a ten-year service award and thanks from the entire company for their hard work and dedication.
Check out the Time-Lapse EarthCam at 22 WestEdge in Charleston, South Carolina. Bell is providing Mechanical and Plumbing subcontracting services to Trident Construction for this 160,214 square foot, eight-story office building. Bell's team at 22 WestEdge is led by Project Manager Rob Klink, Assistant Project Manager Carl Hitchcock, and Project Superintentent Matthew McCants.
