Model Coverall Service - The People Who Care
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MODEL'S FANTASTIC FAMILY 

(email: Jon Subar  Jeremy Wirtz   Jon Jenkins Pam Gort  AJ Blonk   Tony Thomas  
Tim Hinds  Ricardo Lastra  Rob Widing  Sherrie Guthrie  Roberta Wibalda   Mike Bradley  Angie Thomas)




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Jerry Subar, Chairman of the Board:  " I've worked all my life in this business.  After graduating from Central High School, The University of Michigan, and serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, I dedicated my career to providing our customers with the best value in the business."   Jerry has served on dozens of industry and community boards and chaired several committees, including the Textile Rental Industry's International Trade Association, and has donated thousands of hours supporting Special Olympics, Sherriff's Honor Camp and many other local programs.  Jerry and Judy Subar and Model have supported dozens of local charitable organizations and fund scholarships at several local universities.


Jon Subar, President: “My wife and I are proud caretakers of our family's business, and hope that some of our five daughters will take over the business one day.  Our goal has never been to be known as “the biggest”, but to be known as 'the best', and as bringing many 'firsts' to our customers.  Please call me anytime with your questions, comments or suggestions for improvement.  To our customers, thank you for the gift of your loyalty.  We will continue to work hard to earn it. To our employees, thank you for the gift of your dedication to our mission.”    Jon worked at Model while in high school and college, and worked in finance in Boston after graduating from The University of Michigan.  He has been back at Model since 1986, and has “the best job in the world."  email Jon  or call Jon's cellphone anytime (616-291-0895).



Jeremy Wirtz, Director of Sales and Service:  Jeremy graduated from Greenville High School, served in the Marine Corps Reserves, attended Montaclm Community College, and now lives in Greenville, MI.  "As Director of Sales and Service my responsibilities include training, coaching, developing and motivating Model employees. I started my career at Model in 1998 as a route sales rep.  Five promotions later my dedication, work ethic, ability to listen, overcome and adapt, and my proactive leadership ability have earned me the position of Director of Sales and Service, reporting directly to the Subar Family.  I love providing superior customer service by creating partnerships. I am especially proud of Model’s employees for being proactive doing whatever it takes to HELP customers and co-workers and for treating everyone as they would want to be treated. I take my career at Model very seriously because I love what I do. My proudest moments are when customers are surprised by something we have done for them and when an employee uses something that I have taught them. I love making a difference in people’s lives, both work related and non-work related. My goal is to have everyone I come into contact with take something from me to help them in something they do in the future.  I am proud of my family, including two beautiful children, Tennille (4) and Bryce (1) and Michelle, their beautiful  Mother."   Jeremy has successfully completed several executive level industry-sponsored training programs across the US and has brought that experience back to Model to improve the level of professionalism of Model's employees. email Jeremy


Jon Jenkins, Asst. Service Manager: Jon has been with Model for three years, and is the Asst Service Manager reporting to the Director of Sales and Service.  Jon was Model's District Manager of the Year in 2007.  Each year he has placed in the top fifteen in the nation for the industry-wide CSC Mat Promotion for independent companies, including placing  third out of 180 supervisors in '07.   Jon enjoys coming to work every day not knowing what might happen; every day is different.  "It is very rewarding when a customer is having a problem and I am able to make them happy," Jon says.  In his spare time, Jon's volunteer work shows his commitment to Model's mission to support our community:  Jon is a director for the Crystal Lake Association, an on-call photographer for Alpine Township Fire Department, past president of the Northview Education Foundation, and has been a head coach for his son’s Northview Little League teams.  While satisfying customers promptly can be quite hectic at times, Jon takes time out to go to his cottage in the summer to relax by the lake with his growing family. email Jon



Pam Gort, District Service Manager:  "I've been at Model for over seven years.  My #1 goal is to keep all of my customers satisfied.  I've raised three beautiful daughters on my own--I blame my independence and strong-will on that.  Jessika is 24, Katie is 21 and Cierra is 18.  Plus I have a son-in-law, Will, and the most wonderful granddaughter, Hannah, born 7/28/08.  I am proud to work with my father, Roger, who is still trying to retire from Model after over 30 years as the plant manager, and with my brother, Denny, one of Model's great RouteSales Reps.  My long-term goal is to retire very successfuly and satisfied from Model...and enjoy my family and my life. email Pam


AJ Blonk, Lansing District Service Manager: "My job as the Lansing Service Manager is very fulfilling and exciting.  I love serving our customers and doing whatever it takes to meet their needs.  I've been at Model for nine years.  I started in 2000 as a RouteSales Rep.  I quickly realized I love this business and worked hard to work my way up, and in 2008, I became the Service Manager for the Lansing District."  Prior to Model, AJ worked in several different industries.  He was a dishwasher, restaurant manager, a roofer, and OTR truck driver with over 1,000,000 accident-free miles! Go ahead, try to find someone that works with more passion than AJ!  email AJ


Tony Thomas, South Bend District Service Manager:   "I am the Service Center Manager in South Bend. I supervise three RSR’s.  I am responsible for their training and making sure they know what they need to do to properly service our customers.  I am a problem solver, I make sure that customer issues are taken care of.  I am also responsible for truck and building repairs,  I have been in a service job since I was just seventeen.  I worked at Taco Bell, sold new cards and trucks for three years, was a courier for FexEx for eight years, and even serviced a route for Aramark, and delivered office supplies.  Taking care of people is a big part of who I am."   email Tony




 

Tim Hinds, Production Manager:  "I've been with Model for over 28 years. I enjoy getting up and coming to work everyday to lead a dedicated team of employees through a successful day of production meeting the objective of servicing our customers with products that exceed their expectations. Doing that helps us fulfill Model's mission of building loyal relationships with our customers, employees, and community. My future goals are to continue to offer exceptional products and services to the community that promote the image, cleanliness, productivity, safety of our customers' workplace.  After work I enjoy a vigorous workout of jogging, lifting, and exercise. I believe exercise is the key to a clear mind and healthy body creating a long life and a successful day at work. My evening hours are often consumed by the roar and thunder of playing my drums." email Tim   


Ricardo Lastra, Asst. Production Manager and Safety Director:  Ricardo is a rated Chess Master, and was a chess instructor before coming to Grand Rapids from Cuba in 1995, following graduation from the University of Sports in Havana.  Ricardo also studied Lean Manufacturing at the University of Michigan College of Engineering. His strong analytic thinking helps Model improve processes involving people and product.  After working in the packaging and furniture industries with large, public companies, Ricardo appreciates the "family atmosphere and values" of Model.  "We can strive for the best, while respecting our co-workers and our customers.  This just wasn't the same at the larger companies."  Ricardo wants new customers to know that he is committed to continuously improving quality, and improving efficiencies to keep our cost and prices as low as possible.  "Gracias" for your business! email Ricardo



 

Rob Widing, Maintenance Manager:    "I am responsible for the implementation and upkeep of Model's equipment and building, with an emphasis on insuring a safe workplace.   I oversee our predictive and preventative maintenance programs, along with scheduled and nonscheduled equipment repairs.  I help minimize the use of water, chemicals, electric, and natural gas as part of our GREEN INITIATIVE, and attempts to improve the quality of our laundering as we conserve natural resources.  I manage Model's fleet of over 40 trucks and cars, with the assistance of Fred Florshinger, our certified mechanic.  I am pleased to be part of a management team that holds a high standard, and is not afraid to move forward towards the future!   email Rob


Sherrie Guthrie, Uniform Stockroom Manager:  "Hi, I’m Sherrie, Supervisor of our Uniform Stockroom Department.  We handle all new orders for garments, both rental and purchase orders. We complete the order from start to finish.  If the customer needs a size, color or style change we take care of those changes.  We also are responsible for getting new accounts their first delivery of uniforms, as well as add men to existing accounts. We generate barcode ID labels to identify your garments, as well as making your call name tags and company emblems. We are enthusiastic about our work, and pride ourselves on accuracy.  Most orders are completed within a week or less.  I have been at Model for 2 years, and have 20 plus years experience in the rental laundry business."   email Sherrie



Roberta Wibalda, Manager of Accounting, Office, IT, and HR:  Roberta has been with Model for six years, and wears many hats. She is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the front office, keeping our employees happy with the timely processing of payroll and HR issues, our first contact when our computers have a mind of their own, and lastly, what she was originally hired to be...our controller.  Roberta has been in accounting for over twenty-five years.  Almost half of her career was with Eberhard Foods in Grand Rapids, in various roles.  She has also held financial positions in the petroleum, floral, and computer training industries. Roberta is married, with a daughter in college in Chicago.  In her free time she loves to knit, sew and scrapbook, and with her husband, Mike, enjoy their seven step-grandchildren.  Roberta was a very active member of the Jenison Band Boosters, and has now become more active with fundraising and volunteering at her church.  email Roberta


OFFICE STAFF:   (Standing L-R) Vicky McCombs  (28 yrs. Customer Service, Art Dept.); Roberta Wibalda (6 yrs Office Manager); Ginette Hendrickson (15 yrs. Customer Service, Accounts Payable);  Doug Hervey  (5 years Customer Service, Accounts Receivable Manager) (Seated L-R)  Leonicia Rubio (3 yrs, Customer Service, Data Entry);  Barb Hug (22 yrs. Data Entry, IT Support) (Not Shown)  Thomas Engebretsen  (4 yrs. Customer Service, Art Design, Administrative Support)




 

Mike Bradley, General Manager, Model First Aid, Safety & Training (MFAST):  Mike has been working with companies and organizations developing Safety and First Aid Programs, MiOSHA Compliance Programs and conducting safety training classes for the last 30 years.  He spent several years working for Paul C. Miller Road Construction, Simmons Roofing, Keeler Brass Co., and Zee Medical Service.  After serving as a consultant and supplier to Model for 20 years, Mike teamed up with the Subars and Model to start Model First Aid, Safety & Training.  Our goal is to help companies keep their employees safe, and to reduce the costs associated with workplace injuries, such as lost time costs, increased workers compensation, OSHA fines and penalties, and potential lawsuits.  Some of MFAST's customers include Wolverine World Wide, Davenport University, Cooley Law School, Welch's, Warner Norcross and Judd, the City of Wyoming, American Bottling, and Service Master. email Mike


Angie Thomas, Model First Aid, Safety & Training Customer Service and Administrative Assistant (MFAST):  "I have worked at Model for five years. I started in laundry production area, working on the automated garment sort system with my mom, who has been at Model almost 20 years. After a year I was promoted to help in the First Aid division.  I help our wonderful territory sales representatives with questions or needs they have, along with helping our customers, handling A/R, manageing our warehouse, placing orders, and helping Mike prepare written compliance programs.  I have been happily married to Mark for fourteen years and have a son, Josh, a seventeen-year old senior getting ready to go to college.  I plan to retire from Model First Aid, Safety & Training, and enjoy my life & family."  email Angie


Roger Gort , B.M.O.C.: "I have been with Model and the Subar family since 1974. I started as a maintenance mechanic. After one year I was promoted to the management staff in production and maintenance. I eventually worked my way up to General Manager. I retired in 2002 but continued part time overseeing our fleet and also consulting and advising in production, maintenance and service. I have a daughter, Pam, and a son, Denny, in the business and I am proud of the way they take such great care of our customers."  email Roger


 

Contact Model   100 28th St. SE  Grand Rapids, MI 49548  800-968-6491  fax: 616-241-0677

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