You may recall your fellow Benchmark teammate, Wilbur Gutierrez, emailing about the chance to gather at MTR:
“Benchmark Managers! We want you and your teams to be able to take advantage of Mountain Top Ranch! Choose a day and some activities and bring your team out for some team bonding and team meeting time!”
In early June 2021, Randy Barker (Shipping), Rod Holland (Purchase Clearing) and Ryan Vaughn (Collateral and Final Docs), who report to Mike Doncer in Post-Closing, took their teams to the ranch for the day.
They decided to go down to MTR the night before their teams arrived to focus on department manager relationship building, and to prepare activities with Wilbur before their teams’ arrival. “Great time of bonding!” said Vaughn.
“Post Closing … as Mike says … is a department of sub-departments. In many ways these sub-departments are “internal customers” to one another,” said Barker. “The opportunity to take three of these sub-departments to MTR and work on cross-team relationships was huge.”
A list of suggested activities and an example itinerary will be provided at the time of inquiry. Wilbur acts as host/concierge and coordinates the day’s activities, as well as relaying food and drink preferences to the Chef.
“Wilbur gets it,” said Barker. “He hosted and lead us through the day accordingly … in a most impressive, first class manner.”
The goal of the owners and senior leaders of Benchmark is for the teams to be able to come together in a first-class way – the Benchmark way — for team building. There are not any restrictions on who can reach out to Wilbur to set up time at Mountain Top Ranch. Ideally, a manager that actively manages employees is suited to coordinate this team outing.
“With our growth, there have been folks join the Benchmark family that haven’t even been to the corporate office and some that hadn’t met their new teammates in person,” said Barker. This is an opportunity for the “teams to physically reunite, to love on each other and grow their relationships.”
The teams enjoyed downtime, played Jenga, threw bags in a cornhole competition, shot skeet, toured the property, and took in the sights.
“It was nice to meet new teammates and build relationships”, said Priscilla Bristol, Purchase Clearing Specialist.
“Wow”, said Ann Lozuk, Post Closing Shipper. “What an amazing day! From the super-cool barn to Wilbur 4-wheeling us around the gorgeous property, to (Chef) John brutally stuffing us at every moment with the most delicious food. Wilbur, John and Marlene went above and beyond to make sure we had a fabulous time.”
To schedule a MTR visit, team managers are encouraged to email, call or text Wilbur Gutierrez wilbur@benchmark.us (318) 613-9489 or Sherri Scott sscott@benchmark.us.
“Thank you to Benchmark senior leaders for the opportunity to lead a dozen on the Post Closing Team to MTR for a great day of fellowship and team building (and in a sense, a reunion and renewal),” said Barker. “Wilbur, Chef and Marlene were amazing hosts and truly MADE the day what it was … and will mean.”
Email communication@benchmark.us with your Mountain Top Ranch Days story to be featured in next month’s newsletter.