Congratulations, Wilbert

Posted by Bruce Niederer on 30 April 2009 | 4 Comments

On April 28, 2009 I was honored to represent the Employee Owners of Gougeon Brothers in presenting this year's Program Achievement Award for Industrial Technology to Wilbert E. Hare II. Wilbert was chosen to receive this award and money based on his 3.85 GPA and leadership qualities while earning his Associate of Applied Science degree in Automotive Service Technology.

Wilbert graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan in 1996 and soon after joined the Army, serving four years during the Bosnian conflict. After the service he decided to pursue his interest in working on cars and entered the auto tech program at Delta. He would like to someday own and operate his own auto service center. At the ceremony, I met his younger brother and wife of three years who were there to support Wilbert and cheer him on as I presented him a beautiful plaque and scholarship check. Wilbert then thanked his family and instructors and made a point of acknowledging the role his religious convictions played in his success.

Wilbert is a fine young man who is motivated to succeed the old fashioned way - by working hard for it and asking only for the opportunity to prove himself.

The GBI Employee Owners set aside a percentage of our shared net profits each year for charitable giving. We support a number of charities and community programs with our cash and our time - nearly all of our employees volunteer to give back to our community in one way or another as coaches, at hospice, Scouting, serving on boards, etc. Two years ago, we established the Delta College endowment fund that generates the money for the award - but not because we view it as charity. Far from it. We see it as an investment in the future of our community. It is in this spirit that all of us at GBI join in congratulating Wilbert for all the hard work and effort that he has shown to receive this award.

Good job, Wilbert.