Employee Awards

Each year, Takeuchi distinguishes one outstanding employee for Employee of the Year, one employee for Salesperson of the Year and one employee for the Wiley Hutto Legacy Award. For 2022, we had the honor of adding an additional Employee of the Year award at the newly opened Moore, SC manufacturing facility. The Employee of the Year — someone whose exceptional performance is noticed in their day-to-day duties – is nominated by their fellow employees.  Salesperson of the Year is awarded to an individual for their successful sales efforts.  The Wiley Hutto Legacy Award recognizes a team member who gives the very best of themselves to our customers, society, their co-workers and the company.

Desktop Support Supervisor David Jacobs is the 2022 Employee of the Year at our Pendergrass office. David has been with the company for four years. He was nominated by his co-workers for his incomparable service, kindness and positive
attitude. These are just a few things that his colleagues had to say about him:

“David is always helpful and never acts like it is a bother.”

“David is always willing to help with IT issues and always does it with a smile.”

“He is fun to be around and is never negative.”

“We all need our systems to work correctly each day, and it is refreshing to have an individual who is always willing to help and never puts individuals off.”

David was also recognized for his vital role in getting the South Carolina plant up and running. David sincerely thanks everyone who took the time to vote for him, and he vows to continue to do his best for everyone.

With the 2022 addition of the Moore, SC manufacturing facility, we were able to honor one additional employee in our annual awards. This facility’s Employee of the Year award is presented to Alex Bosket for her willingness to meet new challenges head on, her dependability and always keeping a bright smile on her face. Alex joined the Takeuchi team in June 2022 as Moore’s front office administrator. Alex quickly became a crucial part of the plant’s day-to-day functions. Her fellow employees acknowledge Alex’s many great qualities:

“Positive, can-do attitude and never getting flustered, discouraged, or negative.”

“What makes Alex stand out is her quiet confidence and positive attitude, while not calling any attention to herself.”

Alex had this heartfelt thank you to share: “Thank you so much for recognizing my hard work and efforts put into the success of this start-up facility. I am very fortunate to work with the best team who makes giving 110% easy!”

Salesperson of the Year is given to a member of our regional team who not only had a record number of sales, but who also went above and beyond to assist dealers with sales programs, inventory management and much more. In 2022, Takeuchi presented Mr. Clayton Whitesides with the Salesperson of the Year award.  Clayton is the Regional Business Manager of the Central Midwest. He has been serving the Central Midwest since February 2021.

Clayton’s Division Manager, Shay Klusmeyer commended Clayton’s efforts and hard work; “Clayton achieved the salesperson of the year award for 2022 as a result of his tireless work ethic and ability to make an immediate impact on his dealers and Takeuchi. He was able to achieve the highest growth of market share of all regions in 21’ and 22’, even though he has only been with Takeuchi-US for 2 years. In addition, he is a leader among his peers and is always willing to assist with peer-to-peer training when called upon. We are proud that he gets to wear the belt in 2023!”

Clayton was delighted to be presented as 2022 Salesperson of the Year: “I am very honored to receive this award. It is a pleasure to represent Takeuchi and I thank the entire team for their continued support.”

Takeuchi presents the Wiley Hutto Legacy Award to a staff member who clearly demonstrates attitude and performance that sets them apart as creators, challengers and sources of inspiration in cooperation. In honor of his passion and
commitment to achieving excellence, John Vranches received this award. John is the division sales manager for the Eastern US and all of Canada. He has been part of the Takeuchi family for 15 years. John’s encouraging nature, innovative ideas and
dedication to his team made him the right choice to receive the Wiley Hutto Legacy Award. Here are a few things the Takeuchi team had to say about John Vranches:

“He makes everyone feel like they are valuable and integral part of the overall goals of the company.”

“John does a great job of keeping everyone positive, especially with the difficulties that we are currently facing with inventory; not only the Takeuchi employees, but also our dealers.”

“I am so deeply humbled and honored to receive this year’s Wiley Hutto Legacy Award,” John said. “I am thankful to God for all His blessings, especially my wife Diane, and our children who support and encourage me every day. Having worked with Wiley, the example he represented as the Takeuchi Way was of great inspiration to me and impacted both my personal and professional lives. His legacy was to always do what is right for our company, our customers and fellow employees while recognizing our corporate polices of Creation, Challenge and Cooperation.”

Each of these individuals truly deserved their awards. It is apparent that these staff members are well respected and appreciated by the Takeuchi team. Thank you all for your exceptional performance and dedication to Takeuchi in 2022.