The 2024 Southeastern MVP Award: Celebrating Our Stars!

At Southeastern Equipment, our unstoppable team is the engine that keeps us moving forward. Every day, our outstanding associates give their all — helping customers, supporting colleagues, and driving our mission to provide groundbreaking service. 

It's that time of year again to honor those who truly embody our values of being helpful, human, passionate, hustling, and always putting our customers first. The prestigious MVP Award shines a light on the incredible professionals who make Southeastern a continued success story. 

We were overwhelmed by the inspiring nomination stories shared by our co-workers this year. While we can only select one winner, every nominee is a true MVP. Please join us in congratulating our 2024 finalists: 

Jessica Alander  

Customer Fleet Representative — Novi, MI 

A "lifer" who has embraced the heavy equipment world, Jessica is a prime example of determination and drive. What began as a temp role blossomed into multiple leadership positions, including stints in the administrative, service, and warranty departments. Her enthusiasm for continuous learning is contagious, leading to her newest venture in developing telematics.  

"I love being a resource to each individual within this company," she mentioned. "The company culture has developed throughout the years, bringing new people with new ideas, which helps the company grow and bring new perspectives to the ins and outs of my jobs." 

What the nominators said: 

• She has improved our process with extended warranties and made it very easy for our customers to make the jump to buying it. its not just quoting it either, she's got the numbers to back it up. extended warranties in 22 vs. 23 are nearly doubled and its got a lot to do with all of her hard work.

• Whatever you need she is your "go-to" to get a solution, even if it isn't her department.

Jordan Patrick  

Service Technician — Dublin, OH 

Jordan's talents for problem-solving and keeping equipment up and running emerged early. He joined Southeastern in 2019 as a shop tech in Heath before transitioning to field service tech covering that territory. When an opportunity opened in the Dublin rental store, Jordan seized the chance to take on more complex repair challenges. 

"I enjoy the complexity of the job and taking care of customers in need of repairs," Jordan says. He has cultivated strong relationships with major accounts like and Jordan's commitment to swift resolutions means he'll do whatever it takes to get the job done. "Whenever I get a call, my goal is to do whatever I can to get the machine repaired as quickly as possible." 

What the nominators said:  

• Jordan always goes above and beyond when he is called on.  His main focus is to get the customer up and running as soon as possible.  He likes to understand why something breaks and works backwards to fix a problem and wants to go an additional step further to make sure that there is no other underlying problems.  He is not afraid of staying out and making sure the customer is good to go before he leaves.  He has always been a customer driven technician and looks out for what is best for the company.  
  
  
  
• There has been numerous evenings that he stayed out and worked when he was needed. He is also not afraid to talk with customers after hours or on the weekend over the phone if they need help trouble shooting a problem.  He is always willing to tackle new challenges on any piece of equipment if he is familiar with it or not.

• Jordan is very knowledgeable and is always looking at the customer first and he is a great asset to have on the Southeastern side and I am glad to have him.

Joe Mead 

Finance Manager — Cambridge, OH 

For Joe, being an exceptional team player means being a solution-finder. In his ten years at Southeastern, he has built a reputation for responsiveness, flexibility, and a willingness to go the extra mile to get answers. 

"I want to try to get information to my co-workers as quickly and efficiently as possible," he says. Joe's transition from accounting to Finance Manager showcases his passion for continuous growth and taking on new challenges. His knack for finding creative solutions, even when deals don't go as planned, makes him an invaluable asset to the sales team. 

What the nominators said:  

• This man is one person who is able to help the entire sales team quickly and effectively. He is helpful to the fullest extent and is always willing to lend a helping hand or offer advice. Joe Mead was expected to give BSP pricing and wasn't even told about it, but he did not complain he just rolled right with the flow. 

• Joe goes over and above to handle every request sent his way. He is a valuable asset to the SEC team.

• There have been so many changes in the way we price things for salesmen and financing and everything else that happened last year, Joe Mead never once complained and said he couldn't get something done.  Highest respect for Joe.  

• I have never had a manager who has stuck their neck out for me personally, like Joe does. He always stands up for what is right and always has my back. He makes tough conversations less uncomfortable and never makes me feel silly for asking the same stupid questions over and over. This allows for smoother processes and better efficiency within the finance corner he manages. I greatly appreciate being on his team and look forward for what the future holds.

• Joe Mead goes above and beyond for every person that interacts with him. He is quick to respond, does his work efficiently and accurately, and always so helpful whenever I ask him a question.

Michael Reniger  

Operations Manager — Holt, MI 

You could say that Michael hit the ground running when he joined Southeastern last year. Diving headfirst into an operations manager role, he embraced the chance to help revitalize the Holt branch through open communication, teamwork, and the company's customer-first philosophies.  

As Michael puts it, "Coming into Holt and watching it grow — that's what I love!" And what keeps him coming back is Southeastern’s values of a small company. Every job plays an important role from, yard associates to the president, with customers at the core. He says it's a “small town company providing big company service.” 

What the nominators said: 

• Michael has been an invaluable asset to our team, consistently displaying exceptional skills and dedication and has been instrumental in helping our team achieve a number of impressive milestones.
• Michael has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in all aspects of their work, consistently going the extra mile to get the job done. They are a team player and always willing to lend a helping hand to co-workers. Further, Michael sets an excellent example for other members of our team and is respected by everyone they work with.

 Brittany Marquardt  

Sales Support Associate — North Canton, OH 

Brittany's journey from secretary to sales support associate showcases her incredible growth and dedication to customer satisfaction. Following in her dad's footsteps who worked in the parts department for 45 years, she leveraged her deep product and process knowledge to become an indispensable partner to the North Canton sales force. 

"Having strong working relationships is what helps us stay a successful company," Brittany says. Her ability to swiftly quote equipment, locate attachments, and get machinery prepped means sales move smoothly from quote to delivery. Brittany's behind-the-scenes efforts ensure customers remain the top priority throughout every transaction. 

What the nominators said: 

• Anytime I had a question or issue when our SSA wasn’t available she was always Johnny-on-the-spot. Very helpful and very responsive. Great person to work with. 

This incredible group represents the absolute best of what Southeastern has to offer. We are so proud to have associates like these whose unwavering commitment elevates us all. 

Please stay tuned for the announcement of our 2024 MVP Award winner coming soon! Until then, join us in thanking all our nominees for their inspiration.