Houston’s has engaged in several environmentally focused initiatives to reduce waste, commit to lower carbon emissions, and look for other ways to improve our planet and our business together.

These programs include partnering with the e-Mission Control organization and affirming our commitment to the recycling of shipping & storage materials like cardboard and shrink wrap.

e-Mission Control

In 2022, Houston’s was recognized as a Green Fleet Pioneer by the e-Mission Control organization. The goal of the e-Mission Control program is to reduce carbon emissions and petroleum dependency across Oregon and California, and Houston’s is proud to be a partner in this endeavor.

Green Fleet Pioneers are e-Mission Control partners who participate in the Oregon DEQ’s Clean Fuels Program and are committed to using clean energy in their operations.

One of the main reasons Houston’s is eligible to join as a Green Fleet member is through the use of battery-operated electric forklifts.

“We report the miles that our forklifts run, the company calculates what we would have used with a carbon-using vehicle,” said Rebecca Phillips, President. “The forklifts themselves are not new to us, but being a part of this program is new for Houston’s.”

Joining the initiative in 2021, through the first year of membership Houston’s has accounted for 39.11 metric tons in reduced CO2 emissions.

In everyday terms, that reduction is equivalent to:

• Eliminating emissions from 4,149 gallons of gasoline used
• Eliminating emissions from burning 40,791 of coal
• Avoiding 3,579.48 lbs. of waste going into landfills
• Growing 614 tree seedlings for 10 years

Continuing Commitment

In addition to our e-Mission Control endeavors, Houston’s is also committed to doing our part in recycling waste material such as cardboard and plastic stretch film. Each year on average, our Wilsonville Warehouse Operations Team recycles more than 52,000 lbs. of cardboard and over 29,000 lbs. of stretch film.

Though others may claim that “it’s not easy being green,” Houston’s continues to find ways through collaboration and teamwork to make it happen.

Read more about other ways in which Houston’s is active in the community on the Houston’s Blog.

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With Random Acts of Kindness Day occurring on February 17, we asked the Houston’s Community to highlight acts of kindness, helpfulness, and goodwill seen around the office, in the warehouses, in stores, on the road, and out in the field.

Though it’s well established that kindness is woven into the fabric of our working environment here at Houston’s and HTrans – shining a brighter spotlight on the examples of people who go above and beyond can only serve as an extra positive reminder of the great environment we all create here together.

Here are some examples the Houston’s Community shared:

The Accounting Team and HR Team – for helping with holiday payrolls at the end of 2022. Stepping up with kindness helped through some stress.

The person who brought in the office fish!

Parisa Elahian – for being a saint and letting me use her assigned parking spot, before the change to open parking.

Whitley Turner – for taking responsibility for feeding “Huey,” the office fish. It’s above and beyond what she is asked to do, and her name is one of the most frequently seen on the “Who Fed Huey” chart.

Virg Cuff – for purchasing a coat this winter for a person in need of one.

Jenna Jay – for being patient with my training skills!

Tom DeGhetto – I noticed he went out of his way to assist another team member in bringing heavy, cumbersome items from downstairs to the upstairs workspace. Your kind gesture didn’t go unseen!

Jenny Johnston – I commented on her purse the other day, and a few days later she brought in her spare and gave it to me. Jenny, you’re too sweet and I appreciate you.

Austin Parrish– He sent me a cookie gift card for all the hard work I’ve been doing. It was MUCH appreciated! Thanks Austin!

Read more about the Houston’s Community on the Houston’s Blog.

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These qualities, along with her attention to the important details while maintaining a clear view of the big picture have earned Jasmine recognition as the Wilsonville Employee of the Quarter for Quarter 4.

Over the past quarter, Jasmine has proven to be an invaluable asset to both AR and IS. She accepted the position in AR at the end of May, and for the last four months has been splitting time between the two departments.

In the words of one of her nominators, “her flexibility and ability to learn on the fly have helped both departments get through the busiest time of year, despite being short-staffed.”

Jasmine’s quick learning coupled with an enthusiastic can-do attitude makes life easier for a number of colleagues and other departments.

She created the master HTRANS customer route sheets, which are not only the digital basis for all route sheets, but also the basis for the holiday route sheets. This is a significant aid in proactively notifying Houston’s customers if there are any route changes impacted by holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day.

“She utilizes her knowledge to apply critical thinking to situations that end up helping our customers while also making Houston’s look good,” a nominator said.

While Jasmine is a valuable part of big-picture projects like this, she is diligent and detail-oriented, as well. She works hard to connect with her customers, treating them with kindness and respect, identifying custom-tailored tactics to help them in the ways that work best for their needs.

She also has a knack for connecting with colleagues. As another nominator put it: “Jasmine has learned how to perform at a high level in two departments quickly. She makes my job easier.”

When she first started with Houston’s, Jasmine was initially brought on as a temp, and was then officially hired on just a month before Covid shut everything down in February of 2020. Despite challenging circumstances, she navigated her first year of employment with a positive attitude.

In the eyes of one of her nominators, “She has shown such confidence in herself, and has gotten very comfortable in her roles.”

Outside of work, Jasmine loves to read and has a Tuxedo cat. She is also a Harry Potter enthusiast.

Congratulations, Jasmine! The Houston’s family celebrates all your hard work, diligence, and adaptability.

Read about the other Houston’s Employees of the Quarter for Q4:

Oscar Perez, KC Q4 Employee of the Quarter

Kevin Wunneburger, Q4 Merchandising Employee of the Quarter

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Kevin originally joined Houston’s as a member of the Warehouse Team in 2015. He was eventually offered a role within the Merchandising Department and has grown into the supervisor position he now holds.

It’s no secret that 2021 has seen some challenges within the foodservice industry. Kevin has been a valuable part of mitigating some of these issues, especially in relation to staffing challenges within the warehouse-style stores Houston’s Merchandising Department services.

According to one nominator, “Kevin has spent most of these last three months assisting in other territories that have been shorthanded. He has taken this opportunity to get to know those store managers and to learn more about how the stores outside of his territory are set up and maintained.”

On multiple occasions, store managers have reached out to offer unsolicited positive feedback. They have expressed how much they appreciate Kevin’s ability to work seamlessly with them to ensure their customers’ needs are met.

“He is always willing to do whatever it takes, even if it means more work for him,” a nominator said.

Drawing on his six years of experience here at Houston’s, Kevin has the ability to anticipate problems before they happen, create a plan, and implement that plan with minimal oversight. He’s able to remain dynamic within changing circumstances and adjust his workday on short notice.

Outside of work, Kevin likes to spend time with his family. He is married to his high school sweetheart, and they have two daughters whom they are very proud of.

Houston’s is grateful to have outstanding people like Kevin on the team. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Read about the other Houston’s Employees of the Quarter for Q4:

Jasmine Hardcastle, Wilsonville Q4 Employee of the Quarter

Oscar Perez, KC Q4 Employee of the Quarter

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Oscar has consistently shown an eagerness to learn, and a willingness to take on any job that is asked of him. As a team player, he takes responsibility for his part in doing what needs to be done, ensuring that things keep running smoothly for Houston’s customers.

The emphasis on teamwork is also one of Oscar’s favorite things about working for Houston’s. He enjoys the opportunity to get to know everyone, as a refreshing difference compared to the atmosphere of some large companies where employees can feel more like numbers, rather than names.

Oscar’s positivity and collaborative demeanor are reflected in how he carries out his work. In the words of one of his nominators, “He has become a huge asset to our team in KC. He’s dependable and an all-around great guy.”

For those that don’t get the chance to interact with Oscar on a daily basis, his name may be familiar. Oscar was also recognized as Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2021.

Outside of work, Oscar counts fishing as a favorite pastime. He’s also a family-oriented person. He enjoys spending time with his baby girl and wife, and also likes to help his father with his carpet cleaning business when he can.

Houston’s is grateful to have people like Oscar, a dependable team player, who brings a positive attitude and dedication to hard work. Congratulations, Oscar!

Read about the other Houston’s Employees of the Quarter for Q4:

Jasmine Hardcastle, Wilsonville Q4 Employee of the Quarter

Kevin Wunneburger, Q4 Merchandising Employee of the Quarter

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Over the past few months, Dago’s flexibility has been an especially valuable asset to the Wilsonville Warehouse Team. He often floats between different departments when needed, offering help in multiple areas.

Angie Buffetta, Cash & Carry Supervisor, recognized Dago’s important versatility. “He knows not only order pulling, he knows receiving, auto stocking, and is always more than happy to work long hours,” she said.

Dedicated to hard work, Dago is also self-motivated, displaying the responsibility and initiative to take on what needs to be done without having to be asked to do so.

It’s well known that, though Dago has a diverse skill set, he’s especially good at order pulling. For the month of September, Dago was Houston’s top order puller, with 22,012 units pulled without any errors.

Additionally, earlier this year in March Dagoberto was recognized as the Top Quality Order Puller. Over a five-month span, he pulled a whopping 106,153 units without committing a single error. It’s clear that he’s grown into one of the leaders in accuracy over his 17 years with Houston’s.

Outside of work, Dago enjoys outdoor activities like walking and running. He has two children: a son and a daughter. He also has a granddaughter, whom he absolutely adores. When not spending time with his family, Dago loves to hang out with his dog, Mya.

A dedicated individual with a knack for accuracy and versatility, Houston’s is proud to have Dagoberto Gutierrez as part of the team. Congratulations Dago!

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Pacific Northwest Outreach, Community partner

More than 40 years ago by Don Cline founded Pacific NW Outreach with the mission of “working hand in hand with Native Americans… physically and spiritually.” Located in Gresham, Oregon, the nonprofit organization aims to spread the Word of God to Native Americans while also providing physical assistance to relieve pain and hunger.

The organization is not sponsored or supported by any particular denomination, church, or agency; instead, it is funded through donations made by the local community. They collect and distribute food, clothing, vehicles, furniture, and other household items that have all proven to be very effective in meeting the needs of minorities who have historically experienced great difficulty in adjusting to a different culture and society. Commodity items are distributed to communities across the Pacific Northwest on multiple eighteen-wheelers.

Pacific NW Outreach also operates a Community Store in Gresham, Oregon that serves the greater Portland and Vancouver areas. Customers enjoy a wide selection of goods – from groceries to household goods – at a low price. Sales from the Community Store help provide the financial support necessary to fulfill the organization’s mission in outlying communities.

Houston’s is happy to support Pacific NW Outreach with a donation including a Torani Real Fruit Lemonade and Real Cream, Two Leaves and a Bud tea, and a variety of olives, onions, sauces, and syrups. Donations such as this one benefit many local communities directly and through sales at the Community Store.

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Images: Blue Hills Church Food Pantry facebook page

Blue Hills Church in Kansas City is committed to being “A place to love. A place to grow. A place to experience God.” As such, they are also committed to the spiritual growth and development, educational training, economic empowerment, and social advocacy of their local community.

As a part of their commitment to their local community, Blue Hills Church started a food pantry to benefit those in need within their congregation and community. They work in conjunction with Harvesters Community Food Network (another Houston’s donation recipient) and other independent donations.

Houston’s was able to provide Blue Hills with a variety of Monin and Torani syrups, Torani Real Fruit Lemonade, Sipp soda, and Umpqua Oats Oatmeal. The nearly 260-pounds of donations will help fill the food pantry and provide warm/cold beverages for community members in need.

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Harvesters, photo: harvesters.org

Houston’s has a long-standing relationship with Harvesters Community Food Network in Kansas City, Missouri. We recently partnered with them to donate fifty-eight cases of product to benefit Harvesters mission to “feed hungry people today and work to end hunger tomorrow.” Houston’s donated cases of consumable product from multiple vendors including Umpqua Oats, Mott’s/IBC, Ocean Spray, Dawn, and Monbana.

As a certified member of Feeding America, Harvesters is a nonprofit, regional food bank operating two facilities that serve 26-counties across northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. In addition to being named Food Bank of the Year in 2011, Harvesters is one of Feeding America’s five regional disaster relief staging areas, meaning they continually store ample food, water, and cleaning supplies to be sent to a disaster relief sites at a moments notice.

Houston’s is always proud to partner with Harvesters as they share our small company values, but important impact that giving back has in the local community.

To learn more about Harvesters, visit www.harvesters.org.

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OCO’s primarily goal is to “relieve hunger and assist low-income families with children both locally and out of state.”
Houston’s is proud to contribute to OCO’s mission. We recently donated cases of Monbana Chocolaterie products enabling the children to indulge in a sweet treat – whether it be a cup of hot cocoa on these cold, rainy days, or a tasty fruit smoothie.

Not to fret, we’re not just loading children up on sugar! Monbana Chocolaterie products are made with real milk, cocoa, and yogurt powders as well as chunks of real dried fruit.

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