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What’s In a Name?

Guest Writer — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 23:41:14 +0000

The Houston’s Executive team recently turned to its employees looking for name suggestions for the Wilsonville office’s three conference rooms. The turn out and variety of suggestions were impressive, but one thing was clear–employees wanted to stay true to Houston’s roots. Numerous suggestions were made for both the John Houston and Esther Houston conference rooms that it became impossible to pick just one winner for each name. Placing all employees’ names into a hat for those two particular naming suggestions, winners were drawn at random and received $10 gift certificates to Slick’s Big Time Barbecue located here in Wilsonville. Congratulations to the winners: Richard Vogel (the John Houston Conference Room, large room downstairs), Jenny Johnston (the Esther Houston Conference Room, upstairs conference room), and Christina Graiff (Room 26, small downstairs conference room.)

The history of our company has not escaped us, and is evident in our naming suggestions. Esther Houston and her husband Jack were the original founders of House of Vintages in Portland, Oregon, offering wine and spirits to their patrons. Their son, John Houston, joined the business after a career in the Air Force, bringing with him new energy and passion for the foodservice industry. The original Houston’s location was located on Powell and SE 26th (hence, Room 26).

The Executive team would like to, once again, extend a sincere “thank you” to all who participated in the naming of our Wilsonville conference rooms. Esther and John’s legacies are present and continue to live on throughout our daily operations and commitment to service.

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We are Houston’s: Teresa Petrin

Guest Writer — Fri, 10 Jun 2016 15:39:43 +0000

Meet Houston’s second quarter Employee of the Quarter, Teresa Petrin. Teresa has worked for the Houston’s Accounts Payable department since August 2014 and has excelled at all levels since the very date she was hired. According to her supervisor, Jasmine Peterson, Teresa was chosen Employee of the Quarter because she demonstrates a high level of skill in the department but also because of a willingness to help out in other departments when needed including—but certainly not limited to—answering the phones in Reception, helping our Administration staff with preparation for monthly birthday celebrations, or if she is running the AP department alone. She shines in all areas of her work!

I like to ask our Employees of the Quarter what makes them excel at the work they do for Houston’s. So often I find that there is an inner drive that motivates them to do well, a pride in doing things right. Teresa is no different. She is good at her job because she takes it personally. It matters to her that the paper trail is correct, and she often goes to great lengths to play detective, to sort out problems and tackle them from start to finish. In her words, she takes “pride [in her work] because what we do is important.” She truly enjoys making sure that our vendors are paid the correct amount, in a timely manner. Jasmine completely agrees. She states that Teresa’s “enthusiasm to learn/take on new tasks, attention to detail, and willingness to help others has built a great foundation within the AP department.”

Before Teresa was hired at Houston’s she was a stay-at-home mom, and transitioning back in to work was a challenge for her. With a newborn at home, a new full time job, and learning the ins and outs of the Accounts Payable position, she certainly felt the stress. However, she tackled all the pressure with grace, and a desire to do well, and she has proven to be beyond capable of juggling her many hats.

Although Teresa loves her job in the accounting department at Houston’s, she would love to have more time to spend time with her three children and her fiance, chasing adventures and trying new things in new places. She also is an avid reader, a swimmer, and a Jamaican Dancehall enthusiast. If a genie would grant her just one wish it would be to have a small house by the beach where she could walk daily to the local market for fresh food. It would be awesome if that same genie could throw in a couple of chickens and a goat!

Thank you for all you do, Teresa. Houston’s appreciates you and all your hard work.

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In Memory of John Houston

Guest Writer — Wed, 27 May 2015 15:34:13 +0000

Photo courtesy of Houston’s, Inc.

“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth…” It is with great sadness that we announce that John Houston passed away on Friday, May 1, 2015. Words cannot describe how much he meant to Houston’s, Inc.

John’s honorable career as an Air Force pilot carried over to his work in the foodservice industry. He believed in making deals with just a handshake, and he was a man of his word: if he said he would do something, he made sure it was done. His passion for life, for his work, and for his family and friends ensured John was an esteemed member of the company, of the foodservice industry, and of the community.

John, you will be greatly missed by all, but your time to rest has come. We find comfort knowing that, in the words from your favorite poem by John Gillespie Magee, Jr, you have “Put out [your] hand, and touched the face of God.”

Update: Tribute and remembrance to be held at 2:00 on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Waverly Golf Club in Portland, Oregon. 1100 SE Waverly Drive. The family has suggested donations be made to the American Lung Association in lieu of flowers.

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In Memory of John Houston

Guest Writer — Mon, 04 May 2015 18:07:55 +0000

Photo courtesy of Houston’s, Inc.

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