On October 8 our Sain family celebrated the Spirit of Lauren Award, an annual award given in memory of Lauren Nickles, our friend and co-worker. At the celebration, we shared an old-fashioned breakfast, which was one of Lauren’s favorite things. Lauren’s mother, children and aunt were present with us to honor Lauren’s memory and celebrate another Spirit of Lauren Award winner.
Through this award, we recognize an employee who exemplifies hospitality, kindness, commitment, persistence, and a positive attitude—characteristics we admired in Lauren during the years that she worked at Sain. This year’s award recipient is Jake Balentine, a Traffic Engineer in our Birmingham office.
Jim Meads, our CEO, described Jake as “a person of deep faith who demonstrates his love for God not by his words, but his actions.” One of the nominators said, “After Lauren’s passing, Jake took it upon himself to be the caretaker of her office orchid.” He watered the orchid without need or want of acknowledgement. This action demonstrates how Jake consistently serves others at Sain.
In recognition of Jake’s servant leadership, the Spirit of Lauren Award provides a $500 gift card and a $500 contribution to the recipient’s healthcare or engineering charity of choice. Jake has selected St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Congratulations, Jake! You exemplify the kind of character that makes Sain Associates a better company. We appreciate you!