Each October, Sain Associates names a Spirit of Lauren Award recipient in memory of Lauren Nickles, a beloved coworker who passed away in 2017. While working at Sain, Lauren exuded hospitality, kindness, commitment, persistence, and a positive attitude. We come together annually to celebrate the lessons that Lauren taught us by recognizing an employee who is living out those core values today.
Our 2023 award recipient is Dan Mellott. Dan, our GIS Manager, has worked at Sain Associates for 11 years. He counted Lauren as a dear friend, where they bonded over their mutual love of running. They are pictured together, left, after they completed the Mercedes-Benz Half Marathon in downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
What I appreciate about Dan is that he demonstrates Lauren’s same positive characteristics throughout the workweek. He is the first person to say hello in the morning, and he isn’t afraid to be a little goofy, waving at you from down the long hallways of Sain. When a new employee starts, he goes out of his way to make them feel welcomed into the group. He is committed to being a better friend, coworker, and supervisor, and he is always looking for ways to serve others.
Below are some of the things that Dan’s coworkers shared about him.
“When I think of people who consistently display a positive attitude in the workplace, Dan is always on the list. Not only is he cheerful, but he goes out of his way to bring cheer and encouragement to others.”
“Dan is also very active in the community serving others. He has a service role in his church, and this past year, he raised over $2,500 in the Make-A-Wish Trailblaze Challenge. Dan inspires me to keep going when work gets frustrating and to seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others inside and outside of Sain Associates.”
The Spirit of Lauren Award provides the recipient with a $500 gift card and a $500 contribution to an engineering or healthcare charity of their choice. Dan has selected the Ronald McDonald House Charity for his charitable donation.
Congratulations, Dan!