OKLAHOMA CITY, OK In 2004, Kirby-Smith developed its own internal award program with the goal of promoting continued education in its parts & service departments. For over 12 years, the Guild Program has helped ensure that Kirby-Smith Parts and Service Employees are continually among the best and brightest in the industry.

Last year, 2015, was a banner year for the Guild, which set two new records with 52 winners in 6 separate branch locations, both the most in the program's 12 year history.

The year also marked the first time the Abilene, Texas, branch featured a Guild Awardee. Randy Dennis, recipient of the award in Abilene, spoke on the journey the Abilene branch has taken to get to this level.

"Since Kirby-Smith acquired the branch, the business has grown and we have learned to move at a much quicker pace. We have even had to add staff to keep up with the demand. Programs like the Guild help make sure that we take care of our customers the right way, and I think that will continue to drive our growth in the future."

To be a member of "The Guild," the company requires each participant to attend 40-plus hours of technical training each year and score 100 percent on quarterly exams. Tom Montgomery, Vice President of Customer Care, spoke to the importance of the Guild Program.

"If we do not strive for the highest level of professional expertise, then we will fail to provide the highest level of service to our customers. The Guild Program is a way to honor our parts & service technicians who work to grow their knowledge and experience, so that Kirby-Smith can continue its great tradition of providing exceptional service to our customers."

The Guild Program is managed by Product Trainer, Jay VanDuzer, who is quick to praise the benefits the Guild has brought Kirby-Smith, as well as the dedication of his Guild Members.

"The Guild Program is a win-win-win," says VanDuzer. "The customer wins by receiving a more knowledgeable technician who is able to accurately diagnose and repair the equipment the first time. Kirby-Smith wins by providing the best service and parts support for our customers. Finally, our technicians win by increasing their knowledge, as well as receiving modest monetary recognition for their efforts. Our parts personnel and technicians commit a significant amount of their "˜off-time' towards improving their knowledge and skill, reflecting the professional standards expected of Kirby-Smith employees. Kirby-Smith truly has a very high quality of employees and our Guild members represent the best of the best."

The 2015 awards banquets were held in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Dallas, Abilene, Amarillo, and St. Louis. Over $18,000 in cash and awards were distributed during these events.

Guild Excellence Award Winners:

Service - Construction Category
1st place - Ron Hagood - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2nd place - Paul Cheek - Dallas, Texas

Service - Crane Category
1st place - Gary Cox - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2nd place - Dale Schmidt - St. Louis, Missouri

Parts Category
1st place - Mark Foster - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
2nd place - Bob Weaver - Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
3rd place - Ben Stoner - Tulsa, Oklahoma