Every company has team members who stand out not only for their exceptional skills, but also for the indelible mark they leave on the overall culture and for their contributions to the company’s success. For us, one such employee is Richard George, whose remarkable journey and contributions have become the stuff of legend.
Richard joined Claridge in 1988 as a Machine Operator and from the very beginning, it was clear his potential was boundless. In addition to his technical skills, he brought a fresh perspective and a relentless drive to succeed.
One of Richard’s most notable achievements was leading the shear operation that cut the very first splined marker wall order in Claridge’s history, which not only was his proudest moment, but it allowed him to work his way up to supervisor, where he thrived on sharing his knowledge with his team and continuing to set new benchmarks for the industry, not to mention giving us the ability to offer new and innovating products to our customers.
Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Richard has been a mentor and inspiration to many. His approachability and willingness to share knowledge have helped create a culture of collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
Among the most memorable moments Richard described was a time decades ago when due to an unexpected and sudden shortage of labor, his team had to carry out nearly every process to complete an order all by themselves. They cut the material. They laminated the material. They framed the material. They packaged it and even loaded the truck, all to make sure the customer’s deadline was met.
“I believe strongly in getting it done by any means necessary.” Richard said. This type of commitment and selflessness are just a few examples of why he is so highly regarded.
Richard’s legacy remains firmly embedded in the fabric of our company. The systems he put in place and the values he has championed will continue to inspire and guide us for years to come.
Richard embodies the essence of what it means to be exceptional. His journey is a testament to what dedication, passion, and perseverance can achieve. We’re immensely grateful for his contributions and look forward to seeing his continued success and the positive impact he is sure to have on Claridge Products.