Customer Service Week 2025

Back to High School

Meet Cushing Academy's class of 2025

Customer Service Week is Cushing’s annual celebration of our coworkers — a chance to recognize the people who make great work (and great customer experiences) happen every day. Think of it as our version of spirit week: we dress up, play games, and come together for our annual company party. Everyone beneath the 213 roof joins in on the fun, including our friends and partners at Riverside Graphics. This year’s theme took us Back to High School, complete with pep rallies, throwback outfits, and friendly competition between departments. The week was spearheaded by Anjelica Garcia-Sanchez, a longtime CSW competitor and first-time organizer, who led the charge in creating one of our most spirited celebrations yet.

The Teams

Each year, participants are split into teams for a week of friendly competition. Each team selects a captain, designs a flag to show off their spirit, and competes in a series of games and challenges throughout the week. It’s a creative, high-energy tradition that brings out the best in teamwork and a little healthy rivalry — all leading up to the crowning of the week’s winning team!

One week at

Cushing Academy

DAY 1: Jock Day
For our warm up to the week, our office transformed into a full roster of athletes. Jerseys, sweatbands, track jackets, and victory poses made even the quietest coworkers look ready for game day. We locked in for a game of finger football.
DAY 2: Nerd Day
Tuesday brought out our finest pocket protectors, taped glasses, and scholarly swagger. From “straight-A student” to “Star Trek super fan ,” Nerd Day proved that intellectual excellence pairs beautifully with our humor. Joe's socks were not harmed in the making of these photos.
DAY 3: Goth Day
Midweek took a dramatic turn as we leaned into moody monochrome and brooding eyeliner. Goth Day gave the team a chance to embrace their inner icons of angst (all in good fun). Consider it our most stylishly existential coffee break of the year.
DAY 4: Preppy Day

Thursday’s lookbook was all polos, pastels, pleats, and polish. The office gave off big “student council president” energy as we channeled the clean-cut aesthetic of after-school clubs and campus tours. Extra credit to everyone who committed to the bit with sweaters tied over their shoulders.
DAY 5: PROM!
We wrapped up Customer Service Week in full formal flair with our version of “Prom.” The team arrived dressed to the nines, turning the office into a glamorous end-of-year celebration. It was the perfect way to cap off a week of appreciation, connection, and a whole lot of laughs.

DJ Santos

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This recognition is chosen through a completely anonymous, company-wide vote. MVCs are the teammates you can count on without question — the steady, reliable problem-solvers who show up for others even on their busiest days. These winners represent the best of teamwork, collaboration, and day-to-day excellence.

Honorable Mentions:

2nd – Sharika Conyers
3rd – Dani Moll Toste
4th – Amanda Eich
5th – Jake Stanley

DJ Santos & Caroline Skoog - Draw!

This award honors new team members who hit the ground running and make an immediate impact. Whether through curiosity, drive, or a willingness to dive into challenges, these rookies have quickly become essential parts of the Cushing team. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm set the tone for the future.

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DJ Santos - Finishing Operator

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Caroline Skoog - Marketing Coordinator

Randy Johnson

Throughout the year, both customers and coworkers can recognize outstanding service by emailing gotheextramile@cushingco.com. These nominations celebrate the people who consistently go above and beyond — offering help, solving problems, and elevating the Cushing experience for others. Votes are tallied annually, and the award is presented at the company party.

Honorable Mentions:

2nd - Amanda Bridges
3rd – Mariano Montes
4th – Renee Castro
5th – Erik Reczek

Jake Stanley

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Named in memory of the late Mike Duff, this award celebrates an employee who embodies his innovative spirit. Mike was known for anticipating customer needs before they were spoken, exploring new technologies, and finding creative uses for tools already on the shop floor. The recipient of this award reflects that same combination of curiosity, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to exceptional customer service.

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Demetrius Calhoun

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The Carl Hansen Award honors a team member who exemplifies professionalism, empathy, and thoughtful leadership. Carl was a steady, calming presence. A great listener, a trusted advisor, and someone who treated every colleague with genuine respect. This award goes to the person who carries that legacy of kindness and composure forward.

Milestones!

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Amanda Eich - 5 Years

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Matt Cushing - 20 Years

Each year, we proudly celebrate the team members hitting major milestones at Cushing. Whether it’s one year or several decades, these anniversaries reflect dedication, loyalty, and the countless contributions that shape who we are as a company.

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Joe Cushing - 40 Years

Superlatives!

No high school experience would be complete without a few yearbook-style superlatives! To wrap up Customer Service Week, we handed out titles celebrating the unique personalities, talents, and quirks that make our team so fun to work with.