he older I get, the more I realize how naive I have been at so many points in my life. I believed I knew so much about so many things, but the world had a way of showing me otherwise. I definitely have some regrets from the past. Have you ever wished you said something in the heat of a debate that would have really put

the other person on their heels? Have you beaten yourself up for making a decision that went terribly wrong? I know I have more times than I’d like to count, but I’ve also benefited greatly from what author John Maxwell calls “Failing Forward,” or growing from your mistakes. I’ve learned valuable lessons from many of my failures that have ultimately made me and our company stronger as a result. I can’t deny that who I am today is a combination of all my past experiences combined - good and bad.

Hindsight helps us evaluate what has already occurred and dissect it with the hope of understanding how we might better address a similar situation in the future. EVPS has had a rich history of success but, with hindsight, I realize that we could have done some of the great things we currently implement years ago to further diversify and grow. In 2013, we grew our staffing/placements by over 100%. We learned that complacency is not acceptable. We continue to add resources to fuel the growth and diversity essential to being a leader in the industry. We will continue to succeed in spite of our setbacks! Here’s to a great deal of success in 2014 for all of us!

I leave you with this: “Fail early, fail often, but always fail forward.” ― John Maxwell, Failing Forward

T

The ConnectionEVPS newsletter

Name Title Phone EmailMike Novakoski President/CEO 616.836.5456 mikenova@elzinga-volkers.comBuddy Simmons Vice President of Operations 616.834.6690 bsimmons@evpsinc.comJames Sheely Director of National Sales 616.212.9916 jsheely@evpsinc.comKent Thomsen Director of Regional Sales 616.610.5938 kthomsen@elzinga-volkers.comDave Lamy Operations Executive 773.841.9500 dlamy@evpsinc.comAli Nedved Marketing Assistant 616.894.0921 anedved@evpsinc.comJenna Giha Accounting Assistant 616.395.1427 jgiha@elzinga-volkers.com

Please don’t hesitate to contact any one of us with questions. We’re here to help!

86 East Sixth StreetHolland, MI 49423

Phone: 616.392.2383Web: www.evpsinc.com

Volume 1, Issue 3 - January 2014

Your EVPS Team

Employee Spotlight - Mitch Moseley

Mike Novakoski, President & CEO

Meet our New Team Members

H E L L OWithin the past few months, we have welcomed back several employees as well as added many new faces

and trades around the country. Please join us in welcoming:

Leo LeonardSuperintendent

Robert GrocemanCarpenter

Chris HollisProduction Supervisor

Anne MaxfieldQuality Manager

Cindy HinojosaSafety Auditor/Trainer

Caroline HoldenTraining Developer

Dan SchmitzConstruction Manager

(Returning)

Irma VillanuevaSAP Expert/PM

Miguel PenaCarpenter

Juan BuenrostroCarpenter

George SolomonConstruction Manager

(Returning)

How cold is too cold?When the body is unable to warm itself, cold-related stress may result. This may include tissue damage and possibly death. The four main factors that contribute to cold stress are: cold air temperatures, high velocity air movement, dampness of the air and contact with cold water or surfaces.

A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water and snow all draw heat from the body. In many of our industries, job sites are dealing with below-freezing weather. Even when the air temperature is 40°F and the wind speed is 35 mph, your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11° F. While it is obvious that below-freezing conditions combined with inadequate clothing can cause cold stress, it is also important to understand that cold stress can be brought on by temperatures in the 50’s coupled with rain and wind.

During this time of year we encourage everyone to plan for work in the cold weather by wearing appropriate clothing and keeping an eye on coworkers for any sign of stress. With proper planning and training, we can keep all employees safe during winter work.

Hometown: Mitch has lived in California, Idaho, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada. He now calls the sunny beaches in St. Petersburg, Florida home.

Position: Field Superintendent at Fox Service Group

Family/Interests: Mitch has a 20 year old son named Andrew and recently married Denise; their wedding was on the beach this past October. Mitch loves sailing, snorkeling, writing and photography in his free time.