________________________________________________________________________________________________ JWF

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for the good of the community . Inspired

by giving back , the company ’ s employees created JWF Cares , an employee-led group to help fellow employees in need and to contribute to community organizations and charitable groups . Employees support the group through payroll deduction and by participating in fundraising activities throughout the year . JWF Cares was created in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina which damaged Louisiana and the Gulf Coast in 2005 . Employees organized a food and supplies drive to aid victims , with JWF supplying trucks to deliver the items .

Additionally , members of the Polacek family partnered with the Park Avenue United Methodist Church to distribute food to families in need during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 . Over 200 families were provided with fresh produce and other food items . “ I think the best days are those we fill

Call 814-509-8984 , or email kevin @ jbweldingrefrigeration . com

www . jbweldingrefrigeration . com

with doing something to help others ,” Bill continues . “ We ’ ve created an ecosystem within the community that centers on giving back and doing good . My father ’ s legacy is about faith , family , and helping others , and we ’ ve continued to operate , both professionally and personally , from that perspective , and have interwoven those values into our organization .”

Succession plans

Looking to the future , JWF is about to achieve NAVSEA certifications . The compact arrangement of machinery and systems onboard ships , the sophistication of systems installed in naval ships , and the Navy ’ s absolute requirement for reliable operation , create a unique repair environment that demands expertise and capability . “ Certification will create vast opportunities for us and for the sustainability and longevity of JWF for future generations ,” Bill continues .

With plans to increase employment and enhance investment in equipment , JWF ’ s succession plan is already in place , which won it the Pittsburgh Business “ Smart 50 ” Award in 2023 for sustainability . “ After some time away exploring other avenues ,” Will shares , “ I came back to JWF and seven years later , I couldn ’ t be more convinced that this is where I want to be . Certainly , being next in line to be named President is a big responsibility , but it means a lot to have the confidence of my father , and of all employees , because he certainly didn ’ t make that decision in isolation , and it is a title that has to be earned .”

Bill ’ s solution for running a progressive and high-quality organization is simple . “ Our strategy is not just to grow , but to do so with the right people , right processes , in the right markets , with the right customers . It is this approach that has really changed the culture of our organization for now and for the future .” ■

www . jwfi . com

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