Nominated for her problem solving, creative thinking, and self-motivation, Kim Kirkpatrick, Administrative Assistant for Benham, a Haskell Company, has received one of three Living the Values Award for the fourth quarter of 2021.
“Kim is irreplaceable! Always ready to lend a hand. Her selfless service is an inspiration to others,” said Kelly Hayes, Lead Interior Designer in the Government Design Division.
Kirkpatrick has been with Benham since 1984 and is based in Oklahoma City. She started as the photo librarian, but over the years she’s added many roles to her resumé, including managing the corporate library, the mail center, the archives, the supply room and the vehicle fleet. She thoroughly enjoys the diversity of tasks.
“Every single day is different,” Kirkpatrick said. “I love that about my job. It’s always changing.”
She’s certainly seen changes over the course of her career, including ownership changes in 2007 and 2016, when it was acquired by Haskell.
“In 2014 I left the company,” she said. “With new ownership, Benham had lost its family atmosphere, so when another opportunity arose, I took it. But I came back in 2016 after Benham had joined the Haskell group. I’m so glad I did. It was like coming back to my family.”
Even though Kirkpatrick has become the face of the Oklahoma City office, thanks to her front desk duties, she really prefers helping her team behind the scenes.
“I give my colleagues whatever support I can so they can meet their deadlines,” she said. “I may be just a small piece of the puzzle, but they trust me to complete the picture, and I take pride in that.”
Hayes, her nominator, confirms the importance of Kirkpatrick’s support. “Kim really is a Jack of all trades and seems to know the answer to any question a person would have regarding operations and office management. She works tirelessly to ensure that the Benham OKC office runs smoothly.”
During Covid, her dependability was vital. Hayes said that if anyone needed access while the offices were closed, Kirkpatrick would meet them and check them in. Even after the offices had reopened, she was often the only one there, managing the mail and deliveries and notifying staff of any items that came for them.
Kirkpatrick said that she experienced Haskell’s Core Values of Team, Excellence, Service and Trust in the workplace every day and that she made the right decision by returning to the company.
“Here, it’s all about teamwork and trust,” she said. “We help and trust each other, and that’s how we provide an excellent service. Haskell has brought the family culture back to Benham.”
Receiving a Living the Values Award “flattered and shocked” Kirkpatrick, who is an avid gardener and an unofficial cat rescuer. Her nominator sums up the reason for the recognition: “Kim is a team player, a problem solver, a creative thinker and a self-motivated individual who works to make any project a success. She is a positive presence to staff and visitors alike.”
Haskell is hiring! Contact us to join an organization where Team, Excellence, Service and Trust are at the heart of what we do every day.
