If you’ve worked with Kay Schimmel at Still Lumber, you already know: She doesn’t just support her team—she looks out for them. Whether she’s helping a coworker’s spouse navigate a tricky insurance issue, keeping the office stocked with supplies, or walking someone through the employee engagement survey login process, Schimmel shows up with determination and care. That’s why she earned the May Above & Beyond Award winner.
Her reaction to the award? “I was speechless—and that’s not usually me!” she says with a laugh. “I was honored.”
Schimmel’s official title might not say “problem-solver-in-chief” or “office glue,” but those roles come naturally to her. Known for being warm, resourceful, and relentlessly helpful, Schimmel often goes beyond her daily duties to make sure the people around her feel supported—on the job and beyond.
“I treat people the way I want to be treated,” she says. “If a driver’s wife is having trouble getting the right medication or dealing with insurance, I don’t want him worrying about that while he’s on the road. I’ll help. I like being the work mom, and these are my kids.”
That mindset was especially evident during this year’s employee engagement survey. Thanks to Schimmel’s persistent and personal approach—reminding coworkers to take part, helping them reset passwords, even following up when needed—Still Lumber achieved 100 percent participation.
“It really mattered to me,” she explains. “Last year, we gave feedback and the company actually listened. The dental insurance changed—they started covering more for implants. That came directly from the survey, and it made a big difference for people. So I told everyone, ‘This is your chance to be heard.’ ”
Schimmel’s leadership isn’t always visible—but it’s always felt. From stocking supplies and restocking printers, she takes pride in the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything running smoothly.
That kind of reliability is just one reason her coworkers rely on her—not just for HR advice or help with accounts receivable, but for a sense of calm and encouragement. Shane Corbett, General Manager of Still Lumber, nominated Kay for the Above & Beyond Award, pointing out her dedication not only to customers but also to her fellow team members.
For anyone starting out at Still Lumber—or any Spahn & Rose location—Schimmel’s advice is simple: “Just ask for help. Everyone here is amazing. There’s no such thing as a dumb question.”
Outside of work, Schimmel enjoys reading, spending time with her grandkids, and being outdoors.
Employees within the Spahn & Rose family of companies can be nominated for the Above & Beyond Award by coworkers, supervisors and customers. When a customer submits a review, any employees mentioned are nominated for the honor. Customers can also nominate employees for Above & Beyond through Spahn & Rose’s social-media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Above & Beyond Award winners receive a $100 Visa gift card and are eligible to be named the company’s Employee of the Year.
The Spahn & Rose Employee of the Year Award is the annual culmination of the Above & Beyond Award program, which recognizes employees within the Spahn & Rose family of stores, which includes 24 Spahn & Rose locations; Dunn Lumber in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Metro Building Products in Marietta, Georgia; Still Lumber in Conyers, Georgia; and City Lumber in Huntsville, Alabama. Recipients of the Employee of the Year Award receive $1,000.