Scott Stratman - Socketeer of the Year 2014
10 years ago, Socket’s owners decided to honor one of our monthly You-Make-The-Difference Award winners based on their embodiment of our Core Values and Beliefs. As a result, a yearly tradition was born.
We are pleased to announce our tenth annual winner of the Socketeer of the Year award – Scott Stratman!
Other than owner George Pfenenger, Scott is the longest serving employee at Socket, having started here back in 1996. At the time, the company had fewer than a dozen employees, and only sold dial-up Internet service (we've grown a lot)!
Since then, Scott has become our Network Facilities Manager, working to make sure Socket’s network remains healthy as we continually add new services to it. His years of knowledge and experience with Socket are always a valuable resource for teammates to draw on, as well.
“He is never shy about helping out, or just being a friendly face if needed,” said a coworker who nominated him for the December You-Make-The-Difference award. “His many years of service also leave him with invaluable knowledge and skills… I am blessed to work with him.”
Originally from Jefferson City, Scott now lives in Ashland with his wife, Dena, and three daughters. In his free time, Scott can be found tinkering in his garage with “anything that has an engine,” a pastime he’s glad to see his daughters taking an interest in as well.
Congratulations, Scott, and thank you for everything you do for Socket!
Runners-Up:
Our owners also decided to honor two more You-Make-The-Difference award winners this year for their embodiment of our Core Values.
Demian Cook, Service Delivery Specialist: Raised in Montgomery County and a graduate of Wellsville-Middletown R1, Cook originally worked as a network analyst for the military before deciding to try something new. For the next 9 years, Demian worked with children in a variety of roles, including as a preschool teacher and for the Head Start program, before ultimately deciding to jump back into IT with Socket in 2012. And we’re glad she did!
"Demian is always willing to help out despite being as swamped with work as she is," said a coworker who nominated her back in September. "She's a wonderful teacher, explaining things clearly, or in different ways, if it didn't make sense the first time."
James Hicks, Business Center Analyst: Originally from Kenoma, MO, James moved to Columbia in 2011 after his brother, fellow employee Nelson, recommended he apply to Socket. He’s been here ever since, and was named our monthly You-Make-The-Difference award winner for the third time in August.
“James is incredibly diligent and tenacious in his quests to resolve issues with positive outcomes,” said a coworker who nominated him for his latest award. “It leads to happy customers.”
Congratulations and thank you to Scott, Demian, James, and all of our nominated Socketeers for making the difference for our customers. These individuals truly exemplify the Core Values and Beliefs that guide us.