Torch Award 2015

The  Annual Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics was presented to two Abilene businesses at an award luncheon on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University. Lee Orthodontics and Double Diamond Signs were selected in the annual competition to honor outstanding examples of ethical business conduct. An independent panel of judges made up from the business and academic community select the winning companies from the nominees. The Torch Awards are held in partnership with our three Universities. The keynote speaker was Tim Lancaster, CEO of Hendrick Medical Center . Lancaster challenged the Torch Award audience to always plan for the future.  He outlined the process of strategic planning employed at  Hendrick.  Lancaster said, “We believe everything you do has consequences.  Integrity is just the foundation of everything we do.”   

The following businesses were recognized during the Torch Award Ceremonies:   

Double Diamond Signs

3241S 1st Ste 10

Joe & Stacy Marcikese founded Double Diamond Signs in 2006, but the couples experience with signs runs deep.  Joe began working for his parents sign business 37 years ago & soon his future wife began working there too.   The company is founded on Christian principles.  Their mission is to set the standard of honesty and professionalism in the sign industry field.  To be ambassadors for our community and to create a work environment with employees that hold the same values.

Double Diamond Signs has quickly grown and one reason is they believe customers deserve their very best and pledge to deliver no less.  One customer said, “The business culture promoted by Double Diamond Signs is to ‘Always Over-Deliver’ on the promises and products they provide to their clients.”  Another said, “Not only was the quality of their workmanship outstanding, but they delivered ahead of schedule on every order I placed.  Their commitment to quality and the highest level of customer service was unquestioned and very obvious.”

Lee Orthodontics

3002 S Clack

Dr. Victor Lee opened his practice, Lee Orthodontics, 7 years ago.  Ethics is a key part of the company’s mission statement, “Through honest practices and hard work we will provide a loving, happy and fun environment.”  Lee Orthodontics has been successful in achieving and creating that environment, the patient that nominated the business for the Torch Award said, “They go above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.  They have a friendly staff and Dr. Lee is very skilled and knowledgeable.” 

The company trains and motivates their employees with 10 “team” commandments, including “do everything with enthusiasm – it’s contagious and treat others as you would like to be treated.”  The motivation and training pay off in happy customers that said, “I have noticed since my first visit is that all employees look so happy to be at work and that makes me feel very comfortable, everyone has such a positive attitude.” 

The company is involved in many community service projects including involvement in the Big Country Chapter of Smile for a Lifetime, a non-profit that provides braces to children with financial and orthodontic need.  

McMahon Surovik Suttle

400 Pine St Ste 800

In a note to the Torch Award Judges, McMahon Surovik Suttle Attorneys said they normally do not seek out awards because of a feeling of humbleness.   They were honored to be nominated for the Torch Award and decided to enter because the award is given for a central theme of the firm, Ethics. 

The firm told the Judges: “For over 111 years Ethics has been the measuring stick used in the running of the firm.  It is preached to the young lawyers the firm hires out of law school, to the assistants hired to help the attorneys and even to the runners who deliver documents to the courthouse.   These attributes were the hallmark of the founder, Tom McMahon and have been mirrored and perhaps even magnified by subsequent stalwarts of the Abilene legal community Stanley Wilson, Bob Surovik and Steve Suttle.  Many a late night and countless unbilled hours have been given to clients in order to deliver the legal product that such integrity demands.” 

My Pet Butler

6817 Maple

This relatively new “mom & pop” business has found a niche in Abilene providing in home care and traditional kennel pet services.  Founded by Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Butcher in April of 2014, My Pet Butler provides pet sitting services to families that have to leave town from time to time.  The Butcher’s know that they have to go above and beyond to stand out in the crowd.  One customer told the judging committee, “Spencer has offered and followed thru with picking up our paper & mail, and during the summer watered our flowers. And perhaps what we appreciate most is every day, while we are away; someone sends an email detailing the visits for the day and gives a quick report on our feline family members that have been left at home. We love knowing that our home is secure and our cats are safe and sound on a daily basis.”

Another customer had this to say, “They are the preeminent pet care team in the Abilene-area and a business I trust, not only in my home, but with my family.” Another said, “We have the utmost trust and confidence in Spencer because he is knowledgeable about dogs and is an outstanding individual in the community.  However, the biggest reason for why I give my highest recommendation to My Pet Butler is because I know they have a deep love and careful approach to the care of animals.”

North’s Funeral Home

242 Orange St

One of the oldest continuously operated businesses in Abilene, North’s Funeral Home has been owned by only two families.  The North family is celebrating 70 years of serving area families as funeral directors.  The funeral business is most personal and the North family has always followed the “Golden Rule” in dealing with families.  Jack and Sandie North make themselves “on call” 24/7 – 365 days a year.

One of their thank you notes said, “The entire service was such a wonderful tribute to him.  You and your staff go above & beyond to create a special & memorable celebration of a person’s life.”  Another said, “Blessings to you and your staff for the wonderful care you gave to me and my family at the passing of our Mother.”  One note said, “In one of the most emotionally painful events that every living soul must face, the dignity and professionalism brought forth by you and your staff allowed the family to grieve with respect.”

 PrimeLending

3270 S 27th St.

PrimeLending opened their offices in Abilene in 2009.  They are a subsidiary of Hilltop Holdings Inc. a national residential mortgage lender with offices across West Texas and the nation.  The company puts their commitment to ethics at the top of their list of “Core Convictions – Honesty and Integrity – We do the right thing, even when others aren’t looking.” 

The Abilene office has 6 employees that are members of Professional Women in Building, Women’s Council of Realtors, and the Abilene Board of Realtors and volunteer in the community service projects of those organizations.   PrimeLending also participates in a joint program with Stovall Realtors called “Military on the Move.”  The program gives funds to veterans and military members buying or selling a home to use for closing costs.  The company also participates in a Texas bond program, “Homes for Heroes” that offers down payment assistance for firemen, policemen, veterans and teachers.