Celebrating Excellence: The Southland Awards Show

Each year, Southland Industries celebrates its outstanding projects and people from across the company during the Southland Awards Show. Highlighting exceptional achievements at all levels, the Awards Show celebrates the essence of what Southland is, who our people are, and the greater impact we make. 

For over 20 years, the Southland Awards Show has been a cornerstone of our commitment to our people. With nearly 300 employees in attendance this year, the event brings our People First culture to life in a way that is hard to replicate. Nearly 100 submissions came in from across the country, spanning categories that recognize everything from service contracts and special projects to safety excellence, innovation, and collaboration. 

"The Southland Awards Show recognizes the very best of Southland Industries over the previous fiscal year across many categories," said Ted Lynch, Ph.D., CEO. "But, more than that, it is a chance to really appreciate all the outstanding work that our company does, and our team members do every single day." 

Honoring the people behind the projects

This event is as much about honoring the people behind the work as it is about the projects themselves. For many attendees, the night was a chance to reflect on growth, both personally and companywide. 

John Trammell, Director of AEC Technologies, joined Southland in 2004 and takes pride in seeing his team nominated for an award recognizing their collaborative approach to support the company's immense and rapid growth. "I am most proud of the amount of growth Southland has experienced, and that we have been able to support it. It is unreal, and I am glad to be part of it," John shared. 

A shared commitment  

That level of commitment runs deep across our organization. Each year, the Awards Show honors employees who reach their 20-year service anniversaries, and this year, around 50 individuals were recognized. 

"It is unbelievable to see so many people who have dedicated 20 years to this company. That kind of commitment does not go unnoticed. These individuals are the bedrock of our business," said Craig Whaley, Regional President, Central Region. 

Among those honorees were Anthony Pettoruto, Project Executive, and Frank Roberts, Superintendent, who both shared what the milestone means to them. "There is still more to learn. I learn something new every week, and we are always looking for the best way to improve," Anthony reflected. Frank added, "I have been in the trade for over 30 years and had 20 of them have been at Southland. It has been the best 20 so far." 

Celebrating MEP projects across market segments  

The Southland Awards Show recognizes standout work from teams nationwide, with nominees spanning a wide range of markets and project types. For the people closest to the work, being nominated carries real weight. 

Damien Hendon, Superintendent, supported a team nominated in a category recognizing projects that exceeded client expectations and demonstrated Southland's engineering and construction capabilities at the highest level. For Damien, the recognition is both validating and motivating. "It means that we did a good job, and there is a little bit of pressure that goes with that, but that is to be expected. I think that pressure helps us to grow and be better," he shared. 

That sense of ownership and pride is a common thread across the nominated teams. Kip Woody, Field Supervisor, worked on a project recognized in the lifecycle category. "We take complete ownership. I have a true team back there working right now," he said. For Kip, the night means something beyond the award itself. "You are out there all the time, and we are working around the clock, so I am glad I get to bring something home for the team," he shared.

What sets Southland apart 

Beyond the awards, the Southland Awards Show gives our employees the chance to connect with colleagues they do not always get to see, celebrate each other's work, and share in what Southland accomplishes together. 

Irina Paullay, Vice President of Talent Management, attended the show for the first time this year. "Bringing people together is important. It really helps people know that what they are doing matters. The projects they work on and the people they're working with — it all matters." 

That feeling resonates with attendees year after year. For Robert Everett, Director of Finance and Accounting Technologies, the night was a reminder of something every hardworking team deserves to hear. "We work hard, and sometimes you need to look up, take a pause, and recognize that you are making an impact and moving the business forward. It makes you realize that other people are seeing it, too," he shared.

The success we celebrate at the Southland Awards Show each year represents only a fraction of the remarkable work happening across our company every day.