Page 1 - Graypvine November 2021

SAFETY COMPANY UPDATES DEE MORGAN SAVES LIFE COACH DAN ENGELHARD QUALITY
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November 2021

The

Bottom project manager for the things that are most
In 1996 I was the
important. By inviting us
to his house, Taro was
the Amak Brake job
Line for Gray Construction expressing his appreciation
in Glasgow, Kentucky.
for us and extending his
That’s where the hand of friendship. In many
business started, but this was well after our main office cultures there is no higher
had moved to Lexington, Kentucky. So, this was a bit honor in business than to be
of a homecoming for me and the business. This project invited to your customer’s
was perfect for us because it hit all of our key markets – home. The home is our
automotive, manufacturing, Japanese, and design-build. This most sacred physical space, and usually reserved for our
was a bread and butter project, and projects like this are still privacy and our family. When the home is opened up, some
vital to our design and construction business. say the soul is opened up. And I believe that was the case with
I have a picture somewhere of the team that made that job Taro. He was indeed a true friend to each one of us.
a success, and I have searched and searched my home and Our mother as well would open her home for customers,
boxes from work and old files for that picture, but I just can’t and I recall many dinners in the ‘70’s after our father died when
find it. But no matter, because the image remains vivid. the business was struggling and my brothers and mother were
Nelson Hix was the site manager, and a true builder; Taro just trying to survive week to week. While these dinners were
Fujita was the customer; Bobby Turpin was the design necessary to win business with new customers, they were
manager; and Jimmy Hatmaker was the field engineer. Many also her expression of welcome. This was certainly true when
of you have heard me talk about Bobby Turpin and his impact Japanese customers were just starting to come to America
on me at that stage of my life and my career. He taught me only 30 years after the end of WWII. They needed to feel
lessons, and once a necessary but painful lesson, that I welcome and she felt no hesitation to be welcoming to them.
needed. In the picture this team is all gathered at Taro’s house That was only natural for her.
for dinner. We are seated around their dining room table, As we go forward remember that most problems can be
Bobby has his arm around Taro, and we all have true and solved — and friendships can be strengthened — over a
genuine smiles and not the forced smiles of some pictures. His good meal at a friendly dinner table with good humor, food
wife made a wonderful meal of chicken thighs and rice cooked and drink!
together in a clay crock. I haven’t had that meal since, but I’ll
make it someday. It’s perfect for a late fall or early winter night. Stephen Gray,
I see that picture now and it is a wonderful symbol of President & Chief Executive Officer, Gray, Inc.

OUR PURPOSE CORE VALUES
Our purpose is to make a difference in 1. We put safety and quality of life first.
people’s lives by creating unforgettable 2. We are customer and relationship driven.
customer experiences and great projects. 3. We treat others the way we want to be treated.