Press release:
A recent classified ad Thermory USA placed in the local news was pretty specific and called the attention to exactly who the company was looking for. The heading read: One Amazing Human Being.
Thermory USA is the American subsidiary of a European manufacturer. The company specializes in thermal modification of hard and softwoods for any application, but ideally decking and cladding. Thermal modification is an all-natural, chemical free process that produces an environmentally responsible hardwood product with unrivaled luxury, which out-preforms the finest tropical woods. The raw material is harvested from sustainable hardwood forests in Canada, United States and Europe.
The Batavia-based company, run by Principal Kevin DeMars, is located in Jackson Square with a partner branch, run by Principal Mark Challinor in Wilmette, Ill. It has been steadily growing since its inception in 2012. With growth in sales, came the need for growth in staffing. Joining the company are two Genesee County residents, Amber Reese, of Oakfield, and Lauren Humphrey, of Le Roy.
“Amber and Lauren would both agree that our interview style was…unconventional," DeMars said. "Well, we do not look for conventional people. We want people that thrive when given the opportunity to make decisions, contribute immediately to the direction of our company and not be afraid of making mistakes. It’s amazing what great people can do when given the latitude to get outside the fence of mundane corporate protocol."
Some may say that Reese, Thermory USA’s newest senior service specialist, has lived a nomadic life, having resided in seven different states over the last 30 years. She graduated from high school in Ohio, earned her bachelor’s degree in Tennessee, and cultivated her employment experiences at jobs from Florida to Massachusetts.
When life shifted and offered new and interesting adventures, she was open to the opportunity. This ability to embrace change really came into play when Thermory USA entered the scene.
“When I read the description for the position with Thermory, I knew this wasn’t your typical run-of-the-mill company. I was intrigued, to say the least! It has been incredibly energizing to be a part of a growing team where my opinions, ideas and concerns truly do matter,” Reese said.
Coming most recently from a seven year banking career as an assistant branch manager, Thermory USA could have been perceived as quite a change in paths; however, it couldn’t be a more perfect fit. Reese has always had a passion for helping others, whether it be teaching elementary kids and coaching sports or managing a bank branch of tellers and customer service representatives.
That passion has a place to grow with Thermory USA by being part of providing excellent relationship service and knowledge to customers who are interested in a phenomenal product.
Humphrey, a graduate of the Le Roy Central Schools, attended the education program at Genesee Community College. During this time she was employed full time as a teaching assistant. It wasn’t until her bachelor's program at SUNY Geneseo that she decided teaching wasn’t the proper path for her.
Purchasing a home and settling down with a husband and three young children were good reasons to take a brief career pause and be a stay-at-home mom. Volunteerism had always been a major part of her life so it was no surprise that she decided to “plug-in” and become even more involved in her community during this time.
Through the volunteer work she realized a knack for marketing which likely stemmed from her younger years – watching her father run a small business on his own. She began freelance marketing for several local organizations and businesses while still being able to stay home with her young children.
After several years as a stay-at-home mom, community volunteer, and small business owner, Humphrey decided it was a good time to re-enter the workforce. Earning the position as tourism marketing assistant at the Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, she was able to further develop her skills. After 15 months at the Chamber of Commerce, Humphrey was approached about a marketing position at Thermory USA and knew it was a perfect fit.
“I’m energized by the team atmosphere and excited about the opportunity to work for a company that is making waves in an industry,” Humphrey said.
As a wife, mother of three, member of the Rotary Club of Le Roy, chairperson of Le Roy’s Annual Oatka Festival as well as a class member in Leadership Genesee 2017 Lauren is a busy individual, but as they say: “If you want the job done, give it to the busiest person.”
In five years the company has managed to create a specific market segment for modified wood products in the building industry.
“We did this by creating an environment where creativity, mistakes, fun, hard work are all rewarded when every one of us in our team plays a part in the process. Changing an industry is fun and to be included in that process - every part of that process, brings out the best traits in amazing people that care about their work.” says DeMars.
“In just the first few weeks, Lauren and Amber are making a difference -- they probably don’t realize it yet, but they are. Creative, kind, intuitive, fun loving, hardworking…amazing human beings can do great things -- just let ‘em.“
To learn more about Thermory USA and their team, visit ThermoryUSA.com or find them on social media.
