Meet KrisTech’s 2023 Employee of the Year: Mikki Taylor

The word "honor" has many meanings depending on who you ask. There's the idea of an honor being an award. The thought of honor being a tip of the hat or kudos, or even the act of honoring someone through upholding the values they hold close. Honor’s many meanings carry a vast umbrella, but for KrisTech's Mikki Taylor, they all relate to her daily work. If you've ever had a conversation with her, shared a cup of coffee, or passed by the reception desk at KT's Otis St. headquarters, you can tell there's something special about her interactions. Mikki is someone whose undeniable work ethic, sparkling personality, and ability to rise to any occasion helps make everyone here a little bit better. She's the face and voice of KrisTech, and her work sets the tone for many of our customer interactions. So, when we say "honor," we know it holds weight. That's why we're proud to say that Mikki has earned the HONOR of being KrisTech's 2023 Employee of the Year!

A Smile for Every Face

It's hard to constantly string together perfect days, but you would never know it with Mikki. As Bob Pagano, VP of Finance, said in his August Employee of the Month nomination, “She is the first person you hear when you call KrisTech, the first person you see when you enter KrisTech, and the first person you think of when you think about KrisTech’s values. Mikki keeps us updated on things around the office, including KT Cares and Wellness events, Lunch and Learns, and still finds time to answer phones and provide customers the best introductory impression to build those trusted relationships."

Beyond her duties as KrisTech's receptionist, Mikki's overarching impact on the company is felt across every department. No task is too big for her; she's not afraid to jump in and work alongside finance, HR, engineering, sales, or marketing to keep projects moving and offer support. Whether she's helping schedule employee interviews, coordinating company projects, or serving on KrisTech's volunteer committees, Mikki's infectious smile and kindness make every impression memorable. “As an opportunity to give back to the community and support our employees and their children, KT provides school supplies,” Pagano said, referring to a summer school supply giveaway. “While the organization may foot the bill, Mikki reached out to over 50 employees with children to obtain school lists, consolidate, order, and distribute supplies. It was a huge task, and Mikki always had a smile on her face.”

A Steady Presence During Changing Times

In less than two years, Mikki has made an indelible mark on the company, its customers, and every team member here. “If you’ve ever called into or visited KrisTech, chances are you were greeted by one of the friendliest, engaged, and capable people in upstate New York, Mikki Taylor,” KrisTech President and CEO Graham Brodock explained. “We believe the strength of our organization is only limited by the caliber of individuals on our team. Attract the best people and you’ll get the best results. Mikki exemplifies “the best,” and we couldn’t be prouder of her for earning Employee of the Year. She lives our values, enhances our culture, and commits to excellence every day. We are so fortunate to have Mikki on our team and are grateful for her contributions, dedication, and ever-present smile.” The company continues to grow, adapt, and thrive, taking on new projects and team members, but Mikki's calming voice and presence are one constant employees, customers, and visitors can expect to see for years to come. "When Mikki first came to work for us, her sole role was our receptionist,” Director of Employee Engagement Wendy Calabrese said. “In a short amount of time, Mikki has become a team member who wears many hats. She works for the Finance Team helping with AP/AR, she works with the Ops Team to put in scrap and OEE numbers, and then with the HR team, where she has become an integral member. I don’t know what any of us would do without her!" With that said, we're closing the book on 2023 by celebrating Mikki and all her efforts, but also looking forward to next year. In January, we'll start celebrating a new slate of Employee of the Year Candidates living the KrisTech Way!