Joey Link, an office professional at the Aire Serv® of Louisville franchise,
was honored with
The Dwyer Group® Pearl Award
during the company’s 2011 annual conference in Indianapolis.
Chosen among nominations sent into The Dwyer Group by seven franchise
organizations throughout the United States and Canada, Link was recognized
during a special ceremony at the conference and given the option to enjoy
a seven-day cruise for two to either Alaska or the Caribbean.
“I can’t believe I’ve been honored with this recognition,”
said Link. “I didn’t even know I was nominated, let alone
the winner, of the Pearl Award until I was presented with it. I know there
are so many other people that deserve this award too, but I’m truly
flattered to have such a high level of respect from the rest of the Aire
Serv team.”
Link began working for the Aire Serv of Louisville franchise in 2001 as
a lead service technician, but left the company after he had to amputate
a leg above the knee in 2009.
“There is no question that Joey deserves this award because he sets
a high standard for creating a great customer experience that all franchise
owners should try to model. Our biggest problem with his performance as
a technician was getting customers to accept a different technician when
he wasn’t available,” said Richard Ciresi, owner of Aire Serv
of Louisville franchise. “No matter what life seems to throw his
way, Joey has had a desire to ‘earn his way’ in the world
and works hard to put the customer’s first in every aspect of his
job.”
Shortly after recovering from his surgery and learning to use a prosthetic,
Link returned to work as a heating and air conditioning technician. However,
he soon ran into more health issues.
“It was heart-breaking when Joey had to lose his leg, but more problems
arose with the other leg soon-after and he also had to have that leg amputated,”
added Ciresi. “Through all of this, he never gave up the idea of
coming back to work. He’s been an inspiration to all of us.”
While the ability to work in a customer’s home as a technician was
no longer an option, Link was hired back to Aire Serv as an office professional
in late 2010. His new arrangements allowed him to work from home on evenings
and weekends.
“The Aire Serv team loves having Joey in his current role,”
emphasized Ciresi. “He’s able to provide technical advice
and customer service tips. If the criteria for this award is overcoming
obstacles and keeping a positive attitude through the darkest of times,
there could be no one more deserving of this recognition.”
The Office Professional of the Year Pearl Award is presented to the person
that sets an example providing a world class first impression, delivering
customer satisfaction and in general is a model office professional that
every franchisee seeks.
In addition to Link receiving the Pearl Award, Richard and Bonnie Ciresi
were recipients of the Aire Serv Sales Leader of the Year and President’s
awards. The President’s award goes to an individual who stands out
like no other franchisee in the network in regards to participation and
contribution of time and talent.