“20 YEAR RIDE”

It’s a big year for three incredible employees: Joe Bannister, Rita Barrows, and Chris Shaffer who are celebrating 20 years at MR Systems. Although they each hold different positions within the company, they all had one thing in common, the people and environment have kept them around so long. We sat down and talked to each person individually whos thoughts on the last 20 years gave us a rich outlook on where MR started and how it has evolved.

Joe Bannister

 

Joe, a true southern gentleman, who came to MR repairing circuit boards and doing bench repairs. As time went on he was placed in the field where he remains today. Joe believes electronics are engraved in his brain and this job fits perfectly for what he loves to do. When asked what Joe loves most about working here he said that MR prides itself on being the best for our customers and always living up to that. He believes the amount of work we have taken in and the growth of the company is a testament to those core values. While Joe is away from work he enjoys listening to music and spending time with his family.

 

From your co-workers:

“Cracker Barrel.”

“Always ready to work with a kind smile, Joe is a pleasure to work with. Clients are quick to recognize his extensive knowledge, and I’ve learned a lot from him. His 20 years of service have left a lasting impact on clients and co-workers.”

“He has earned my respect due to his work ethic and patient character. Thank you for being a role model for young hot-heads like myself. Congratulations on your 20 years at MR!”

“Joe has been the employee you wish you could clone, he couldn’t be a better representation in the field for MR Systems. He is a professional through and through.”

“A work ethic to be admired and emulated. He is extremely knowledgeable, focused and dedicated. The quality of his work is as close to perfect as you can get. Joe is the kind of guy you want on your project. One word to describe Joe- EXELLENCE!”

“He is always very professional, takes the time to talk to you and engage in conversation, and is just one of the nicest people I’ve met.”

 

Rita Barrows

Rita, the glue, heart, and soul of MR Systems. Not only is she a mama bear to three fabulous children, and soon- to- be four grandkids, she is the mom of MR. Rita was the 15th employee as an office manager where she remains today. She loves that her title allows her to wear many different hats. Rita’s favorite thing about MR is that here it feels like family. When Rita is not at work she enjoys reading, attending Corvette shows, and she wants to take up crocheting.

 

From your co-workers:

“Rita is one of the kindest and friendliest people I’ve ever met, and she gets stuff done. She’s the perfect office manager.”

“The true gem of MR Systems, Rita is the one who keeps us going. Her upbeat spirit and sense of humor make, all our days a little brighter. A rather difficult task when working with engineers.”

“Rita B. keeps the show running.  Her magic is all worked behind the scenes and I know that without her here we would certainly know the difference rather quickly!”

“There are not enough words to describe how amazing Rita is! She is easy to work with, dependable, always willing and eager to help and is always pleasant even when things are crazy. Rita is good at everything she does. One work to describe Rita -AMAZING!”

“Rita is the glue that holds us all together! Her role at MR is a broad one here so we all get the opportunity to work with her. She does everything from purchasing and working directly with the Project Managers to handling all employee and customer luncheons – even recently grilling out for 40 people!”

 

 

Chris Shaffer

Chris, the brains of the operation, has become a valuable asset to all those who have learned from him. When Chris was first hired he was brought on for panel designing, project management, but over time his responsibilities have changed. Chris is proud of the work he has contributed over the 20-year period and amazed at how much the company has grown. He believes in the goals of MR being a customer based company and has many hopes for the future industry. In his spare time, Chris enjoys bicycling in which he strives to ride 50 miles every time he rides. Chris joked with us that his goal is to live long enough to retire.

 

From your co-workers:

“Chris Shaffer taught me most of what I know about panel design. He is always willing to help when you have a question about something, and he is a fountain of knowledge for the design group.”

“Chris is meticulous with such a calm demeanor, always ready to solve the issues at hand.”

“Chris has been a pleasure to work with over the years. I admire his diligence.”

“Chris has a gift to think outside the box when designing a control system. He has often identified issues that I (or others) would have missed. Chris is dedicated and focused, and is always dependable. One word to describe Chris- QUALITY!”

“Chris is very diligent with his job. He is a very detail oriented person and always willing to stop what he’s doing to help a fellow colleague out.”

“With lots of help from Chris I was able to deal with contractors, engineers, customer panel designs, and field instrumentation. I made so many calls to Chris during my first couple of years I am sure he didn’t have enough time to do his work.”