The KnowZone Newsletter
SQ Employee News: March 2026
SQ Employee Newsletter - March 2026
Fresh Starts and New Momentum
As we close out another fiscal year, it’s the perfect time to pause and appreciate just how far we’ve come and what we’ve pushed through together. This winter brought record-breaking cold and some truly unbelievable snowfall, but our teams showed resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment through it all. Thank you for continuing to show up for our customers and for each other.
Now, as we step into March, we’re ready for a fresh start and the energy to match it. Spring is a natural reset, a chance to refocus, reenergize, and set the tone for the months ahead. Let’s carry forward the momentum we’ve built and continue driving excellence in everything we do. Whether it’s pursuing new business opportunities, maximizing billable hours, strengthening client partnerships, or lending a helping hand to a colleague, every effort contributes to our shared success.
Here’s to a strong finish to the fiscal year and an even brighter start to what comes next. Let’s move into spring feeling refreshed, motivated, and ready to grow.
Important Dates in March
- Employee Appreciation Day, March 6
- International Women’s Day, March 8
- First Day of Spring, March 20
- March Madness begins! Fill out your bracket on the Employee Dashboard.
Employee Spotlight: Layne Grimes
Employee Spotlight: Layne Grimes, Project Supervisor, Greensburg, Indiana
This month, we’re excited to shine a light on Layne Grimes, a dedicated Project Supervisor in Greensburg, Indiana. Layne was nominated by his manager, Dave Hermesch, who expressed immense gratitude for the hard work and commitment Layne consistently shows.
In his leisure, Layne enjoys golfing, traveling, and spending quality time with his family. Layne is fully committed to his role as Project Supervisor and strives to make each day better for the people around him. When asked what type of work environment he values most, he emphasized creating a fun, safe, and efficient atmosphere, which he works hard to maintain.
Before joining Stratosphere Quality, Layne worked as a maintenance technician, experience that prepared him for SQ’s fast-paced environment. After moving back to Indiana from North Carolina, he was eager to return to management. When he discovered SQ on Indeed, he researched the company and felt it would be a great fit, and we’re glad he did.
When asked what keeps him at SQ, Layne shared:
“I like how we promote people within the company. It gives an extra incentive to keep working hard and something to focus on. I’ve seen firsthand the growth opportunities and look forward to my future at Stratosphere Quality.”
His best advice for new QIs? Work hard, because hard work and dedication never go unnoticed at Stratosphere Quality.
Thank you, Layne, for your commitment, leadership, and for sharing your SQ journey with the team!
Highlighting Our Employees
Faces of SQ
If you would like to see your team highlighted, send a picture to sqnewsletter@stratospherequality.com
**Please be mindful not to capture any customer names, customer employees, or parts in your pictures.
Promotions
Joshua Caldwell (Quality Inspector → Forklift Driver/Material Handler)
Ariyan Beachem (Project Supervisor → Project Manager)
Pierre Hines (Project Supervisor → Project Manager)
Bryant Rodriguez (Team Leader → Project Supervisor)
David Shaver (Team Leader → Project Supervisor)
Jennifer Davis (Team Leader → Project Supervisor)
Phillip Franklin (Quality Inspector → Project Supervisor)
Tyrese White (Team Leader → Project Supervisor)
Nick Thrower (Quality Inspector Assembly → Project Supervisor Assembly)
Alexis Washburn (Quality Inspector → Team Leader)
Barbara Gilliland (Quality Inspector → Team Leader)
Heather McCreery (Quality Inspector → Team Leader)
Irain Rundu (Quality Inspector → Team Leader)
Kira Carpenter (Quality Inspector → Team Leader)
We’re proud to celebrate the growth and advancement of our team members this month. Congratulations to everyone who earned a promotion. Your hard work and dedication continue to strengthen SQ.
QI to TL, 5
QI to Forklift Driver / Material Handler, 1
QI Assembly to PS Assembly, 1
QI to PS, 1
TL to PS, 4
PS to PM, 2
Total: 14
Anniversary Service Awards
15 Year Anniversaries
10 Year Anniversaries
Jeffrey Edwards – Honda Georgia Staff
Katrina McClain – Georgia Staff
5 Year Anniversaries
Alvin Irvin – Lincolnton Production
Billy Badger – Lincolnton Production
Derron Magic – Mansfield Production
Hershel Thompson – Alabama Production
Joyce Manzano – Illinois/Wisconsin Production
Markel Ellis – Alabama Production
Melissa Garner – Project Support
Michael Bell – Battle Creek Production
Scot Mckenzie – Lincolnton Production
1 Year Anniversaries
Ailyn Hernandez – Duncan Production
Alfred Sanchez – Dayton Production
Ashley Guilbert – Honda Alabama Production
Ashley Lemon – Honda Georgia Production
Austin McClellan – Honda Georgia Production
Brandon Ford – Sidney Production
Brycen Williams – Texas Production
Byron Medious – Illinois/Wisconsin Production
Christopher Blain – Duncan Production
Cindy Ford – Sidney Production
Courtney McCarty – Lexington Production
Dadrian Campbell – Lincolnton Production
Damian Henry – Honda Georgia Production
Donna Fluker – Honda Alabama Production
Elijah Gardner – Tennessee Production
Enyuly Cardenas – Indianapolis Production
Hector Teran – Texas Production
James Nabors – Field Services Production
James Stephens – Tennessee Production
Jorge Vital – Kansas City Production
Joshua Gould – Dayton Production
Kenneth Foster – Illinois/Wisconsin Production
Lilyanne Ratliff – Mansfield Production
Melvin Benbow – Duncan Production
Milton Dave – Georgia Production
Morris Johnson – Duncan Production
Papa Seck – Sidney Production
Patti Musialek – Illinois/Wisconsin Staff
Ramon Flores – Marysville Production
Stewars Lozada Colina – Tennessee Production
Thaddeus Miller – Marysville Production
Tim Blankenship – Alabama Staff
Wilker Ortega – Indianapolis Production
Xziya Mccants – Duncan Production
We Love Our Pets!
Pets of the Month
We would love to see your pet, send in a picture and description to sqnewsletter@stratospherequality.com
“This was a last-minute request, and the area was quick to help.”
— Customer Project in Madison, AL
Do you have a good story or example of an extraordinary project execution? Received positive customer feedback?
We want to hear from you! Send those examples to sqnewsletter@stratospherequality.com
Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding
Think the store-bought stuff stands a chance against homemade banana pudding? One bite and you’ll be singing a different tune. Recipe from Southern Living
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Contact Us
Have a question or need help? Here are the best ways to contact various departments within Stratosphere Quality.
Human Resources
877-224-8584 *Dial 5
hr@stratospherequality.com
Benefits
877-224-8584 * Dial 4
benefits@stratospherequality.com
Payroll
877-224-8584 *Dial 3
payroll@stratospherequality.com
IT Help Desk
317-288-3116
itrequests@stratospherequality.com