The Greatest Boss Contest Honorable Mention
Ralph Varnum & Kirby Deeter
Principals
Varnum, Armstrong, Deeter, LLC
Lenexa, KS
For-Profit Organizations Category
Nomination Essay
Well, to start, I have the conundrum of having two of the best bosses! They are Ralph Varnum and Kirby Deeter. We are a commercial real estate company that has been in business for 42 years and the majority of the employees here have been here for 15 years or more. They are both well respected in their field as well as here in the office. If you were to ask anyone that knew them, they would have nothing but great things to say about them! They are two of the most respectful people you will ever meet.
So goes the saying to get respect, you have to earn it! These guys have earned respect from so many people. They are very encouraging and have NEVER heard them get upset with anyone. They listen to ideas and truly take what you say into consideration, they never shoot you down in an instant. If they are not on board with an idea, they explain very kindly why something won't work out and would suggest a different approach.
This company has seen many ups and downs and have weathered through the rough times. They make our work environment so pleasant! I have had jobs before were Sunday night brings a whole bunch dread, but I can honestly tell you that I have never had that pit in my stomach.
They always listen to the stories of our families and remember all of the details and will ask at a later date how things worked out or if there are anymore entertaining stories. I remember when my son was starting kindergarten and had asked what Ralph would think if during the school year I left work early enough to pick him up after school. He said he thought a little boy would need his mother with him after school every day! He still lets me do this and has never had a complaint about it! Family comes first to them and it is so warming to me to know that I never have to dread asking for time off or when one of the kids is sick to ask if I can leave early!
At the same time though, with all that these gentlemen do for me/us, you find you never want to let them down or take advantage of them! I can only speak for myself, but I know if you asked any of us that work at Varnum Armstrong Deeter, we would all say the same thing! I find myself being fiercely loyal and would do anything for either one of them! I am definitely one of the luckiest people in the world!
