2009 MVE Co-Recipient – Barbara Obst

               The saying “Behind every great man is a great woman” has been dissected and analyzed in so many different ways over the years, but in its simplest form is a great compliment.  In the Sussman organization, Barbara Obst is that great woman, and 2009’s co-recipient of the Art Wenzel Most Valuable Employee Award. 

                Barb has been an Executive Assistant for Sussman since 2001, and was actually hired on her birthday, April 2.  She came across the position in the help wanted ads of the Philadelphia Inquirer.  She was interviewed Tuesday, offered the job on Thursday, and started work on Monday.  Needless to say, it wasn’t a difficult decision to hire her.  Prior to coming to Sussman, she worked in Corporate America for 14 years, so she was well-prepared to take on the challenge of the President’s assistant.  Barb is the oil in the machine – she keeps everything and everyone else working in harmony.  If you have a question, Barb usually has the answer.  To top it all off, she does it with a smile, so you want to turn to her for help because she makes it such a pleasant encounter.

                While Barb is really good at what she does, she really enjoys doing it as well.  “I get a great deal of pleasure coming to work each day and spending time with people who are like family in many ways”  she says.  “When I left Corporate America, I never thought I’d find another company where I can be challenged on a regular basis and love the diversity of my job and all that it entails.  I am fortunate enough to interact with customers, vendors, and other professionals in the automotive industry.”

                In addition to being honored with the MVE award, Barb celebrated some personal accomplishments in 2009.  Barb turned 60, and as a well-deserved treat, she went to Italy as a birthday present.  She also trained to walk in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer walk in October – 60 miles!  Unfortunately, the first two days of the walk were cancelled due to a nor-easter storm, but on Sunday the 18^th, Barb and all the other participants were able to walk the last 15-mile leg of the course.  While the event brought personal satisfaction, she also raised over $3,300 for the amazing charity and its cause.

                Barb plays such an integral role in the success of the company, and the success of other people’s roles as well.  She feels proud to be part of a team atmosphere, and feels rewarded working for a company that “has a reputation of holding on to good, hard-working, long-term employees who are dedicated to their jobs and do ‘whatever it takes’ to get the job done.”

Congratulations, Barb and thank you for all that you do for all of us!