COEUR d’ALENE —  The 32nd annual After 5 Luncheon at The Coeur d’Alene Resort was about recognizing the unsung, longtime heroes behind the success of the Hagadone Hospitality Company.

There are a lot of them.

More than 400 people have been with the company for at least five years, and nearly 70 of those for more than 25 years.

That’s the kind of loyalty that makes a company stand out.

“My thought is, you guys are owners in this company as well,” said Brad Hagadone, president of the Hagadone Corp. “We’re all in this thing together as a family.”

In a short talk to about 250 people at The Resort, Hagadone praised the employees who step up, get the job done and have a great attitude.

“You guys are amazing,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have all of you.”

The After 5 Luncheon is an opportunity for company leaders to cite successes and outline plans for renovations, developments and growth.

Employees with The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Hagadone Marine Group, Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, The Cedars Floating Restaurant, The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course, Hagadone Technologies and Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn and Best Western Plus University Inn were among those honored.

It was a spirited event marked by jokes, laughter and smiles, especially when prizes, including an electric bike, were given away.

But the theme was spotlighting veteran staffers.

Craig Brosenne, president of the Hagadone Marine Group, has been with the company for 25 years. He said HMG has 244 team members with 587 years of combined service, and the marine group has had a strong year in sales and service and is confident it will continue to grow.

“We recognize that our strength lies in incredible individuals who make up our team,” he said.

Judd Jones, chief information officer of the Hagadone Corp., and president of Hagadone Technologies, listed a number of developments that have the company becoming a leader in the tech field.

“Getting this done was no small feat, but without you, we won’t be having this conversation right now,” he said.

Brad Hagadone said the company's service is second to none, and people notice.

"The better we take care of our customers and our guests, the better it’s going to be for all of us," he said. "But, I think we all get satisfaction from taking care of people. I value that you guys bring that to the table.”

Employees in the "After 5 Club" received pins and congratulations from Hagadone.

“Without you guys we wouldn't be where we are today,” he said. “You can see we’ve got a lot going, we’ve got a bright future.”

People who have been with the Hagadone Hospitality Company more than 20 years gather at the 32nd annual "After 5 Luncheon" at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.
 

Brianna Shriner, Hagadone Corp. administrative manager, smiles as prizes are presented at the 32nd annual "After 5 Luncheon" at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.

Jacob Kerr smiles after winning a watch at the 32nd annual "After 5 Luncheon" at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.
 

J.J. Jaeger, president of the Best Western Plus Coeur d'Alene Inn, tells a joke at the 32nd annual "After 5 Luncheon" at The Coeur d'Alene Resort on Thursday.