Executives at the Hagadone Corporation had a warm collective message Friday afternoon: appreciation and thanks for their employees.

“You can put all the fancy brick and mortar together, but it’s great people like you that take care of the customers,” said Brad Hagadone, president of the Hagadone Corporation. “That really brings the guests back.”

In front of a crowd of Hagadone employees at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, Brad Hagadone was joined by fellow executives Hagadone Marine Group President Craig Brosenne and Coeur d’Alene Golf and Spa Resort President Bill Reagan to thank them at the 35th annual After 5 Club luncheon.

“The reason we’re here today is to really let you genuinely know and the corporate team, my brother and I appreciate you guys,” Brad Hagadone said. “We can’t do this without you guys.”

Brad Hagadone also paid tribute to Kathy Larson. The Coeur d’Alene Resort national sales executive is retiring after 52 years with Hagadone.

Brad Hagadone said Larson “played an important role in The Resort’s success.”

“Kathy Larson’s remarkable 52-year career is a true statement to her dedication, loyalty and ability to adapt and grow with the company,” he said.

Brosenne also spoke about how Hagadone Marine Group employees helped earn nationwide accolades. 

Cobalt Boats recently awarded Hagadone Marine Group honors for top-tier customer excellence, top-tier customer excellence for the Western region, and top sales dealer of the year.

Malibu Boats awarded Hagadone Marine Group the customer satisfaction achievement, and Axis honored Hagadone Marine Group with the customer satisfaction achievement. The biggest award, however, was Hagadone Marine Group being honored for having the best boat show nationwide out of 125 dealers. 

“These are tremendous accomplishments and each one reflects a dedication, hard work and commitment to excellence across our organization,” Brosenne said. “Because at the end of the day these awards aren't just about selling boats and meeting expectations. They're about our people, our relationships they build, the experiences they create, the pride they take in doing things right every single day.”

Brosenne said nothing would be accomplished “without our people.”

“To our marine division team members celebrating five years or more, thank you for your dedication, your loyalty and the pride you bring to the company every single day,” he said. “You are the foundation of our success and I'm incredibly proud of what we build together.”

Reagan highlighted the progress made on existing projects, including Sherman Tower. He said the Tower should be open by May 1.

“These are significant investments in the future of our company, and we’ve got a lot to be excited about,” he said. “But I want to make one thing very clear: None of these improvements and none of our success would be possible without the great people who work here.”

Reagan said Hagadone is recognizing team members “who have been with us 5, 10, 20, and even 45 years.”

“You are the people who make our business successful, who take care of our guests and who help build the reputation that we enjoy today,” he said.

Reagan also praised Hagadone Hospitality Food and Beverage Director Rick Powers. Powers is retiring after 35 years with Hagadone.

Reagan said Powers “helped shape so much of what we are doing today.”

“Rick, on behalf of all of us, thank you for your 35 years of dedication, your loyalty and everything you’ve done for this company,” he said. “You left a lasting mark on the resort and were all grateful for what you've contributed.”

    Kathy Larson, a Coeur d’Alene Resort national sales executive who is retiring from Hagadone after 52 years, participates in the After 5 Club luncheon on Friday.
  

    The 35th annual After 5 Club luncheon was held Friday. Front Row: (left to right) Nicolas Berger-Lovell, Eugene Tillman, Bill Reagan, Laura Bouder, Charles McLaughlin, Brad Hagadone, Robert Hoss, Mark Bertram, Raeanna Vandecar, Brad Banta, Deborah Wharton, Stephanie Lasarte, Donna Gable, Robert Ployhar, Wendy Lang, and Monte Howk. Middle Row: (left to right) John Farmer, Jamie Cook-Matthews, J.J. Jaeger, John Eloe, Scott Murphy, Leah Hiebert, Sarah DeVeau, Jason Bricker, Lori Lougheed, Steven Hunter, Bill Hill, John Malee, Kathy Reagan Larson, Russell Keyser, Heather Rebal, Laura Sheplar, Tricia Krisher, Jamee Rowley, Matthew Larson, Rachelle Sutil, Caroline Williams, Rick Powers, Janice Peters, Timothy Heinig, Billie Jo Goodwin, Keith Lang, and Craig Brosenne. Back Row: (left to right) Mike O'Brien, Mont Garman, Eric Haakenson, Eric Cooper, Josh Safranek, Summer Flink, Carey Kaplan, Elise Watson, Michele Volkar, Dennis Hood, Jolee Kjos, Tim Goodwin, Kevin Baeumel, Kim Ward.