In 2024, Continental Contractors launched a new program designed to celebrate our team members and their support for one another – The Continental Contractors Annual Awards!

Continental has always been a “people first” company, and thrives best when our employees continue to grow, personally and professionally. For years we’ve wanted to hold some type of internal recognition program to commemorate the teamwork, collaboration, resilience, and camaraderie consistently exhibited by our team members. In 2024, Director of HR Allyson Fisher brought the awards to fruition. “I’ve always been an advocate of top-down recognition, but I strongly believe the most impactful recognition comes from our peers for a job well done,” said Allyson. “We wanted to create an award system that took this generally informal feedback and formalized it. When employees recognize each other, it builds trust, satisfaction, and company culture.”

The best part about these awards is that the recipients are not chosen just by the leadership team, but rather by the nominations and heartfelt comments and support of their fellow employees. 

“The purpose of launching this new program is to recognize employees who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to Continental’s success,” said Pete Welch. “We encouraged everyone to think about the team members who have made a lasting impact on our culture and contributed to our success during the past year, and to nominate their colleagues. These awards are a way to celebrate the incredible contributions everyone puts forth daily that make our company a great place to work.” 

The Categories

The criteria for the inaugural awards were fairly simple.

FOUNDER’S AWARD
This award celebrates an employee who truly embodies Continental’s core values of humility, integrity, respect, and resilience. This individual leads by example, fostering a positive and inclusive workplace by consistently demonstrating these principles in their daily actions. This award will be awarded to one employee annually.

IMPACT EXCELLENCE AWARDS
The Impact Excellence Award honors an employee who has made the most significant contribution to our revenue growth or overall organizational success. This individual delivers measurable results, helping drive the company forward through their innovation, strategic thinking, and dedication. This award will be awarded to one field-based employee and one office-based employee annually.

And The Awards Go To…

Names were submitted, votes were tallied, and the beneficiary of each award was announced at the close of 2024. Without further ado, we give you the first Annual Continental Contractors Awards recipients!

Founder’s Award: Jerome Zadera, Project Executive 

“I wanted to take a moment to not only thank but recognize the people I’ve worked with over the years. I feel that this is a company award more than just an individual award. It’s with everyone’s collaboration and commitment to excellence that has made us shine as a company, I’ve just been grateful to be a part of it. I often say ‘team work makes the dream work,’ working with you all and being able to build my life around it is truly a dream come true!”

– Jerome Zadera, Project Executive (East Coast)

We asked Jerome and the other recipients to share about some Continental Contractors’ projects that left a lasting impression on them. 

Two of my most challenging renovations were the Louisville Marriott Downtown and the Grand Bohemian Orlando, both public space projects. Each had a unique, one-of-a-kind design with numerous complexities. Successfully completing both projects was not only a huge accomplishment, but also a memorable and rewarding experience that I’m proud of.”
– Jerome Zadera

Impact Excellence Award – Office: Steve Safran, Sr. Project Manager 

“I am truly honored to receive this award, which reflects the recognition of my peers for the dedication and commitment I’ve brought to our team.

As we look ahead to 2025, I’m excited to tackle some of our most complex projects yet, which will require collaboration and expertise from many talented members to deliver successful outcomes. I am eager to oversee more projects taken on by my dedicated and experienced team.

One project that will always stand out in my 18-year tenure with Continental Contractors is the Four Seasons Jackson Hole, Wyoming. What makes this project particularly memorable is that it coincided with a pivotal moment in my personal life. As a traveling Superintendent, my wife and I were undergoing IVF treatment in Mountain View, California. Over the course of the project, we were blessed with a twin pregnancy, and I’m proud to say that we completed the project ahead of schedule.”

– Steve Safran, Sr. Project Manager (West Coast)

Impact Excellence Award – Field: Fernando Cettour, Superintendent

“I would like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude for this recognition.

It is an honor to receive this award, and I want to share this moment with my colleagues, as I firmly believe that individual achievements are a reflection of teamwork.

This recognition motivates me to contribute even more to the success of our Continental Family. Thank you again for all your constant support!

As for my favorite project, it’d have to be the Vinoy renovation. It was one of the most involved projects I have been a part of, with significant design complexity and the challenge of working on a historic, iconic hotel. A lot of pride and fulfillment came with the completion of that job.”

– Fernando Cettour, Superintendent

Thank you to everyone who participated in our first Annual Awards— more than 100 votes were submitted. We continue to be humbled by the respect and appreciation our team members have for one another and are inspired by their continued ability to show up as a team day after day, giving their all not only to our customers, vendors and work, but also personal and professional support systems to each other. The comments submitted with the nominations reminded us that even the little things can make a big difference, like giving time and knowledge to help co-workers, or being brave enough to offer an “outside the box” solution to a problem, or stepping in with a positive attitude to cover for a team member. The 2024 winners had several nominations each, with examples of their kindness, positivity, work ethic, and generosity. 

Having an opportunity and a platform to allow employees to recognize each other is a long overdue initiative, and I look forward to reading the next round of nominations later this year. Who will be the recipients of the 2025 Continental Annual Awards? Only time will tell, but we’re sure the nominations will come pouring in!