Kelly Cuevas, a Link Logistics property manager based in Southern California, won the first-ever Elly Award, an annual honor for team members who embody the firm’s values. Kelly’s grand prize? A generous travel voucher to use as she pleases.
The inaugural Elly Award competition – so named after the “L” in our logo – reflected the camaraderie felt among Link Logistics colleagues. To be eligible to win, team members had to be nominated by another employee. More than 170 total nominations rolled in! A committee of judges read each nomination and selected the eventual winner and runners-up to recognize for bringing the firm’s shared ideals to life.
Kelly’s kindness, embrace of change, willingness to think big and constant focus on supporting customers’ success made her the grand-prize honoree. She was stunned when CEO Luke Petherbridge called to tell her she won.
“I didn’t expect this at all,” Kelly said. “I was so overjoyed that I cried when Luke called to tell me the news. I even ended up losing a contact lens in the process. My mom had to bring me my glasses because I was in my car at a property when he called.”
While Kelly may have been surprised by her win, those who work with her weren’t.
“Kelly's genuine care and compassion create a positive impact on everyone around her,” property manager Jessica Fernandez wrote in the Elly nomination form she submitted for Kelly. “Her unwavering dedication to helping others, regardless of time or circumstances, goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Kelly transitioned to property management after a previous career in restaurant operations. She attributes her success in her new field to transferrable skills, as well as the mentorship and guidance provided by Link Logistics teammates. Outside of work, Kelly enjoys bike rides, reading and spending time with her husband and two children. She credits being a parent for making her more flexible and informing the care for others that she brings to her role at Link Logistics.
“I think oftentimes customers just want to be heard and I like being that person for them,” Kelly said. “Also, I love being part of a team, developing people and watching them reach their goals.”