A Flavorful Tradition: Williams Company’s Annual Christmas BBQ Recap

What a festive season 2023 has been! At Williams Company, the spirit of the holidays comes alive through our cherished Annual Christmas BBQ tradition, a legacy that began in the 1950s. This heartwarming event, initiated by Randall Williams, the son of our founder, JJ Williams, continues to be a highlight for our employee-owners.

Originally held at Randall’s home the Saturday before Christmas, the BBQ lunch is a feast of tradition, featuring spareribs, grilled chicken, sliced pork, and an array of delicious sides such as potato salad, coleslaw, green beans, and sautéed mushrooms. The secret to the mouthwatering BBQ sauce originated with Randall and has been passed down through generations, now held by the Williams Company employee-owners and family.

With the growth of our company, the tradition has evolved and involves days of preparation at the office, where food is smoked in our parking lot, and tents and chairs are set up for everyone to mingle. This year, we even introduced a bloody mary station for the early risers who kick off the festivities at 5 am! Before indulging in the delectable spread, the day is marked by recognizing outstanding achievements. Awards are presented for the projects of the year, employee of the year, and milestone tenures ranging from 5 to 35 years.

In 2023, we proudly honored two exceptional individuals who embody the spirit of excellence – Scott Palmer, Superintendent, and Colin Williams, Senior Project Manager. Scott’s expertise in commercial and industrial projects, particularly in freezer/cooler spaces and cold storage, sets a remarkable standard for us all. Colin’s dedication to perfection and outstanding customer service in the industrial and cold storage market makes him truly deserving of recognition.

The esteemed project of the year, Central Shopping Plaza in Miami, Florida, reflects our commitment to excellence. Williams Company played a pivotal role in the transformation of this significant shopping plaza, spanning 330,000 square feet and housing renowned tenants. The project included a new roof, interior and exterior façade revitalization, and a comprehensive makeover of the surface parking area—all executed with strategic planning to minimize disruption to current tenants.

Our Christmas BBQ also celebrated the dedication of our team members, with special recognition for 5, 10, 15, and 25-year tenures. These individuals, including Drew Broderick (5 years), Tyler Cichon (5 years), Lucas Denman (5 years), Mike Lukasik (5 years), Nick Mercurio (5 years), Mark Poorman (5 years),  Tony Rouse (5 years), Taylor Samsil (5 years), Chris Simac (5 years), Simon Stoddard (5 years),  and Kareem Wint (5 years). Roger Whitty (10 years), Hilda Goodwin (15 years), and Ralph Hefner (25 years), have been instrumental in our success.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2023, we eagerly anticipate more successes in 2024. The Christmas BBQ not only marks the end of a festive season but also serves as a reminder of the strong bonds and shared commitment that define the Williams Company family. Here’s to a flavorful tradition and a prosperous year ahead!