10/23/2026
Happy Friday everyone! 11 years ago, I finally found a professional parts man to assist me in selling parts. It wasn’t long before I was the one assisting JJ Lopez. A few days after he started, his girlfriend (Now his wife) came by to see where he was working and meet us. She was so impressed with us and we were so impressed with her, that she quit her job and joined us.
This lady has done SO much to help run the office and has taken a huge load off of my wife, Rita Bower. Her name is also Rita. As it turned out she brought so much more to our company than helping run the office. She has become our biggest cheerleader. She has become my confidant. When I’m struggling with a decision, I often pull up a chair and have a private discussion with her. She Never holds back. She doesn’t work under me. And as a result, she is just as honest (sometimes brutally honest) as my mother was. Her work ethic is as strong as I’ve ever seen and her beautiful smile can ease any situation.
She recently told me 2 things that have been very strong comments on our culture at OEM. One day, when discussing our reputation, she said the following: “Jeff, I’ve spoken to almost every one of our customers at some point. I’ve attended almost every UPN convention since I started working here. I have never heard a negative comment about you or your company. That makes me very proud to work here.” Then, just recently, when discussing my strategy for employee relations, she said something that is just as meaningful. She said “Jeff, the reason everyone loves working here is because you allow us to always be ourselves.”
Thank you for so many uplifting comments and actions, including those 2. We love you lady. ❤️
