The 2024 Papa Dave Awards
First, a mention from Carolina.
Then, a nudge from Kenzie.
Gentle reminders to yours truly that it is – in fact – once again time for everyone’s FAVORITE holiday tradition:
The Papa Dave Awards!
A time to reflect on the year that was, and the INCREDIBLE folks who made it…well…incredible!
And so without further adieu, your 2024 winners (in no particular order) are…
Most Likely to Glide Into Greatness: Oksana Popyk
As Oksana enters her second year in Canada, she’s not only getting better at walking on ice (a true Canadian skill) but is also making an impressive mark at Adster.
A quick study when it comes to sales pitches, Oksana excels at understanding client needs and pivoting seamlessly when the situation calls for it.
What’s more, she takes feedback like a pro and is eager to elevate our service offerings to new heights.
While I’m still getting to know her, one thing’s certain—Oksana is here to leave a lasting impression.
I’m excited to see her next big move…preferably not on a slippery sidewalk!
Most Likely to Harness the Dark Side of the Force to Be Everywhere at Once: Carolina Del Rio
Carolina seems to have embraced the dark side of the Force this year, wielding her uncanny ability to be in every EJS and Adster meeting simultaneously while crafting agendas so detailed they rival the tactical precision of a Death Star trench run.
Her commitment to excellence is as impressive as the apparent ability to stretch time itself. Are you using Sith sorcery, or just a next-level scheduling hack?
Either way, I’m in awe.
Carolina, thank you for being so willing to wear SO many hats and take on SO much for both companies.
Your ability to juggle it all with such grace is nothing short of extraordinary, and we’re so grateful to have you in our corner – dark side or not.
Most Likely to Tie for 2nd in a Three-Way Bass Duel: Jesse Tangen
Jesse holds the unique title of being the second of three bassists in our little company band – but he’s first in our Laravel-loving hearts.
Through 2024, Jesse has gone from being a developer under management to the one doing the managing, a transition he’s tackled with skill and focus.
From scoping out my WILD (possibly unhinged) ideas at EJS to fielding the Adster team’s “urgent” (read: chaotic) requests, Jesse has shown he’s just as skilled at managing teams as he is at keeping a bassline steady.
While his ultimate ranking for thumb slappin and finger poppin may still be up for debate, his commitment to growth and excellence in development is undeniable.
Here’s to keeping the rhythm strong, Jesse!
Most Likely to Nail It 60% of the Time (Every Time): John Lavapie
In addition to being the third Adster bassist (coincidence? I think not), John and I share a rare gift:
60% of the time, we’re right every time.
In practice, this looks like our weekly deep dives into strategies and tactics designed to get Adster clients the best results.
And when things don’t go as planned?
That’s when John really shines. Instead of finger-pointing, it’s all about digging into the data, understanding what went sideways, and figuring out how to nail it the next time around.
This openness, paired with a relentless drive for excellence, is what makes John so great at what he does – well, 60% of the time, anyway. 😉
Most Likely to Say Yes to the Stress (and Get Bossy): Kenzie Mucciarone
As our lovely Lisa takes time to tend to her flock, we needed a new boss-type gal to tend to ours.
And despite expressing her initial hesitations to me over a pie at Bucco in Windermere, Kenzie said YES to the STRESS and agreed to get bossy.
Whether its building glorious technicolor spreadsheets to track top secret special projects (acronyms provided by yours truly) or working with the team to get over the hump, Kenzie appears to be a natural when it comes to calling the shots.
And so, with spreadsheets in hand and a can-do attitude, Kenzie has embraced her new role—proving that even when chaos reigns, she’s more than ready to herd us cats and keep the circus running.
Most Likely to Energize the Industry with a Big Win: Josh Hesse
This year, Josh has continued to broaden his impact within the energy industry, but no matter how far his work takes him – he keeps Energy Job Shop close to his heart.
His fierce commitment to EJS’s success is matched only by his unwavering drive to ensure its growth and reputation remain top-notch.
In 2024, patience was the name of the game, and Josh’s willingness to slow the pace while navigating challenges thoughtfully all while staying laser-focused on the bigger picture was key.
Josh, your balance of expanding horizons while staying grounded in EJS’s mission is inspiring.
Here’s to some BIG wins in 2025!
Most Likely to Deliver a Gift Basket with a Side of Existentialism: Michael Martindale
Picture this: Mike, strolling up to a customer’s door, gift basket in hand, radiating charm and enthusiasm.
“Let this basket,” he begins, holding up the perfectly curated goodies, “symbolize the endless potential of breaking old habits and embracing new paradigms. Because, truly, is it the cookies we crave—or the connection?”
Such a joy to see this guy in action.
Mike, it’s been a decade of watching you elevate everything you touch – from gift baskets to sales pitches – with a mix of creativity, wit, and undeniable excellence.
Thank you!
Most Likely to Keep the Wheels Turning (Literally): Andrew Forster
Andrew isn’t just my business partner – he’s my brother, mountain biking buddy, and the guy who’s been along for the ride since Adster’s humble beginnings 15 years ago.
Together, we’ve built something pretty amazing (if I do say so myself), and this year we’re gearing up to thrive as we look ahead to the next 15 years.
Whether it’s navigating rocky trails on a triple clamp equipped DH whip or the equally bumpy terrain of running a business, I couldn’t ask for a better partner.
We might not always agree on everything, but at least we’re aligned on the important stuff – like keeping the rubber side down. Lucky me!
Most Likely to Keep Smiling Through a Shutout: Lizet Pineda
Earlier this year, Lizet, Kenzie and I had the distinct pleasure of watching the Oilers get blanked in a total snoozefest against the Devils.
Even after sitting through a scoreless blowout, Lizet’s gratefulness, excitement and positivity remained high – and that’s when it hit me:
Whether it’s a tough client meeting or a 3-0 loss, Lizet’s winning attitude and knack for making others feel appreciated never falter. She’s the kind of person who finds the silver lining – even when the scoreboard refuses to cooperate.
Now that’s something worth replaying!
Most Likely to Conquer the West (One Baby Step at a Time): Lisa Michetti
Currently on maternity leave and juggling her most demanding boss yet (a tiny, adorable dictator), we’re doing our best to manage in Lisa’s absence.
But she didn’t she leave us high and dry—far from it.
Lisa spent months meticulously preparing Adster for her absence, crafting plans, processes, and playbooks that ensured we could sail as smoothly as a 40-foot skipper cruising effortlessly through the sparkling waters of Vancouver Harbor.
Lisa, enjoy navigating life with your new first mate (aka the baby boss), and just know we’re eagerly awaiting your return…preferably before we accidentally capsize the whole operation 🙀
The Wrap:
As thus ends another year, and another RIVETING Papa Dave awards ceremony.
I hope that you Adster folk, your families and all of our clients (and clients to be) are ready for a BANGER this year.
Let’s Thrive in ’25!