Celebrating Jeff:

A Valued Member of the

First Star Safety Family

There are some people who come into your life and become so much more than employees or coworkers. They become trusted friends, an integral part of your journey, and a piece of your family. For First Star Safety, Jeff has always been one of those people.

After more than 15 years with First Star Safety, Jeff has been part of our story through every stage of our growth and success. Throughout his time with us, he has worn many hats, taken on countless responsibilities, and contributed immeasurably to the company we are today. His experience, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to step in wherever he was needed have made him an invaluable member of our team. His contributions are far too numerous to capture in a single newsletter, and his absence is felt deeply by all of us.

Many of you have reached out to ask about Jeff, and I want to share an update with you personally. In April, Jeff began experiencing health issues that led to a series of medical appointments and tests. He was subsequently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and unfortunately, his condition progressed very quickly. By mid-May, the physical challenges associated with his illness had made it impossible for him to continue working. As difficult as that decision was, Jeff had to step away from the job he loved to focus on his health and well-being.

Jeff did not leave First Star Safety because he wanted to. He left because his health made it necessary. After more than 15 years of dedication, loyalty, and service, his departure was certainly not the way any of us envisioned his time with us would come to a close.

On a personal note, it is difficult to put into words what Jeff means to me. I have known him for so many years that he has been a part of my life longer than my husband and children. Over the years, our relationship has grown far beyond that of an employer and employee. He has been a trusted friend, a dependable sounding board, and someone I have been fortunate to have alongside me through so many chapters of my life and the growth of this company. I am incredibly grateful for his friendship, his unwavering loyalty, and the many ways he has supported me personally and professionally.

Jeff has also been an exceptional colleague and friend to his fellow team members. He is a genuinely good man who cares about the people around him, takes pride in his work, and has always been willing to do what was needed to help the team succeed. His experience and expertise will be greatly missed, but even more than that, we will miss his presence, his camaraderie, and the person he is.

Those who know Jeff well know just how deeply his loyalty to First Star Safety runs. In fact, he has the First Star Safety logo tattooed on his hand—a lasting reminder of the pride and connection he feels toward this company. That kind of commitment cannot be taught or expected. It comes from genuinely believing in the people you work alongside and the organization you help build.

Throughout his years with FSS, Jeff has also played an important role in taking care of our clients. He understood that our work is about more than completing a job. It is about building relationships, earning trust, following through on commitments, and treating people the right way. He consistently demonstrated those values and exemplified what we refer to as the First Star Safety Way. The culture we are proud of today has been shaped by people like Jeff, who demonstrate through their actions what loyalty, integrity, hard work, and genuine care for others look like.

While we are saddened that Jeff is no longer able to be with us day to day, his place in the First Star Safety family has not changed. His years of service, the relationships he has built, and the difference he has made will always be a part of our story. He will never be remembered simply as someone who worked here. He will be remembered as someone who helped build this company, cared for the people in it, and left a lasting mark on all of us.

Jeff, if you happen to read this, please know how deeply grateful I am for you. Thank you for your years of hard work, your friendship, your loyalty, your willingness to take on whatever was asked of you, and for always being someone we could count on. Thank you for the care you showed our clients and coworkers, and for being exactly the kind of person who makes First Star Safety more than a company. You have helped make it a family.

We miss having you here, and we will continue to be grateful for everything you have given us. You will always have a place in the First Star Safety family, and no diagnosis or change in circumstances can ever diminish the legacy you have built here.

With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation,

Kelly Hollatz

President

First Star Safety

Jeff and I have worked together for nearly 15 years, and over that time, our relationship has grown into much more than a working partnership. We have shared a lot of years, a lot of experiences, and plenty of conversations both inside and outside of work. Through it all, Jeff has been someone I could count on, both professionally and personally.

One of the things I have always respected most about Jeff is his willingness to step up, take responsibility, and do whatever needed to be done. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience, and he has never been someone who shied away from a challenge. His dedication to First Star Safety and the people around him has been evident in everything he has done.

It is difficult to see someone who has given so much to this company have to step away because of circumstances beyond his control. I know this isn't how Jeff envisioned his time with FSS coming to a close, and I wish things had turned out differently. But while his health may have changed what he is able to do, it doesn't change the respect I have for him or the friendship we have built over the years.

Jeff, I want to thank you for everything you have contributed to First Star Safety, for the many years we worked side by side, and for the friendship that has come with it. You have made a difference here, and that is something that won't change just because you are no longer coming through the doors every day.

I wish you the very best as you focus on your health and whatever lies ahead. You have earned the appreciation and respect of so many people here, and I hope you know that you will always be part of the First Star Safety family. I'm grateful for the years we've worked together, and even more grateful that our friendship extends well beyond the job.

This isn't the end of our relationship. It's simply a different chapter, and I look forward to staying in touch and spending time together in the years ahead.



Thank you, Jeff. For everything.

-Mark Householder, Vice President