Stories of Success

RODERICK WILSON

RODERICK WILSON

Direct Labor Employee of the Year

Roderick Wilson dreams of one day counseling young people about avoiding drugs and other harmful behaviors. His own battle with these activities eventually landed him in prison, but an opportunity to work at IFB rescued Roderick from a life going the wrong way. “They opened their doors to me,” he says. “Now this place is my family. I’m so grateful.” Roderick works as a sewing machine operator in the Navy fleece department and enjoys making his co-workers laugh every chance he gets.

ENRIQUE MAIZ

ENRIQUE MAIZ

Career Achiever of the Year

Diagnosed at age 18 with a disease gradually causing blindness and deafness, Enrique Maiz of Puerto Rico responded by hurrying to get a college degree. After acquiring computer skills and working on projects in the U.S., Enrique returned to Puerto Rico in need of work. He gladly accepted a position as sewing machine operator with the IFB facility in Mayaguez, but quickly earned a series of promotions. Enrique’s current position is a payroll specialist where he is delighted to apply his advanced business and IT skills.

DIANA BAKER

DIANA BAKER

Asheville Employee of the Year

As the first woman ever to join her local Lions Club, Diana Baker learned about IFB in Asheville on a tour organized by the community booster group in 1992. The energy and support at the plant impressed her, and more than a decade later, after raising her daughters, Diana knew it was time to make a career move. With the help of IFB, Diane is now a sewing machine operator in the Flyers Kit Bag department, as well as an excellent role model for all employees.

NAOMI HERNANDEZ

NAOMI HERNANDEZ

Delmer Wall Outstanding Service Award Winner

As store manager for the Paper Clips in Puerto Rico, Naomi Hernandez doesn’t mind waking at five in the morning to drive 1 1/2 hours to work. “I’ll do anything to get the job done,” she says. Valued for keeping perfect inventories and managing record sales, Naomi has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the U.S. Army. Naomi even gets saluted at Ft. Buchanan by all ranks of military personnel, who appreciate her friendly and generous spirit. She is a true team player, and IFB is grateful for her enthusiastic contributions to our mission.

JOANNE BOUCHER

JOANNE BOUCHER

Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award Winner

A longtime supporter of IFB, Jo Ann Boucher is both a hands-on collaborator and a thoughtful, articulate advocate of our mission. Whether volunteering to help children and their parents gain confidence and new friends at SEE camp or traveling to meet with businesses and organizations in order to promote the capabilities and vision of IFB, Jo Ann’s enthusiastic influence coincides with the period of our most tremendous growth, when annual revenues increased tenfold from $8 million to $80 million.