Employee celebrated for 50 years on the job

Most employers reward some dedication and loyalty with a engraved pen or such. However, the Esterly Drive-based fabrication company named a building after him.

As the chief executive officer Sam Coleman explained, the “invaluable” Moore has been there since the very beginning, so the partners could not think of a more fitting tribute.

Oh, and the company did throw him a 50th anniversary celebration, a Golden Joe-blue as Coleman referred to it, and gave him an engraved mantle piece, which is a little more traditional as far as such as auspicious occasions like work anniversaries go.

Moore’s family, friends and co-workers all joined Ohio Drum for the anniversary party –but the building name was a big surprise.

Ohio Drum employee Joe Moore (left) enjoys his 50th anniversary cookout with sister Marla Hum, brother-in-law Bob Hum, wife Debbie Moore and longtime friend Kevin Todd. In a surprise move, company ownership named its fabrication shop building after Moore in appreciation for his longtime commitment to the company through six owners. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

As Drew Souder, the senior engineer and one of the company’s owners, explained, even though Ohio Drum specializes in making rotary drums and parts for the asphalt industry. He described Moore as “the backbone” to the operation when he started himself.

Plant manager Rick Linepool described Moore as one of the best guys he knows and a true friend and mentor.

Moore’s philosophy when he eventually moved up to shop foreman in 1996 was simple. If you aren’t willing to put your name on a piece, don’t ship it.

Moore’s wife Debbie, who was in attendance, with his sister Marla Hum and her husband Bob Hum thanked everyone for making Joe’s day with the incredible gesture.

Owners also consist of Bruce Trayes, who handles the sales and fabricating for the company, and Shawn Gnigzdowki, chief financial officer and Bill DeWood, who was unable to attend but handles capital investments.

Longtime employee Joe Moore (left), who has been employed with Ohio Drum for 50 years, and company chief executive officer Sam Coleman (right) pose for a quick picture in the fabrication shop building, which was named Thursday after Moore in commemoration of his work anniversary. “This company wouldn’t be possible if Joe wouldn’t have kept it going.” Moore was the shop foreman until recently when he cut back. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

During the cookout style celebration catered by C&M Concessions of Columbiana, some of the favorites from the 1970s played in the background.

Moore started working as a cleanup man and painter at then-Loenik Manufacturing on Sept. 19, 1974, as a teenager after the grandparents appealed to the owner. Within two years, he was made a fitter and welder before becoming the shop foreman in 1996. Although he cut back several years ago, he has no plans to retire. “You cannot afford to retire these days.”

During this 50 years, he has worked through six different owners, including the current co-ownership structure.

While he knew they were doing something to commemorate the occasion, naming a building after him was completely unexpected. Although ownership had encouraged him not to work Thursday and take it easy, he didn’t. “To me, it (Thursday) is just another day,” Moore added. “I will continue to work as long as I can.”

Moore has an adult daughter, Judith Cosgrove, who lives in Baltimore, Ohio; three grandsons and one granddaughter who were not in attendance.

Man of the Hour Joe Moore (right) leads his longtime friend Kevin Todd through the Ohio Drum fabricating shop. Todd, who was Moore’s mentor when he entered the Masonic Lodge 30 years ago, attended a 50th anniversary for Moore Thursday, when the company also decided to name the building after Moore. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

In his spare time, Moore and wife Debbie enjoy traveling especially visiting state parks and going on steam engine trips.

Joe Moore prepares to receive the gifts of appreciation from the leadership of Ohio Drum Thursday during his 50th anniversary celebration at company headquarters. From left to right, chief financial officer Shawn Gnigzdowski; Moore; plant manager Rick Linepaugh; senior engineer Drew Souder, chief executive officer Sam Coleman and sales and fabrication consultant Bruce Trayes. Shortly later in the tribute, they announced that they would be naming the fabricating shop building after Moore in his honor and in addition to providing it with the physical gifts. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)