Women Who Power Kodiak        (click image for full article)

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As we near the end of Women’s History Month, we’d like to take a moment to highlight some of the women making history here at Kodiak. Get to know a handful of your fabulous female colleagues with this Q and A session. A special thank you to all who participated in this special feature.

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Can you share a special story of persistence, perseverance, or empowerment that you’ve experienced during your career journey?

 

• I look to other women in my life for encouragement. That has helped me with not only growth in my career but also in my personal life. My sisters and mother have taught me accountability, hard work, positivity, persistence, integrity, and respect. These are the keys to being a woman of strength. (​Leesa Gamble, Senior Administrative Assistant)

• Having the opportunity to join a male-dominated oil and gas industry at the age of 21 was both terrifying and exhilarating. I was a young mom with little work experience when I set out into adulthood in search of my career path. Because someone was willing to take a chance on me, I was able to learn vital skills, expand my knowledge, and unleash capabilities that helped shape me into the professional woman I am today. This year marks twelve years in the industry, and this is something I am truly proud of. Hard work, dedication, and determination really do pay off! (Kim Gauthier, Receptionist)

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Can you tell us a special story close to your heart outside of your career life?

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• My children are my world. If God would have never blessed me with these beautiful little lives, I do not know if I would be the woman I am today. At the age of thirteen and along with my one-year-old brother, we were removed from my birth mother. With him in mind then and my children now, my motivation in life is making sure they don’t have the same struggles and trials as I did when I was growing up. I’m proud that no one can look at me now and see the life experiences I had because I do not allow my past to define the woman that I am today. Charmaine McClendon (Payroll Specialist)

“Sugar Baby” Flies into Hearts of Employees

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It was just another day at the office, when Debbie Talbert was startled by Rick Prucha’s enthusiasm about a new book he purchased. As an avid World War II fan, historian, and genealogy guru, Rick was excited to discover that his father’s World War II airplane, coined Sugar Baby, was on the cover of the book, A-226 Invader Units of World War II.  

 

Seeing the enthusiasm and pride in Rick’s eyes, Debbie contacted the book’s illustrator to purchase a copy of the painting for Rick.

 

“The illustrator explained that although no copies were available for sale, the original painting that was on reserve wasn’t purchased yet,” Debbie explained. “That’s when I enlisted the help of my boss, Mike Seeber, and the rest of our group.”

 

The team pitched in to raise the appropriate amount to purchase the original painting, all knowing that the surprise would provide a priceless look on Rick’s face.

 

When Rick coasted into a mock meeting one Tuesday, he amazingly found colleagues, former colleagues – even his wife and grandson. As soon as Rick peeled away the first level of paper from the package, his eyes filled with the amazement of the painting of his father’s airplane.

 

 “I honestly was having a hard time coming up with words to express my gratitude,” Rick said. “I never expected anything so wonderful would happen to me. In the ‘short’ 25 years I've been here, I have always known Anadarko was the greatest place to work and had the best people to work with. For so many of them to band together to do something so amazing just for me … it leaves me in awe.”

 

“Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! This means more than you know.  I'll cherish it as long as I live and am excited to have this heirloom to pass down to my grandkids."

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Anadarko Saddles Up for a Chili Throwdown

 

Employees throughout Greater Houston pulled on their cowboy boots to celebrate the spirit of Go Texan Day, and Anadarko was no exception. Following Town Hall, employees grabbed their tasting spoons and judged a good ‘ole fashion Chili Cook-off Throwdown, sponsored by the Anadarko Young Leaders.

 

The Design & Communications team – with its “Most Interesting Chili in the World” won Judges’ Best Chili and Best Display against the field of eight teams. The win ended team ITS Customer Support’s “Chili Chili Bang Bang’s” two-year winning streak. Judges for the event included members of the Anadarko Executive Committee and staff from the Montgomery County Food Bank.

 

The “Most Interesting Chili in the World” included cards with various catch phrases to help them take home Best Display. Here’s a tasting of them:

 

• On the NY Times crossword puzzle, 5 across is always “Chili”

• Lance Armstrong used this chili to win the Tour de France

• Peppers not yet discovered are used in this chili

• You think you’re judging this chili, but it’s actually judging you

• If this chili gives you indigestion, you would have to fight the urge to thank it

• The Alamo’s original motto was “Remember the Chili”

• Taylor Swift will never write a breakup song about this chili

• You cannot operate heavy equipment after consuming this chili

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Welcome to Slow Cookers at Play!

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The Slow Cookers at Play team is a group of friends passionate about making great food for great people. We specialize in the art of slow-smoked chicken, ribs, pork and beef brisket. We’re dedicated to creating the ultimate cook-off experience for you and your guests.

Join the Slow Cookers for the biggest party on Salt Grass Trail. Over 600 party-goers enjoyed our great food and cold beverages while they danced the night away to music from our amazing DJ. We had great results from the 2014 event; placing 8th in the ribs category an 24th overall. We’re very excited to compete with the 300+ teams again at the upcoming Houston Rodeo.

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Follow your nose, listen to your taste buds and jump on board with the Slow Cookers at Play for barbecue, friends and fun. For ticket holders, click the sign to the right for FAQs along with some helpful hints to make your cookoff experience more enjoyable.

 

Find out more about us here on our website and follow along for our Countdown to Rodeo on our facebook page. Hint … special surprises posted during the weekend too!

Dip, Dodge, Duck and Donate

Annual Dodgeball Tournament
Saturday, August 24
7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Competitive Edge Sports in Spring, TX

Are you an intern and looking for a fun and exciting way to network with your peers? Do you need a reason to bond with your manager? Maybe you need an excuse to meet an executive. Here’s your chance. Sign up today for the Annual Dodgeball Tournament benefiting the Sam Houston Area Council, Boy Scouts of America. 
Like Free Things?

The first five teams to sign up will get have the $1,000 entry fee waived. Plus, you could earn some major bragging rights for your Instagram. Register your team by Friday, August 9 to receive free custom t-shirts for your team.  

Check out the details on Insider. To register or to reserve your spot, contact Kevin Pollak or Brad Miller. 

Nickers in a Twist 

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In the rough and tumble Old West there was an adage known to all, “The best laid villainous plans will sometimes go awry.” Such was the case for Brigand Chiseler with his ill-conceived effort to rob the Skivvy, Texas Bank. He was caught red-handed and thrown in jail 20 years ago by Sheriff Drab Nickers.

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Rehabilitation failed because he will again attempt to rob the very same bank under the even older adage, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” But, the world has undergone a number of changes over the past two decades. Engaging the aid of his new assistant, Chisler is about to be unleashed upon the unsuspecting town.  From sawing heroines in half, to heroines on railroad tracks, to blastin' the bank to smithereens, you’ll quickly come to understand why there are so many Nickers in a Twist.