Lisa Darlington

Lisa Darlington has been with Block by Block for over eight years. Her unmatched work ethic and unwavering dedication to her team have set a standard of excellence that inspires everyone around her. Whether leading from the forefront or supporting behind the scenes, Lisa consistently shows up—always available, always engaged, and always modeling the high standards she expects of others.

Lisa’s operational expertise is as meticulous as it is effective. She maintains an impeccably organized environment, ensures her ambassadors are task-focused and motivated, and consistently upholds the highest uniform and field standards. Her leadership doesn’t just manage a team—it galvanizes one. Under Lisa’s guidance, ambassadors take pride in their roles, feel genuinely valued, and deliver their best work every day.

However, Lisa’s impact extends far beyond her immediate responsibilities. She is a trusted regional resource and a go-to voice for clarity, consistency, and execution. Her deep institutional knowledge has played a critical role in new initiatives and aligning team operations with broader strategic goals. Lisa bridges the gap between vision and reality, translating organizational objectives into tangible results on the ground.

In every facet of her work, Lisa Darlington exemplifies the values the Horizon Award was created to honor. Her dedication, leadership, and operational excellence make her a standout manager and are why she is being recognized with this year’s Horizons Award.

Adrian Crosby

Adrian has been a cornerstone of accuracy and dependability within the SMS Corporate Support Center for his entire 13 years here. His meticulous attention to detail and consistent performance ensure that every invoice is not only accurate but delivered on time, even as client demands and billing structures have grown increasingly complex.

Adrian has risen to the challenge as our client base has shifted toward more cost-plus accounts. These invoices require significantly more time and precision—calculating actual wages and hours and applying the correct markup—yet Adrian handles each one with care and accuracy, instilling confidence in both our internal teams and our clients.

He is highly responsive to change, adaptable to shifting priorities, and always ready to deliver—whether it’s expedited turnaround times, year-end estimated invoices, or last-minute adjustments. His ability to manage an expanding workload while maintaining exceptional quality speaks volumes about his professionalism and commitment.

Adrian’s role has grown steadily over the years, and with it, so has his impact. His contributions may happen behind the scenes, but they’re essential to the smooth functioning of our operations and the trust we build with our clients. Adrian’s hard work and attention to detail are why he is more than deserving of the Horizons Award.

Stephen Valentine

Stephen Valentine joined the SMS Team at Greater Clark County School District two years ago, and his impact on all the schools and our Perfection Group partners has been nothing short of remarkable. Day in and day out, he demonstrates an unwavering commitment to excellence, navigating high-pressure demands with grace, grit, and a steadfastly positive attitude. From managing complex projects, responding to urgent work tickets, fulfilling customer requests, and leading his on-site team, Stephen approaches every responsibility with diligence and purpose.

But what truly sets Stephen apart is not just what he does—it’s how he does it. He leads with heart. Each morning, he sends prayers and words of encouragement to his peers, creating a ripple effect of positivity and unity that carries through the day. This daily ritual reflects his deeply held values and his genuine care for others, reminding everyone around him that leadership starts with intention and compassion.

Stephen embodies the SMS Holdings Core Values in everything he does. His integrity, work ethic, faith-based motivation, and humility are evident in every interaction, and his ability to stay centered and focused—even when juggling numerous tasks—makes him a pillar of strength for his team.

In recognizing Stephen with the Horizon Award, we celebrate his professional achievements and the character, spirit, and humanity he brings to the workplace. He is a shining example of what true leadership looks like in action, making him a perfect recipient of the Horizons Award.

Kavneet Kaur

With almost ten years of dedication at Wendy’s, Kavneet Kaur has grown into a trusted leader, a respected mentor, and a vital part of her team’s success story. Starting as a crew member and rising through the ranks, she has served as General Manager for five years and was promoted to Training Store Manager in 2022—a testament to her strong leadership, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to growth.

Kavneet is widely known for her exceptional people skills. She communicates with clarity, listens with empathy, and resolves challenges with calm professionalism. Her ability to bring out the best in others is evident whether she’s training new managers, supporting store openings, or guiding her team through the demands of daily operations. She leads with clarity, motivation, and a genuine care for the people she works with.

Colleagues consistently describe Kavneet as approachable and supportive. She empowers others to grow confidently, always leading with a customer-first mindset. Her dedication to doing things right elevates the guest experience and strengthens the overall business.

Through her steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and ability to inspire those around her, Kavneet has impacted her store and the broader organization. For these reasons, she is being honored with the Horizons Award.

Block by Block

Nominees:

• Sam Heide
• Tom Wright
• Ernesto Lopez
• Lisa Darlington
• Michael Ryan
• Kevin Lynch
• Nathan Kesti
• Brittani Stidham
• Carol Vlahos

SMS Holdings

Nominees:

• Ruth Dyke
• Sandra Premo
• Vicki Marsh
• Connie McCandless
• Angela Taylor
• Phillip Englehart
• Taylor Harding
• Tom Buysse
• Adrian Crosby
• Sheli Dile
• Tabetha Rexford
• Starr Woodyard
• Alanna Formosa
• Lindsey DeJesus
• Cheteka Pointer
• Lori Williams
• Barbara Cea
• Lorraine Brooks

Service Management Systems
Total Maintenance Management

Nominees:

• Stephen Valentine
• Kelsey Alford
• Gabriel Tapia
• Lisa Mrasak
• Erika Villamil

WTC Ventures

Nominees:

• Patty Jensen
• Michael Sneed
• Louis Brown
• Corina Sinea
• Gurpreet Dhaliwal
• Ramandeep Kaur
• Glenn Domingo
• Vipan Navneet Kaur
• Kavneet Kaur
• Mandeep Brar