Leola Maxey

Leola Maxey has made a significant and lasting impact across Block by Block’s Region 908 through her exceptional leadership, versatility, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Since joining the organization in October 2016 as a Safety/Hospitality Ambassador, Leola has steadily advanced through a series of roles, including Team Lead, Supervisor, Operations Manager, and Project Manager, before being named General Manager of Houston in 2025. Throughout her tenure, she has successfully launched multiple new accounts, building strong operational foundations and positioning each program for sustained, long-term success. Her attention to detail and consistent communication earned high praise from clients, while the lasting relationships she built with managers reflect the trust and credibility she brings to every engagement. During times of transition, Leola stepped in to support Downtown Austin, providing stability and continuity during a critical period and ensuring continued client confidence.

Most notably, Leola assumed leadership of Downtown Houston amid significant uncertainty, where an RFP process had already been initiated prior to her arrival. Through her professionalism, urgency, and steady leadership, she stabilized one of the company’s largest and most complex programs, ultimately helping retain the account and contributing to a $1 million increase in client investment. Beyond operations, Leola is deeply committed to developing others, building meaningful mentorship relationships that strengthen the organization’s leadership pipeline. Her ability to deliver results while investing in people exemplifies the qualities of a Horizons Award winner.

Angela Taylor

Angela Taylor has been a valued member of SMS Holdings since 2005, serving in a variety of roles throughout her tenure. Her experience spans operations, billing, HR services, and employment compliance, reflecting both her versatility and depth of knowledge. She currently serves as our Operations Manager & Billing Coordinator. Angela consistently demonstrates excellence and professionalism, making her a truly deserving candidate for this year’s Horizon Award. Over the past year, she has been an exceptional partner in supporting Block by Block’s regional growth, ensuring new accounts are set up accurately, billing adjustments are handled promptly, and inquiries are resolved with clarity and precision. Angela is highly responsive, dependable, and patient, approaching every request, no matter how detailed or time-consuming, with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset. Her attention to detail and commitment to service excellence have played a critical role in strengthening client relationships and supporting overall operational success.

Beyond her core responsibilities, Angela routinely goes above and beyond to support both her team and the broader organization. She steps in wherever needed, makes herself available after hours, and contributes to a collaborative, well-supported workplace environment. Whether assisting with complex billing needs or ensuring the Customer Support Center runs smoothly day-to-day, Angela’s reliability, professionalism, and team-first attitude make a meaningful impact. She is a trusted partner across departments and exemplifies the leadership and dedication the Horizon Award represents.

Gabriel Tapia

Gabriel Tapia joined Service Management Systems in 2020. He continually exemplifies exceptional leadership, especially throughout 2025, demonstrating what it truly means to lead with purpose and a “Whatever It Takes” mindset. He has taken full ownership of his operation, consistently delivering solutions, maintaining stability through growth, and exceeding rising expectations. Gabriel played a critical role in securing the UMCSN contract extension, strengthening client trust through reliable execution and a strong on-site partnership. His leadership has not only sustained operational standards but elevated them, earning continued praise from customer leadership.

In addition to his operational success, Gabriel led the seamless expansion of services into a new UMC office space and prepared his team to take over the East Charleston Clinic in early 2026. His ability to navigate these transitions with professionalism ensured uninterrupted service and stronger program performance. Perhaps the most telling of his impact is the recognition he received from UMC CEO Mason Van Houweling. Earning acknowledgment at that level is not accidental; it is the result of sustained excellence, integrity, and visible leadership. Gabriel leads with humility, accountability, and heart. He sets the tone for his team, reinforces the SMS culture daily, and consistently demonstrates what Facility Management should look like. His dedication to service, his pride in his operation, and his commitment to doing the right thing, even when it requires extra time and effort, make him exceptionally deserving of the Horizon Award.

Corina Sinea

Corina Sinea has established herself as a consistent high performer and a trusted leader within her district and broader market. She began her career at Wendy’s in 2002. As a role model, mentor, and innovator, she continuously elevates those around her while maintaining exceptional operational standards. Her restaurant is among the top performers in the market, leading in pick up window throughput with volumes exceeding 5,000 cars per week. Corina’s commitment to the customer experience is evident in her outstanding Voice of the Customer results, finishing the year with a 78% Overall Satisfaction rating and a 10% Zone of Defection score. Her focus on excellence extends to food safety, earning two audit scores of 98% and achieving recertification as a training store.

Beyond her own location, Corina plays a vital role in strengthening the district. She is widely regarded as the go-to resource for operational guidance, consistently supporting new rollouts and helping fellow managers adapt and succeed. Her willingness to share knowledge, paired with her humility and attention to detail, makes a lasting impact across the organization. Corina also demonstrates a strong commitment to community involvement, raising over $5,500 for the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption through Boo Books and Key Tag sales. Her leadership, dedication, and positive influence make her a highly deserving recipient of the SMS Holdings Horizons Award.

Block by Block

Nominees:

• Andrew Drzod
• Audrey Fussell
• Brian Perkins
• Cam Hurd
• Deiandra Cole
• Josh Felise
• Leola Maxey
• Marissa Wakefiled
• Sulley Silva

SMS Holdings

Nominees:

• Angela Taylor
• Barbara Cea
• Cheteka Pointer
• Jamie Miller
• Jessica Smith
• Ruth Dyke
• Sandra Premo
• Tabetha Rexford
• Tameka Stewart
• Taylor Harding

Service Management Systems
Total Maintenance Management

Nominees:

• Aaron Teves
• Gabriel Tapia
• Kelsey Alford

WTC Ventures

Nominees:

• Babita Lal
• Corina Sinea
• Gurprett Dhaliwal
• Harjinder Kaur
• Kevin Harkness
• Louis Brown
• Mandeep Brar
• Manpreet Kaur
• Michael Sneed
• Nitish Narang
• Patty Jensen