“If the world takes something from us on the one hand, God will give us something on the other.”
St. Louise de Marillac
Listening with Care: Recognizing Employee Brian Kock
By Sebastian Isaacs, Communications intern
Driver Brian Kock has built meaningful relationships with many Sisters living on campus, extending his care far beyond his daily responsibilities.
For Sisters who ride with campus driver Brian Kock, it’s often the little things they remember most. Whether it’s checking that everyone gets where they need to go safely or remembering details from a conversation weeks earlier, Brian has built a reputation for being thoughtful and attentive in his work.
Those everyday qualities led to Brian’s nomination for a LeadingAge Ohio STARS Award, which he recently received for “the care and attention he shows in his role,” according to Director of Human Resources Fallon Lane-David, who submitted his nomination. “Brian’s kindness and dedication are recognized across campus. His positive attitude and warm personality help make every trip a pleasant experience.”
LeadingAge Ohio promotes these award nominations to “shine a well-deserved spotlight on frontline, non-management team members who make a difference every single day” and who “represent the heart of mission-driven aging services across Ohio.” Alongside recipients Lester Addis and Mary Thomas, Brian was recognized for the care and attentiveness he brings to his work and the relationships he has built with Sisters during his time on campus.
One of those Sisters is S. Monica Ann Lucas, who said she has especially enjoyed getting to know Brian during her rides over the past two years. While she expressed appreciation to the entire Transportation team for their efforts and reliability, she recalled several moments that reflect Brian’s thoughtful approach to his work.
Sports is one topic that S. Monica Ann and Brian enjoy discussing during their rides. On one particular trip, she mentioned that her father had been a Major League Baseball player, although she had never been able to find photos of him in uniform.
“I didn’t know much about him growing up,” she said. “But I told Brian he pitched for the New York Giants, I think they were. He was fascinated by it, and about three days later, I was at the Front Desk in the Motherhouse and here was Brian with a couple other drivers with pictures and a history of my father.”
S. Monica Ann Lucas is one of many Sisters of Charity who are grateful for employee Brian Kock and the kindness he shows to those he serves.
After their conversation, Brian searched for information about her father, Ray Lucas, who played for the New York Giants (now San Francisco Giants) and the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1929 to 1934. He found and printed photos of her father in uniform that she had never seen before and even located a baseball card from his time with the Giants.
“I was floored because I knew nothing about this time in my dad’s life,” S. Monica Ann said. “That really showed me how thoughtful he is. He listened to something I mentioned in passing and took the time to learn more about it.”
Although she has only known him for the past two years, S. Monica Ann said she and Brian can “get in the car and talk about anything.” She added that many other Sisters also enjoy traveling with him, especially on trips to Lake Lorelai.
“We always like him to go, because he takes the boat out,” she laughed.
Sisters enjoy having Brian along on those trips, where his easygoing presence helps make the outings enjoyable.
“He’s a good listener, and he remembers,” S. Monica Ann added. “There are days, and I’m sure this happens to others, that I’m not feeling the best, but he’s always there. His smile and graciousness really strike me because it seems so natural for him.”
“He makes the drive fun,” she continued. “I get out of the car and think, I feel better already.”
Driver Brian Kock was honored with a LeadingAge Ohio STARS Award alongside coworkers Lester Addis (left) and Mary Thomas (center) for representing the heart of the Sisters of Charity mission through their work.
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