It is an end of the year tradition that with careful consideration, George and Carson, Socket’s owners, choose a deserving employee to be named Socketeer of the Year. This year’s winner was chosen from the eleven employees who were monthly You Make the Difference award winners throughout 2019. This award goes to someone who represents Socket’s core values and beliefs and exemplifies everything there is to being one of Socket’s best employees.

The 2019 Socketeer of the Year is Russ Mulkey, Business Center Supervisor. According to his co-workers, Russ bleeds Socket purple and is always the go-to guy for fixing things in his department. He always makes sure the customer’s needs are put first, the qualities of a leading Socketeer. The Socketeer of the Year has the opportunity to go above and beyond on their Christmas wish list. Russ received a Smart HDTV, a Lenovo laptop, a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic guitar, and a trip to Maui, Hawaii. In the words of one of his co-workers, “I don't think it is possible to be a stronger customer advocate than Russ. The guy cares more about doing things right, than anyone I have known.”

The 2019 Socketeer of the Year runner up is Antoinette Gurley. Antoinette started working at Socket in October of 2017. Within her first 6 months of working here she joined the management team. “That road was a little rocky that first year. Had it not been for the support of my direct report, peers, and team, I would not have progressed through the year,” Antoinette says, “I alone cannot make the difference.”  Antoinette was thinking of others and asked for gifts for all of her team members because they all help make the difference. Each of her team members received a t-shirt and $50 cash, and Antoinette received a $5,000 down payment for a new car. Family means everything to Antoinette, and according to her coworkers, “She is always willing to help where needed. She has created a family atmosphere in her department”.