Employee Spotlight! Ramon Hernandez

Abt is excited to be celebrating the holiday season, and you can tell just by looking around once you step inside. Our Atrium and fountain are decked with holiday decor, including snow-covered evergreens, polar bears, penguins and poinsettias. And did we mention Santa is coming shop for the gifts you need inside. You'll find more decor outside, too, like with our holiday delivery truck! That's why we're highlighting Ramon Hernandez, one of our drivers, for December's Employee Spotlight.

Along with his partner Adael, he brings the holiday decor we love at Abt on the road with our special gift-wrapped truck. You may have seen it on the road (or if you're lucky, your latest appliances may have been "gift-wrapped" in this Abt truck!) Ramon has been bringing the cheer all around town for a long time long before he's had a truck wrapped in ribbon. Learn more about Ramon below!

Ramon started here at Abt in 1997 in the warehouse. Before that, he had been working in Winnetka at The Grand Food Center. While he was stocking the shelves at The Grand, a member of the Abt family offered him a job. "I immediately said yes. I began at the warehouse, then moved to trucks". After just a few months in the warehouse, Ramon became a driver and was quickly delivering and installing appliances in homes.  

Our Employee Spotlight helps people all across Chicagoland and has gone as far as Michigan and Indiana to upgrade their homes with the latest appliances and electronics. And with over 25 years of experience under his belt, Ramon knows what he's doing and enjoys going all over the map. "I love going to different places every day. It's a different routine, and we shift partners every few months." But one thing that keeps him grounded is that he's not alone here at Abt. Ramon has several family members who work here too! Dave, Julio, Julio Jr., Ramon & Marlon are all here, making every day a family affair.

When we asked Ramon what his favorite memory was from his 27-year career at Abt, he had a hard time pinning down one specific moment. But he knew his favorite experiences could all be tied back to one man: Bob Abt. "I will always remember Mr. Abt. He was such a wonderful and caring person. The way he treated employees was amazing."

Mr. Abt brought cheer and happiness to his employees (including his sons, the current co-presidents). And Ramon has been inspired to do the same by spreading happiness with the holiday truck. "It's the best time of the year. It's great to see families, and people are so excited when the truck pulls up. It makes me happy."

To keep the holiday spirit going, we asked Ramon what he loved about working at Abt. "I feel like I'm really part of the family tree, and I'm grateful to be working here at Abt. The entire family is great, and I'm grateful for the opportunity they gave me so long ago. I've made so many new family members and friendships here." And with Christmas getting closer, Abt is kicking it into high gear to make sure customers get their gifts. If you see Ramon, Adael or any of our other drivers, give them a wave, say thank you or wish them well this holiday season! With their help, everyone will get their gifts on time. Our Employee Spotlight is one of Santa's top helpers, along with the rest of the Abt fleet. If you're still shopping, you can still find the gifts you need. Explore our gift guides here and you'll find something for everyone on your list.