Karen Ridgway Retires To Spend Time With Family
When Karen Ridgway came to Gaines and Company in 2021 as a receptionist, no one knew the impact she would have on the organization over the next few years. Now that she is retiring from her Accounts Payable position, Gaines and Company wishes her the best, knowing they will miss her warm personality and reliability.
Karen entered the workforce when she was just 15 years old at Baskin-Robbins. Her career took several turns along the way – including working in Social Security, banking, medical technology, education, and accounting. She said Gaines, though, has been her favorite job.
“The people I work with at Gaines are so amazing,” said Karen. “We have a lot of work, but everyone works together because we know that what is good for the company is good for us.”
Eileen Dowling (left) and Karen Ridgway (right) share a laugh in front of a Gaines and Company mural, perfectly portraying the pleasure Gaines has had accepting Karen into the Gaines and Company family.
Karen’s coworkers have equally enjoyed working with her.
“Karen has been a gem to work with. She is extremely diligent in her job, and is a very kind, sweet, and wonderful person,” said Accountant and Karen’s manager, Eileen Dowling. “It is leaving a huge hole in my heart now that she is retiring.”
Karen’s role at Gaines included paying all bills for both the Maryland and North Carolina offices—this means organizing, tracking, and managing payment for over a thousand vendors.
“Karen is known as someone who you can count on to get work done without delay,” said Safety Director Dominic Pope. “She has been an instrumental part of our organization and is definitely going to be missed.”
“It has been a pleasure working with Karen,” added Vice President David Gaines. “She is a truly genuine person, and I wish her nothing but joy in her retirement.”
Karen already has a list of plans for her retirement, including spending time with family and immersing herself in volunteer work. She hopes to share her gift of crocheting with others by making hats and blankets for babies and women in shelters.
“It has been a blessing to work at Gaines,” said Karen. “It is a great company, and they treat their employees so well. I’ve really appreciated every day here!”
The entire Gaines and Company family congratulates Karen on a well-deserved retirement and hopes it is filled with love, joy, family, and friendship.
Gaines and Company is a full-service grading and excavation company with offices in Maryland and North Carolina. The organization has 70 years of experience in underground utilities, grading and excavating, sediment and erosion controls, and road work. Gaines and Company delivers safe, reliable, turnkey site development services in Maryland, North Carolina, Washington D.C., and Delaware on time and within budget.
