Picture this: it’s the early 1980s. A young woman drives to her first day of work, maybe a little nervous, the radio playing hits like “Jessie’s Girl,” “9 to 5,” and “Bette Davis Eyes.” Gas is $1.31 a gallon, and a stop at McDonald’s for a burger might cost less than 40 cents.
That young woman was Lori—and that first day at Aladdin Steel would mark the beginning of a remarkable career spanning decades.
From the moment she arrived, Lori made an impact. She began her journey in the Credit Department, where her attention to detail and strong work ethic quickly stood out. She served as Assistant Credit Manager for eight years before transitioning into a new challenge—sales.
In doing so, Lori became Aladdin Steel’s first female salesperson, paving the way for others to follow.
Even after moving into sales, Lori never truly left credit behind. She stepped in whenever needed, often balancing responsibilities across both departments. At times, she was essentially performing two full-time roles—supporting both credit and sales with unwavering commitment.
Lori is widely known as one of the most thorough Account Managers on the team. Her system? Notes—lots of them. Sticky notes, order notes, and even notes about notes. But behind that process is something even more important: care. Lori’s customers know they can trust her. They know she will go the extra mile—whether that means tracking down answers through countless emails or persistent follow-ups—because delivering the best possible experience isn’t just her job, it’s her standard.
That same loyalty extends far beyond her work. Lori is fiercely devoted to her family. She is a proud mother and an even prouder grandmother, and it shows in every story she shares. Whether it’s cheering on her grandchildren or spending time with loved ones, family has always been at the center of her world.
And Lori’s passions don’t stop there. She has a creative and nurturing side that many have come to admire—from raising butterflies (a fascinating and delicate process) to contributing her talents to projects like the tubing display in the memorial garden. Her fingerprints are quite literally part of the space around us.
Perhaps what will be missed most, however, is the way Lori treated everyone around her. She didn’t just work alongside her colleagues—she cared for them. To many, she was more than a coworker; she was a mentor, a supporter, and even a “work mom.” Her phrase “Aladdin Peeps” wasn’t just something she said—it was something she lived. She built relationships that made the workplace feel like home.
After an incredible career defined by dedication, resilience, and heart, Lori is now beginning a well-earned retirement. While her daily presence will be deeply missed, her impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
Thank you, Lori, for everything you’ve given to Aladdin Steel. Your legacy is one of excellence, loyalty, and genuine care—and it will not be forgotten.
We wish you nothing but happiness in this next chapter.