When you spend a lot of time thinking about what makes a person or company deserving of special recognition, as we often do here at Zoomba Group, it is impossible not to think about the common attributes shared by FE&S award winners.

Certainly, there are more than a few: commitment, hard work, dedication, intelligence, focus and cooperation all merit mention. For me, though, the single characteristic that stands above all others is empathy.

The ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes is an essential part of establishing a mutually beneficial relationship in business and the degree to which some can do this successfully becomes a key element of their own success.

FE&S 2025 Hall of Fame Award Winner Lenny Condenzio, highlighted in our April issue, epitomizes this virtue. To hear the people who work with Lenny — colleagues and clients alike — describe him is to understand the extent to which Lenny has dedicated his life to working with others on their terms.

Similarly, when you dive into this issue’s feature story on the recipient of the 2025 FE&S Dealer of the Year award (page 22), you will find the story of Bargreen Ellingson’s dedication to discovering a client’s needs and providing value on the customer’s terms.

The leaders of Bargreen Ellingson, David and Eric Ellingson, have taken the company motto, “serving those who serve others,” quite literally and made sure the company culture reflects this ideal.

People and companies who stand the test of time are able to see beyond the immediate gratification of self-interest and focus instead on the larger picture of shared success. I have found that great leaders lead with a good measure of empathy.

All the best,
Maureen