Vermont Maintenance Person of the Year: Tracy Johnson knows how to work smart

By TORY DENIS
[email protected]
SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — Tracy Johnson, site manager for The Maples Apartments in Springfield, was surprised on Thursday, Aug. 9 to learn that he had been chosen as the 2018 NH/ VT Best Maintenance Person of the Year for Elderly Housing. 

Johnson arrived at The Maples a few minutes before 11 a.m., expecting — as he had been told — an inspection of the facility. Instead, he walked into a circle of people waiting to congratulate him on the award bestowed by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in recognition of his service, care and dedication to the tenants at 201 South St. in Springfield. 

“I’m overwhelmed and surprised,” Johnson said upon receiving the award. He was also quick to praise the whole maintenance crew, especially after dealing with their second major flood incident in the past three years. He said the crew feels the same way he does — pride in their jobs, whether the task is large or small. 

“We’re here to help these people. This is their home,” Johnson said. 

Along with USDA Housing Director Seth Leonard and VT/NH Rural Development State Director Anthony Dinardos, who presented the award, the group included his friends, work crew, apartment residents, and a special surprise visit: his mother, his wife Lori, and his two sons and daughter with their families, including five grandsons. Some had traveled more than two hours to be present for the award. 

Also present were representatives from Vermont legislators, and Bill Morlock of the Springfield Housing Authority (SHA). 

In several award nominations, Johnson was described as “enthusiastic,” “dedicated,” “positive,” “accommodating,” and “goes above and beyond,” presenters said. 

Leonard said the agency tries to support the physical aspects – the sticks, the windows, the concrete, and the grounds of the facilities they manage — but that “it is the people who live here to turn it into a community.” He added that because the agency manages 83 properties in Vermont, it is no small feat to be chosen for the annual award. 

Representatives from Sen. Patrick Leahy’s and Sen. Bernie Sanders’ offices were present to offer congratulations. Sheila Reed, reading a letter from Sanders, shared the senator’s sentiments: “The residents of The Maples are indeed lucky to have you managing their housing complex.”

Morlock spoke about the time 18 years ago when he had to decide on who to hire as a maintenance person, and said that Johnson, a former produce manager, walked in — and Morlock thought, “What does he know about maintenance?”

“I soon found out that he could do many, many things,” Morlock said. He also described Johnson as smart, very considerate, a team player, and a good example of the staff as a whole. 

Morlock also mentioned that SHA had a “major disaster” two weeks ago during intense flooding in downtown Springfield, and that local crews, including Johnson and the staff, all got together and found housing for 72 people in under three hours. 

Others stepped forward to offer praise for Johnson. They included apartment residents, his wife — who said he will take a call at 5 a.m. from a contractor while on vacation to answer a work-related question — and his daughter, who said she has learned much from her dad. 

Dillon Seely of Ascutney said after the presentation that he has worked with Johnson for the past three years, since joining the maintenance crew right out of high school. He described Johnson as a good mentor.

“He showed me to work smarter, not harder,” Seely said. “He’s a good guy. A lot of people like him.”

Johnson was recognized with a plaque bearing his name in recognition of his dedication. He was also presented with a coffee mug. 

Each year, the USDA recognizes one site manager in Vermont who goes above and beyond to improve the quality of one of the properties supported by the agency. 

The agency’s mission is to improve the quality of life and help fund construction for multi-family properties, Leonard said.