George Axtell – Passion Award Winner, Nebraska
With over 21 years at Malnove, George Axtell has proven to be a dedicated and passionate team member. Working independently on 3rd shift, George consistently goes above and beyond in managing and organizing all scrap and baling activities at the Nebraska plant. His attention to detail and commitment to doing things the right way—especially when it comes to separating scrap—have made a lasting impact on operations.
This year, George’s peers recognized his efforts with a nomination that praised the pride he takes in his role. His enthusiasm for his work and for Malnove shines through in every interaction.
Outside of work, George is a former bodybuilder who now enjoys painting cars and relaxing in the sunshine. He’s a proud father of two. One of George’s favorite memories is from early in his career, when he met Paul Malnove on the production floor and approached him to offer help. That moment reflects the helpful, can-do spirit George continues to bring to the team every day. Whether it’s tackling new challenges or supporting his coworkers, George leads with pride, integrity, and heart.
Carmen Bermudes – Passion Award Winner, Florida
Carmen joined the Malnove team in August 2023 as the Quality Manager in our Jacksonville plant, and from day one, her presence was felt. Whether it was stepping up to cover Shipping Manager responsibilities during a transitional period or leading the site through a successful unannounced audit with only one finding, Carmen has consistently gone above and beyond. Carmen is a force in safety, quality, and waste reduction—and just as importantly, she brings people along with her. As one colleague said: “It’s not fear, it’s respect.”
That respect is rooted in Carmen’s commitment to her work and her people. She describes passion as “giving your best—even on the days you feel like you can’t. It’s about showing up with energy, learning from every experience, and always trying to make things a little better than they were before.” That mindset shines through in every corner of the plant.
Outside of work, Carmen is just as passionate and adventurous. She enjoys beach days with her black lab, Miles; stargazing and astronomy; kayaking in Silver Springs with manatees, gators, and yes—even monkeys!; practicing gun marksmanship; and grappling on the mats in Jiu-Jitsu.
As we celebrate Carmen’s achievements, we’re reminded of what passion truly looks like in action. She leads with accountability, lifts those around her, and pushes Malnove forward every day. She summed it up best herself: “Malnove is my second family. From day one, I felt welcomed and supported—and that’s something I’ll never forget.”
Mai Lee – Passion Award Winner, Utah
Mai Lee brings energy, dedication, and a can-do spirit to everything she does. Known for her attention to detail and unwavering commitment to quality, Mai consistently goes above and beyond to ensure customers receive only the best product. Whether she’s sorting through defective loads or jumping in to support a teammate, Mai shows up each day ready to help wherever she’s needed, always with a positive attitude and a willingness to serve.
Her teammates know they can count on her to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed. Her work ethic is matched only by her deep care for those around her, making her a shining example of what passion looks like in action.
To Mai, passion means more than loving the job—it’s about people. “I love working with many people and teams,” she shared. “My passion is helping others make their job easier and supporting them in any way I can.”
One of Mai’s favorite memories at Malnove is a piece of encouragement that’s stuck with her. “When I first started, Derk Sawley told me to not give up and to just keep going. I have remembered that many times since I started working here,” she said. That drive and persistence have become the foundation of how she approaches each day.
With her heart for others, love of teamwork, and relentless commitment to doing her best, Mai truly embodies the spirit of the Passion Award. Her dedication uplifts her team and reminds us all of the power of showing up with purpose.
Jose Vazquez Ramirez – Pride Award Winner, Nebraska
This year’s PRIDE Award winner for Nebraska is Jose Vazquez Ramirez, a dedicated team member who has shown unwavering pride in his work over nearly 26 years at Malnove. Starting on the Gravure and now working in Die Cutting, Jose has grown into a trusted expert, often sought out for his knowledge and steady presence. He regularly welcomes customers and visitors to his press with professionalism and warmth, all while embracing new challenges head-on.
Jose not only gives his best every day but is also deeply committed to the success of those around him. He actively trains and supports newer team members, a commitment rooted in gratitude for those who helped him early in his career. That spirit of mentorship and teamwork continues to define him.
Outside of work, Jose and his wife, Maria, enjoy spending time with their daughter, sharing good food, music, and dancing. When asked what pride means to him, Jose simply said, “Being able to help others and help out the new people.” His teammates clearly see that in action. In their nominations, they highlighted his reliability, trustworthiness, and the thoughtful way he interacts with everyone who steps up to his press. Jose truly embodies the values of Malnove and we’re proud to celebrate him.
Jose Rodriguez Jr. – Pride Award Winner, Florida
Jose Rodriguez, Jr.’s path with Malnove began three years ago, where he started as a Finishing Operator. His strong work ethic, positive energy, and unwavering support of his teammates all set him apart. Jose doesn’t just show up to work, he shows up with purpose, determination, and heart. The dedication and pride Jose demonstrates every day recently resulted in Jose being promoted to Finishing Department Lead, a role in which he continues to thrive and uplift those around him.
When asked what he enjoys doing for fun, Jose humbly responded, “Nothing really—I like to work.” It’s a simple answer, but one that speaks volumes about his dedication. When he talks about what he loves most about working at Malnove, his enthusiasm shines through: “When I walk into Malnove and see robots, brand new machines, and top-of-the-line equipment, I can’t help but feel happy to be here. I love that Malnove keeps reinvesting into the company and its people. Malnove is truly the gold standard of independent folding carton companies.”
According to Jose, “To me, pride means showing up every day and doing the best I can, pushing to exceed expectations, and raising the bar whenever possible.” Jose embodies these words. He has consistently demonstrated pride and ownership in everything he does. He encourages those around him, helps without being asked, and sets a standard we can all strive to match.
It’s also worth noting that Jose is the second member of his family to receive a We Are Malnove award—his father, Jose Rodriguez Sr., was also honored in years past. Clearly, excellence runs deep in the Rodriguez family.
Tyler James – Pride Award Winner, Utah
In just over two years at Malnove, Tyler James has stood out as a dependable, principled, and relationship-driven team member. Known for his honesty, transparency, and reliability, Tyler consistently earns the trust of his colleagues, customers, and suppliers alike. He holds himself to a high standard, honoring every commitment with professionalism and integrity. Whether working cross-functionally or managing day-to-day tasks, Tyler brings a level of care and accountability that makes a lasting impression.
Tyler embraces diversity and individuality, fostering an environment where everyone feels supported and respected. He doesn’t just show respect, he works actively to earn it in return, creating strong and inclusive connections with those around him.
To Tyler, pride means giving your all, every single day. “Pride means leaving it all on the field every day and taking full ownership of my responsibilities,” he shared. “It’s about fostering strong internal and external relationships by treating everyone with respect and dignity.”
One of Tyler’s favorite memories at Malnove comes from his very first day on the plant floor. “I’ve always loved watching equipment in action, and even now—2.5 years into my career in packaging—I still find myself stopping to admire a press running at full speed,” he said. That sense of curiosity and appreciation for the craft continues to fuel his passion for the industry.
Tyler’s commitment, integrity, and team-focused mindset make him a deserving recipient of this year’s Pride Award. He leads by example and takes pride in every aspect of his work, both on and off the plant floor.
Blanca Lopez Galvez – Family Award Winner, Nebraska
Blanca Lopez Galvez joined the Malnove Finishing team nearly eight years ago, inspired by her brother Omar, a Printing associate and former We Are Malnove winner. Since then, Blanca has steadily grown into a respected and valued team member, consistently stepping up to support her department and those around her.
Over the past year, Blanca has embraced new challenges with determination, learning to operate the stand-up forklift and working alongside the palletizing robots—efforts that stood out in her nominations. No matter where she’s assigned, her peers recognize her strong work ethic, her willingness to coach others, and her genuine care for her teammates.
Blanca’s passion for cooking is well known on the floor, with one teammate even commenting that it feels like she feeds everyone at break time. That same generous spirit carries into everything she does.
Winning the Family Award holds special meaning for Blanca. She approaches each day with kindness, a respectful attitude, and a ready smile, always looking for ways to help. Events like the summer picnic are a highlight for her, as they give her a chance to bring together the two families that mean the most: the one at home and the one at work.
Olawale Samuel Wilson – Family Award Winner, Florida
Sam has been a part of the Malnove team since March 2018, serving as a skilled and highly respected sheeting operator. In that time, he’s not only become one of the best in the company—winning multiple sheet count challenges without ever compromising on quality—but he’s also proven to be a generous teammate, always ready to help train new operators and support his coworkers.
Sam’s impact goes far beyond numbers and performance metrics, though. When we talk about “Family Values” at Malnove, we mean loyalty, commitment, compassion, and unwavering support. These aren’t just words; they’re values that are lived, day in and day out. And Sam lives them fully.
Whether it’s offering a helping hand to someone overwhelmed, lending a listening ear, or simply showing consistent respect and kindness to everyone he meets, Sam leads with heart.
He brings to work the same patience, dedication, and care you’d find around a family dinner table. And it’s no wonder, as family is central to Sam’s life. He is a proud father to two children: 12-year-old Fortune and 3-year-old Michelle. When he’s not working, Sam enjoys cooking, playing soccer, singing karaoke, and shooting pool. In everything he does, there’s a clear sense of joy, focus, and pride.
When asked what family means to him, Sam shared: “Family means creating a culture of trust, support, and unity. It’s about communicating openly and working through challenges together. It’s about building strong relationships where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to grow.”
That same philosophy is felt by everyone who works alongside him. Sam shows us every day what it means to lead with heart, to lift others up, and to make our Malnove Family stronger.
Cody Carson – Family Award Winner, Utah
Cody Carson has become a cornerstone of Malnove’s off-shift operations, keeping departments running smoothly and ensuring daily success across the board. Over the past year, Cody has played a critical role in supporting scheduling and stepping in wherever needed, earning a reputation as the go-to expert. His peers recognize him as someone who not only knows his craft inside and out but also approaches every task with a commitment to excellence and a drive to “find a way.”
Cody’s approach to work reflects his deep belief in the value of Family. “To me, family means caring about the success of those around you, not just your own,” Cody shared. “From the beginning, I was taught that every action I take should be made with the whole team in mind.” This mindset continues to guide Cody as he supports his coworkers and helps keep operations strong.
One of Cody’s favorite memories at Malnove highlights the connections that make the company feel like home. After hearing that Paul Malnove was visiting the building, Cody stopped by to say hello, just like he used to during visits in Utah. “When I knocked on the door, Paul looked up and his eyes lit up as he invited me in,” Cody recalled. Paul introduced him to Kathy as one of the “Utah originals” who keeps things running—a moment that reminded Cody of the shared history and pride within the Malnove family.
With his expertise, humility, and team-first mindset, Cody is a true embodiment of the Family value and a well-deserving recipient of this year’s Family Award.
Bill Rankin – Service Award Winner, Nebraska
With an incredible 41-year career at Malnove, Bill Rankin, Cost Manager, truly exemplifies the value of SERVICE. A respected expert across many areas of the business, Bill is a trusted source of knowledge and support for team members throughout the organization. Whether he’s leading cost accounting activities or throwing on a vest to help with inventory control in the warehouse, Bill is known for being reliable, approachable, and always solution-focused.
Bill leads with a quiet dedication and always puts Malnove’s best interests first. His peers recognize and admire his commitment, as shown in their nominations: “He is always inspiring me to be a better asset to our company and to go above and beyond what is expected,” and “Bill has more pride in his work than anyone I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.”
Outside of work, Bill enjoys running, playing tennis, and watching baseball and softball. He and his wife, Carol, share a close-knit family with three children and three grandchildren.
Looking back on his time at Malnove, Bill fondly recalls working closely with Paul Malnove and building lasting friendships across the company. When asked what service means to him, Bill humbly replied, “Service is contributing to the success and satisfaction of anyone at Malnove requesting my assistance.”
Bill’s dedication, humility, and willingness to always lend a hand make him a shining example of what service at Malnove truly means.
Kristina O’Neill – Service Award Winner, Florida
This year’s Service Award winner, Kristina O’Neill, joined Malnove just three years ago, stepping into the role of Sr. Financial Analyst – Supply Chain. From day one, literally, the day of her interview, she made it clear she was here to serve. What started with a single conversation quickly became a pivotal addition to our Supply Chain team. With a sharp mind, a servant’s heart, and a commitment to excellence, Kristina has made an undeniable impact across the company.
When she’s not making spreadsheets sing or solving supply chain puzzles, Kristina is a proud mom of seven. Her life is full and fast-paced, but she still finds time to unwind through gardening, DIY home projects, and Jeep club adventures (even if her HOA doesn’t always approve…).
Kristina’s understanding of service runs deep. In her own words: “To me, service is a dedication to integrity and selflessness — consistently prioritizing the needs of customers, coworkers, and the company. It’s about providing quality and support with a positive mindset, being dependable in every interaction, and working with intention to create lasting and meaningful value for those around me.”
It’s this mindset that’s shaped her journey at Malnove. Whether she’s helping set up a charity event at our Annual Business Meeting, coordinating hurricane relief through her Jeep club, or staying late on a Friday to support a massive Salesforce project, Kristina serves with intention, heart, and hustle. Kristina is more than just an outstanding analyst. She is a cornerstone of her team, a leader through service, and a shining example of what it means to live the Malnove values. Her dedication uplifts the people around her and pushes our company toward continuous improvement.
Cecilia Owens – Service Award Winner, Utah
Cecilia Owens is the definition of dependable and driven. A key member of the finishing team, Cecilia brings consistency, quality, and dedication to every shift. Whether she’s feeding, catching, flatpacking, or banding, she ensures each task is done with care and precision. Even with a second job, she shows up every day ready to give 100%, often working overtime and even stepping in to support other areas like the packsize machine. Her work ethic and positive attitude have not gone unnoticed.
Cecilia’s commitment to service runs deep. “To me, service means showing dedication, being dependable, and striving to meet or exceed expectations,” she said. “I listen actively to understand what others need and how to support them.” That mindset is what makes her such a valuable teammate and a respected part of the Malnove family.
One of Cecilia’s favorite memories is learning she had won the We Are Malnove Award. “I was so excited when I was told I’d be receiving the award—it meant a lot to be recognized,” she shared.
Hardworking, humble, and always willing to go the extra mile, Cecilia embodies the true spirit of Service. Her dedication and willingness to support others make her a standout recipient of this year’s Service Award.
