On October 5, 2010 Louis Betancourt stepped onto a plane for the first time in several decades and headed to Cincinnati along with Wiscraft President Jim Kerlin, Communication Center/HR Manager Joseph Leonard, and Assembly & Packaging Manager Mike Girard.  Louis’s hard work, dedication, and strong spirit earned him the title of Wiscraft Employee of the Year and each year employees from National Industries for the Blind (NIB) agencies are honored at this annual conference.  This year nearly 500 people were in attendance, in part, to honor the hard work of Employees of the Year like Louis.

While in Cincinnati, Louis and the other guests of honor were invited to participate in a variety of activities, including a riverboat tour, a tour of one of a fellow NIB agency, honorary breakfast, awards presentation, and finally a banquet dinner.

Louis’s trip was well deserved; after all, Louis not only does his own production work well, but also routinely helps others.  For example, Louis was recently assigned to work with another employee who is mentally disabled in addition to being blind.   He was patient, understanding and encouraging.  Louis and the other employee now work together at a very efficient level in this production area.  Louis helped the other employee achieve more than he could have without his help.

Louis was a dedicated husband to his wife for 40 years until she passed away suddenly about 3 years ago. Before coming to Wiscraft in 2006, Louis was an entrepreneur and business owner.  He and his wife had their own custodial business for about 7 years.  At one time he also had a car repair business until as he says, “cars all started coming with computers on them”.  He loves repairing cars on the side, but can’t afford to keep up with the technology and equipment to do it as a career.

For most of his life Louis has been an athletic person.  As a young man he was a respectable boxer, getting his Golden Gloves at the age of 18.  He has a gym complete with weights in his house.  Until about 50 years old he exercised several hours a day.  He still exercises regularly although a bit less vigorously due to a sore shoulder.

Until a few years ago Louis was an active volunteer for the Marina View Nursing Home.  He would assist with wheelchair bound and other elderly people when going to outings such as visits to the Zoo or Museum, as examples.  His physical strength made this a perfect volunteer opportunity for him when assisting people getting on and off buses, and getting around during these excursions.

It’s no surprise that Louis is a good employee, because he’s also a good person.  For these reasons, it is with great pride that Wiscraft calls Louis Betancourt our Employee of the Year.  Thank you for all the hard work Louis!