CSM Group names 2020 Walt East: Excellence in Customer Service award recipients

CSM Group is proud to announce that David Dahlquist, HCC, STSC, senior project manager, Becky Wolthuis, PHR, SHRM-CP, HR manager, and Suzanne Motter, vice president at SPARK Business Works, have received the 2020 Walt East: Excellence in Customer Service Award. The award was presented at the company’s virtual holiday party last month. 

The Walt East: Excellence in Customer Service Award is one of CSM Group’s most prestigious awards and one that was created from the spirit of a CSM Group teammate.

Long before CSM adopted the tagline of “Building Owners’ Trust,” Walt East was doing just that. His relentless commitment to his clients and pride in his work impressed everyone who met him. Walt’s unique ability to build lasting relationships with clients and co-workers made him a person that everyone wanted to work with. In honor of that, the Walt East award is presented annually to someone who provides the best service – both internally and externally – daily.

Dahlquist has been with CSM Group since January 2014 and utilizes his experience managing complex projects to lead projects within the healthcare and commercial markets. Most recently, Dahlquist led the construction of Ransom District Library in Plainwell, Michigan, a 20,000-square-foot facility that reflects a natural, modern aesthetic with updated systems and facilities. As a senior project manager, he provides leadership, direction, and oversight during all phases of construction and aids and assists other CSM Group project and construction managers in all facets of construction, safety, and CSM Group procedures.

"Dave is always there to answer any question and guide other CSM employees to be the best project managers they can be. His 'never impossible' attitude not only keeps the stress off his team but also helps the owner achieve the vision they want. He treats the trades like his best friend no matter who they are. Overall, he cares about everyone at CSM, the trades, and the client. There is no one who deserves this award more."

Wolthuis is an integral part of CSM Group's human resources department, and is experienced in succession planning, employee retention, recruiting and hiring, employee development, and benefits administration. She has also earned professional certifications, including HR Certification Institute Professional in Human Resources and Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional. She has led the establishment of many resource functions while continuously fostering an engaging environment to empower employees to be successful.

"When you think excellence in customer service, Becky is the first to come to mind. She is always available and such a caring person who helps anyone. She goes above and beyond constantly for her teammates and the overall company. CSM would not be the same without her."

Driven by her desire to help her clients achieve operational success, Motter has quickly become a leader for SPARK Business Works, a sister brand to CSM Group that builds custom websites, mobile apps, and dashboards to make businesses better. As the company’s vice president and director of operations, she assists the entire team in better project management, financial controls, processes, and other general business functions. As a data-driven individual with a background in information systems, Suzanne has a skillful way of helping clients navigate challenging situations and make decisions based on the needs of their business.

"I started at SPARK right at the beginning of the pandemic and she has done above and beyond to make sure myself and all new hires after me are taken care of. She has an amazing heart and really wants her team to feel included. She is so knowledgeable about so many industries and does not hold back when sharing that knowledge. I know I haven't known her that long, but I can honestly say she is the most empowering leader I have ever had in my career. She is passionate about the difference that SPARK is making and wants us all to be a part of it."