Oatey Co. Presents Rick Portt, Owner of New Century Sales, with Bob Bender Legacy Award
May 07 2024 - 10:30AM
Business Wire
The award is given to a manufacturer’s
representative who exemplifies the legacy and winning spirit of the
late Bob Bender, a trailblazing member of the Oatey sales
organization for more than 40 years.
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since
1916, proudly announces Rick Portt, owner of New Century Sales, as
the third annual winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. This
recognition highlights Portt's exceptional dedication to his
customers, unwavering commitment to the Oatey brand, and
outstanding contributions to the plumbing industry.
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Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the
plumbing industry since 1916, proudly announces Rick Portt, owner
of New Century Sales, as the third annual winner of the Bob Bender
Legacy Award. (Photo: Oatey)
The award is named in honor of the late Bob Bender, a 42-year
veteran sales leader at Oatey, known for his larger-than-life
personality, customer-centric approach, and passion for building
enduring relationships. The award celebrates individuals who embody
Bender's spirit by prioritizing customer satisfaction, fostering
strong connections, and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the
values upheld by Oatey Co.
“Rick Portt exemplifies the essence of the Bob Bender Legacy
Award. His unwavering dedication to his customers, combined with
his commitment to the Oatey brand, makes him a truly deserving
recipient,” says Christen Allen, Director of National Sales – Rough
Plumbing at Oatey Co. “Rick's genuine passion for his work and his
relentless pursuit of excellence serve as a shining example for the
entire industry.”
Founded in 1997, New Century Sales has been a cornerstone in the
plumbing industry for over three decades. Under Portt's leadership,
the company has continuously upheld the highest standards of
professionalism, integrity, and customer service. Portt's enduring
commitment to Oatey Co. is reflected in his steadfast advocacy for
the brand, his relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction, and his
unwavering support of the plumbing community.
Portt’s dedication to his craft is underscored by his adherence
to three guiding principles: build relationships, secure orders,
and the motto “have fun; it’s just plumbing.” These principles have
been instrumental in shaping his approach to business and have
earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and customers
alike.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Portt was
presented with the Bob Bender Legacy Award at a ceremony held in
Detroit, Michigan. Surrounded by colleagues, customers, and members
of the Oatey team, Portt graciously accepted the award, thanking
those who have supported him throughout his career.
"I consider myself fortunate to have worked alongside Bob for
many years,” says Portt. “The first time I had the opportunity to
interact with him was during a competition he had organized called
‘Create A Vacation.’ At that time, I was new to Reliant Sales and
halfway through the contest, Bob took the time to reach out to me
because we had never met.”
“His thoughtfulness and support motivated me to work even
harder, and I ended up winning the contest,” he explains. “Bob's
commitment to Oatey and everyone he worked with was truly
inspiring. Whenever Bob's name is mentioned, it is always
accompanied by a smile and a fond memory. It is indeed an honor for
me to have my name associated with Bob's legacy."
Portt’s name was added to the Bob Bender Legacy Cup, which
commemorates the list of winners, alongside Chase Freeman of Spirit
Group, who won the inaugural award in 2022, and Skipper Joyce,
founder of The Joyce Agency and winner of the second annual award
in 2023.
ABOUT OATEY CO.
Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products
for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a
commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving
lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and
distribution network to supply thousands of products for
professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself
consumers around the world.
Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the
United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information,
visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.
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John O’Reilly Madelyn Young Greenhouse Digital + PR
john@greenhousedigitalpr.com madelyn@greenhousedigitalpr.com
708.428.6385