The Magnet Group (PPAI 338534) has named Curtis Grotting, the Washington, Missouri-based suppliers’ vice president of logistics and an 11-year veteran of the company, as the winner of its inaugural Fran Ford Award. The award is named after Francis “Fran” Ford, Jr., CAS, president of supplier Castelli, a division of Magnet, LLC, and 2015 PPAI Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away in 2018.

The Magnet Group describes the Fran Ford Award as the highest honor it bestows on its employees. It is given to the employee who embodies the characteristics that defined Ford. An eligible candidate must possess the qualities of kindness and generosity, offering friendship and mentorship to others, and have participated in a volunteer capacity either inside or outside the industry during the calendar year of their nomination.

In announcing Grotting as the inaugural recipient of the award, the company said in a statement, “Curtis was nominated by his peers and truly epitomizes the characteristics that embody this award. He is kind, generous, a great friend, mentor and a passionate volunteer. In addition to all of these, he has done an amazing job going above and beyond for The Magnet Group and we look forward to his continued successes.”