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25th Annual Labor Appreciation Party

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Celebrating 25 Years of Dedication: Our Annual Labor Appreciation Party

At Universal Metro, we believe that our greatest strength lies in our people—the hardworking, skilled, and passionate individuals who bring excellence to every project, every day. That belief was on full display at this year’s 25th Annual Labor Appreciation Party, a milestone event that gave us the opportunity to honor and celebrate the incredible efforts of our commercial flooring installers.

Held under the warm Southern California sun, this special day brought together our installation teams, office staff, leadership, and valued partners for an unforgettable afternoon of gratitude, celebration, and connection. From the moment the grills were fired up, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the unmistakable sense of pride that comes from being part of something bigger than oneself.

As with every year, we kept the traditions alive—with delicious food, great music, and the kind of good-natured fun that reminds us all why this event has remained a highlight of our company calendar for a quarter of a century. From games and raffles to heartfelt conversations and shared stories, it was a chance to pause and appreciate the journey we’ve all taken together.

Thanks to the generous contributions of our vendor partners, we were also able to raffle off exciting prizes—a small token of appreciation for the big impact our labor teams make every day on job sites across the region. Their support helped elevate the day, and we are truly thankful for their continued partnership.

To every installer who has shown up day after day, year after year, delivering quality workmanship with professionalism and pride—thank you. Your commitment fuels Universal Metro’s success, and we are honored to celebrate you, not just at the annual labor appreciation party, but in everything we do.

Here’s to 25 years of appreciation—and many more to come!Labor Party 2

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people under pop-up canopy sitting at a large table with a green tablecloth

Giving back. Universal Metro team proudly displays donations

Giving Back: How Universal Metro Supports Students and Families in Santa Fe Springs

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At Universal Metro, giving back isn’t just something we do—it’s part of who we are. Whether we’re installing high-performance flooring or helping local families prepare for school and work, we believe in building strong foundations in every sense of the word.

That’s why we’re proud to support the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center right here in Santa Fe Springs. Through their donation programs, we’ve had the opportunity to give back to our local community in a meaningful and lasting way.

Giving Back Through School & Workforce Readiness Programs

Over the past few years, giving back through the Gus Velasco Center has become one of our favorite team traditions. These programs provide local students and job seekers with the essential tools they need to succeed—things like:

  • Backpacks and school supplies

  • Hygiene kits and professional clothing

  • Food, household items, and more

These items may seem simple, but they have a huge impact. For students, it’s about showing up to class with confidence. For working adults, it’s about having the dignity and resources to rejoin the workforce. Giving back in these ways helps our community move forward—and we’re honored to be part of that.

Giving Back Is a Team Effort

At Universal Metro, one of our core values is being an “ideal team player.” That means staying humble, hungry, and people-smart. When it comes to giving back, our whole team shows up—collecting, packing, and delivering supplies with care and pride.

What started as a seasonal donation drive has grown into something bigger. Giving back has become part of our company culture, and it brings our team closer together while making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors.

More Than a Flooring Company

To our partners in the commercial construction world, this is a glimpse of what we value—not just on the job site, but in our day-to-day work culture. Giving back is one of the many ways we try to lead with integrity and purpose.

And to job seekers exploring careers with us, this is who we are. We care about doing meaningful work and making a positive impact, whether we’re building high-end commercial spaces or lifting up the communities we serve in California, Nevada, and Arizona.

Thank You for Letting Us Give Back

We’re grateful to the City of Santa Fe Springs and the team at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center for creating spaces and programs that allow companies like ours to give back in powerful ways.

We look forward to continuing this tradition and finding new ways to support our neighbors—because at Universal Metro, giving back is how we build something that lasts.

Want to Learn More or Join In?

Visit Santa Fe Springs Community Services to learn about the Gus Velasco Center’s programs and how you can support local families, too.

 

Giving Back. Two ladies reveal the generous donation made by UMI staff to Santa Fe Springs
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UMI Staff come together to support Back to School supplies program for the City of Santa Fe Springs 1
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Back to School Welcome sign

Giving Back: Universal Metro Donates School Supplies to Support Santa Fe Springs Students

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

Giving Back Starts at Home: UMI Staff Rallies for Back-to-School Donation Drive in Santa Fe Springs

At Universal Metro, we believe generosity is a privilege—and this back-to-school season, our team came together to prove just that.

With hearts full of purpose, our staff in Santa Fe Springs joined forces to support the city’s annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, hosted by the Department of Services/Family and Human Services Division. What began as a small idea quickly turned into a company-wide effort led by Senior Project Coordinator Barbara Millette, who helped organize the drive and encourage participation throughout our office and warehouse teams.

Thanks to this incredible response, we collected an estimated eight full boxes of school supplies—everything from notebooks and pencils to backpacks and classroom essentials. Our Warehouse Lead, Luis, personally delivered the donations to the city’s drop-off center.

“We walked in with two dollies full and still had to go back for another load. Everyone did a double take—they were so grateful for our contribution,” shared Millette.

We were deeply honored to receive a heartfelt thank-you from the City and Mayor of Santa Fe Springs, who recognized our donation and spirit of giving.

Supporting the communities where we live and work has always been a cornerstone of Universal Metro’s culture. We’re proud to stand beside local organizations, schools, and charities that make a difference—especially when it helps students start their school year with the tools and confidence they need to succeed.

To our amazing team: thank you for showing that giving back isn’t just a value—it’s an action.school supplies pic

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UMI employees

2022 UMI Annual Labor Appreciation Party

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Friday afternoon we celebrated crews with our 2022 Annual Labor Appreciation Party. Our employees got together for some tacos and raffle prizes, along side a celebration for our company’s 40th anniversary. Thank you to everyone who came.

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Universal Metro Named one of the Places to Work LA Business Journal cover page

Universal Metro Named One of LA Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in 2022

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

Universal Metro Named as One of LA’s Best Places to Work in 2022

We are thrilled to announce that Universal Metro, Inc. has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Los Angeles for 2022 by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This prestigious recognition highlights our continued commitment to creating an outstanding work environment for our employees. We were honored to be recognized in the Best Small Business category—an achievement that reflects our focus on building a collaborative and empowering company culture.

Why This Award Matters

The Los Angeles Business Journal’s Best Places to Work recognition is one of the most coveted awards in the region. With over 250,000 businesses in Greater Los Angeles, this award is an extraordinary honor for any company. The selection process is highly competitive, involving a thorough assessment that includes both employee feedback and business practices. Employees were surveyed anonymously about their experiences, providing invaluable insight into what makes Universal Metro a great place to work.

Our Employees Make Us Exceptional

At Universal Metro, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. This recognition is a testament to the “Ideal Team Players” who shape our company’s success each day. Our employees are not just contributors—they are the heartbeat of Universal Metro. From project managers to installation experts, every team member plays a crucial role in maintaining our high standards of quality and service. It’s their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to excellence that make us stand out.

The rigorous nomination process involved a detailed employee survey, assessing everything from team dynamics to personal experiences at Universal Metro. This feedback helps us continuously improve our work environment and ensures that we provide the best possible experience for our team.

The Best Places to Work Awards

The awards ceremony, held in August, celebrated the top businesses that exemplify best practices in employee satisfaction and workplace culture. The results were featured in the August 15, 2022 edition of the Los Angeles Business Journal, showcasing the most exceptional workplaces across the region.

We are incredibly proud to be featured alongside other distinguished companies that share our dedication to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and innovative workplace.

Read more about the Best Small Companies to Work For in Los Angeles.

Universal Metro’s Core Values and Culture

Our values—Humble, Hungry, and Smart—are at the heart of everything we do. These principles guide how we work with each other and with our clients. By fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth, we ensure that everyone at Universal Metro has the opportunity to succeed. It’s this commitment to employee development that sets us apart in the competitive world of commercial flooring.

Our leadership team is deeply committed to supporting every individual and ensuring that we provide an environment where employees feel respected, valued, and motivated to excel.

Looking Toward the Future

This recognition is not just an award—it’s a reflection of our continued commitment to growth.  We remain focused on maintaining an outstanding workplace culture. Our employees are the key to our success, and we will continue to provide a work environment where they can thrive, innovate, and grow.

We’re excited to see what the future holds, and we’re committed to keeping Universal Metro a top workplace for years to come.

https://labusinessjournal.com/business-journal-events/the-best-small-companies-to-work-for-in-los-angeles/

Universal Metro Blog | Trends, Tips & News in Commercial Flooring

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