Oatey - Experts & Thought Leaders

Oatey Co., a pioneering manufacturer in the plumbing industry, proudly celebrates its 10th year of partnership with VeloSano, Cleveland Clinic’s global fundraising movement to end cancer. Since 2014, VeloSano has raised $95 million with 100% of every dollar raised going to support life-saving cancer research. In its milestone 10th year, Oatey raised a record $353,600 — its most impactful fundraising achievement yet — bringing total contributions to more than $1.7 million. The money raised by the company over the past decade has funded 13 cancer research projects at Cleveland Clinic. These research projects seek to drive advancements in understanding and treating cancer, and ultimately, achieve a world without this terrible disease. A Culture Built on Community and Purpose For the past ten years, Oatey has proudly championed the VeloSano movement and its flagship fundraising event, Bike to Cure weekend. Each year, Oatey associates — alongside their families, friends and business partners — rally in Downtown Cleveland for the ride, joining thousands of participants united by one mission: to advance cancer research and save lives. The event has become a cornerstone of Oatey’s culture, inspiring teamwork, community engagement and a shared sense of purpose. In recognition of its exceptional efforts and contributions, VeloSano honored Oatey with its prestigious “All In Award” in 2021. “From my very first ride ten years ago to today, being part of Team Oatey has been such an incredibly rewarding journey,” said Jaime Cleary, Oatey’s Manager of Environmental Health and Safety Services. “Each year, I’m amazed by how our team comes together with so much heart and dedication.” Cleary served as a Co-Captain of Team Oatey along with Cindy Greiner, Connie Pho and Meghan Smith. Team Oatey’s Record-Breaking Bike to Cure This year’s Bike to Cure weekend took place September 5–6, where more than 150 members of Team Oatey joined forces to ride, volunteer and fundraise. Riders covered distances of up to 100 miles, while others participated virtually or cheered from the sidelines at Oatey’s company-sponsored rest stop. In the months leading up to the event, Oatey built momentum through creative fundraising campaigns and rider incentives, giving associates meaningful ways to get involved and amplify their collective impact. How passionately the Oatey team “Having my children ride alongside me has made this experience especially meaningful,” added Cleary. “Together, my family has ridden nearly 450 miles in support of this cause. I’m grateful to work for a company that truly invests in efforts like this and empowers us to make a difference.” “I’m proud of how passionately the Oatey team rallies behind the VeloSano cause each year,” said Oatey CEO Neal Restivo. “Their dedication goes far beyond participation — it’s a reflection of who we are as a company: united by purpose and committed to making a difference. Seeing our associates give their time, energy and resources to such a meaningful cause truly reflects the values that define Oatey.”

Oatey Co. has been named a 2025 NorthCoast 99 award winner by ERC, the Employers Resource Council. The NorthCoast 99 award honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent. This is the 15th time that Oatey has received the prestigious NorthCoast 99 award. "Twenty-seven years ago, ERC launched the NorthCoast 99 awards program and event to help our region become a prime destination for companies and high-performing individuals," says Samantha Marx, ERC's Vice President of Strategic Projects, who oversees the NorthCoast 99 program. "Beyond being a sought-after accolade, this yearlong research initiative offers employers valuable insights and data into policies and practices that successfully attract and retain top talent." Rigorous application process NorthCoast 99 winners participated in a rigorous application process that asked for detailed information on how their organization addresses top-performer attraction, development, and retention in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee engagement and talent development; employee well-being; organizational strategy, policies, and benefits; talent attraction, acquisition, and onboarding; and total rewards. “I’m incredibly proud of our associates, whose dedication and collaboration make Oatey such a special place to work,” said Dalithia Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Oatey. “We don’t take this recognition for granted. It’s an honor to be included alongside so many respected organizations, and it reflects the passion and talent our people bring to Oatey every day.” Benchmark for excellence “Winning NorthCoast 99 is not easy,” says ERC President and CEO Kelly Keefe. “This group of 99 employers is constantly evolving, listening, and responding to the needs and desires of today’s talent. We commend the 2025 winners for setting a benchmark for excellence.”

Oatey Co., a major manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, proudly announces that Sheryl Sabin, Partner at Northeast Sales Associates, has been named the fourth annual recipient of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. This recognition underscores Sabin’s deep commitment to her customers, strong advocacy for the Oatey brand, and meaningful contributions to the plumbing industry throughout her 20-year career. Prioritizing customer satisfaction The award is named in memory of Bob Bender, a 42-year veteran sales leader at Oatey  The award is named in memory of Bob Bender, a 42-year veteran sales leader at Oatey whose larger-than-life personality, customer-first mindset, and passion for building lasting relationships left an enduring mark on the industry. It celebrates individuals who embody Bender’s spirit by prioritizing customer satisfaction, fostering trusted partnerships and demonstrating a commitment to the values upheld by Oatey. High achiever “When you work with Sheryl, you feel her passion right away,” said Tim Nichols, Oatey’s Director of Rough Plumbing Wholesale Sales in the Eastern region. He adds, “She is a high achiever who consistently goes above and beyond for her customers, always striving to deliver the best results. Sheryl motivates those around her to bring their best, and that impact is exactly what this award represents.”