Back

ROOTS MVP OF THE MONTH
The leather factory is the source of considerable pride at Roots. Here’s one of several good reasons why.
June 2005

If, as the saying goes, behind every successful person, there’s a mate standing in the shadows, then it’s fair to say that behind every successful factory, there’s a support team playing a critical role.

That’s certainly the case with the Roots state-of-the-art leather goods factory and a small group of women behind the scenes. Without them the production of Roots leather products would not happen. Although little known in the company, these women play such a vital role that for the first time we’ve selected a group as this month’s MVP.

It is a distinguished team: (presented in the order of how long they’ve been at Roots) Rosa Goncalves, Guida Pitta, Nadeen Peca and Dorothy Krol. The Kowalewski brothers – Richard, Henry, and Karl -- who’ve been running the factory since the founding of Roots in 1973, are the first to pay tribute to this month’s MVPs.

“These four women are an essential part of the heart and soul of the factory,” says Richard. “They have the same passion that Michael and Don and my brothers and I have for this place. They all love creating first-class products in leather and their passion is felt by everybody in the factory. They share our feeling that when we’re making a leather product, we’re doing more than just making another item but rather continuing the Roots tradition of quality, integrity and pride in what we do.”

Rosa Concalves, Executive Assistant, Plant Operations, is the most senior of the MVP group. Since joining Roots in 1984, she has worked in numerous positions. Today, as Richard’s right arm, she’s closely involved in the purchasing of all components used in the factory; coordinates wholesale and business-to-business orders; and serves as the liaison between factory employees and management.

“Roots is a special place to work,” says Rosa, 38, who was born in Portugal and moved with her family to Canada when she was 9 years old. “It’s not because of this award that I say that I like working for Michael and Don and of course the Kowalewskis. These are really good guys. When you work at a place for 21 years you know what your bosses are all about. They’re kind people. That’s part of the reason I’m so proud to work at Roots.”

Guida Pitta works as Digitizer at the factory. She was hired by Richard in 1991 as an embroidery machine operator when Roots began its own embroidery department.

In 1996, when Roots decided to buy a special computer system to digitize artwork of logos to embroider them, Guida learned the process and took on the new position.

Embroidery has been her specialty since she worked at Chenille Crest in Toronto in the late 1980s.

Guida seems to thrive in the Roots environment. “I like that it’s always active,” says Guida, 33, who was born in Portugal and moved to Canada 17 years ago. “There’s a great sense of teamwork here. I have great respect for the Kowalewskis and I know that behind them are Michael and Don. They are the greatest people to work for and I mean that.”

Nadeen Peca is Product Development Assistant, working closely with Karl Kowalewski in researching and designing new leather goods. She develops handbag patterns; runs samples for bags, jackets, and shoes to prepare for production; outsources the hardware; and helps oversee details of leather products from beginning to end.

Like the other three MVPs, Nadeen responds well to the challenges of her work. “Invariably, everything is right now,” says Nadeen, 30, who was born in Mississauga to parents who immigrated to Canada from Italy in the 1950s. “I actually enjoy the chaos and action of our work. Everything is always moving forward. I think it makes for a better attitude and better result.”

Hired by Karl shortly after she graduated in Fashion Design from Ryerson in 1997, Nadeen says the human factor is the most gratifying in her work. “We all work so closely and get along so well,” adds Nadeen. “There’s a great exchange of communication and the passion of Michael and Don for the leather factory keeps us even more motivated.”

Dorothy Krol is the Leather Production Data Base Administrator. A technical whiz with a strong background in computers, Dorothy organizes and enters into computer programs all the information from master sheets on each product, orders from buyers and the wholesale department and special orders. She also prepares production sheets for people on the factory floor for the actual making of the products. In addition, she’s responsible for the factory’s computer system.

“Even though I was very shy when I started at Roots, people here have always been extremely helpful and friendly,” says Dorothy, 40, who began working at Roots in 1998 eight years after moving to Canada from Poland. “The attitude of each person made it easier for me. I’ve always felt proud to work at Roots because it’s so well known and respected.”

Together these four MVPs constitute a formidable work force at the factory. They share an exemplary passion, dedication and level of skill in everything they do at Roots. Without them, the factory – and by extension – Roots would be a different place.

“The work of these four lovely young ladies is an integral part of why the factory is so linked to the essence of Roots,” says Michael Budman, Roots Co-Founder. “They reflect the tradition, quality, respect and integrity of this state-of-the-art facility. First opened in 1973, it continues to evolve, reinventing itself to adapt to the ever-changing lifestyles we live in. This month’s MVPs are so much part of the factory’s success.”

Back