Business
Many companies are designed with values and virtues in mind. Fibrebond, a leader in the manufacturing of mission critical structures, is no different, considering itself built on a firm basis of Christian faith. It’s embedded into the company’s and the city of Minden, Lousiana's culture, and actually had a significant influence on the founding of the company. To discuss how Fibrebond’s foundation of faith shapes the company, Durwin Adams, manufacturing supervisor and onsite chaplain, breaks down the company's decision to bring a chaplaincy program to their employees. Adams is also the senior pastor at Faith Memorial Baptist Church in Gibsland, Louisiana. “The founder of the company, Claud Walker, was led by the Lord to start the company and bring this business to the community of Minden. His Christian faith was a guiding principle in starting Fibrebond,” Adams said. And Adams knows about those beginnings, as he has been with Fibrebond his entire professional career and calls the company a “family environment” full of “great, loving people.” To connect employees and offer them support, the company began exploring starting a chaplaincy program. “I was a part of the building engagement team, and we saw that creating a chaplaincy program could be a great way to live out our Christian values. We began researching what a program would entail and how to implement. We also met with many employees for their feedback. Then we presented our research to the executive team. The program has been well received and embraced by many,” Adams said. The program is very unique in that most companies don’t offer this level of support. “Many companies have employee assistance programs that offer support with an 800 number. Whereas we have individuals, that are ordained ministers, on-site that are here to help employees when they face life’s challenges. Knowing that they have this opportunity is something really special.” Listen to the full podcast as Durwin shares more stories about the chaplaincy program and what it’s brought to the employees and the community.