Andrew Ronning, Bloomington warehouse manager, celebrates 12 years on Bridging’s staff!
In 2011, Andrew Ronning was digging into his college Capstone project researching the impact of homelessness. Andrew heard about Bridging and decided to learn more. A Bridging tour sparked Andrew’s passion for the mission and his journey with the organization. He started as a warehouse volunteer, going above and beyond by donating 268 hours over three years. He joinedthe paid staff in Bloomington in 2013, first as a Warehouse and Delivery Team member, next as the assistant warehouse manager, and for the past five years, manager of Bridging’s Bloomington warehouse.
Andrew is a hardworking, respected leader with a can-do attitude. He’s a cornerstone of the Bridging team, putting people and the mission first. “Bridging is supportive of the needs of the community at large,” he says. “There’s a need for our services, for furniture. Bridging is a part of the solution. I feel confident about our work, and at the end of the day, what we do is important to me.”
Jen Nielsen, Director of Programs and Services,praises Andrew’s collaborative leadership.
“Andrew is a great leader because he listens. Rarely does Andrew make a top-down decision. He continually asks his team for input and factors their thoughts into his decisions. Andrew takes the time to think through the actions he takes and the decisions he makes. He also thinks about other people and how his actions will affect them. Andrew follows through on his commitments and makes sure things are done, and done well.”
Andrew’s biggest responsibility — and one of his favorites — is warehouse logistics. He ensures that the warehouse is functioning smoothly, from the big picture view of operations down to the details. He loves the active, hands-on nature of his role balanced with the office-based work.
Andrew makes sure there are enough people for Bridging’s fleet of trucks to make deliveries five days a week and that staff and volunteers are supported in their work. He leads the teams’ efforts to pay close attention to Bridging’s quality standard. As the warehouse manager, Andrew brings creativity, flexibility, and teamwork to new challenges that arise each day.
“There was a day when one of the trucks broke down as a team was out delivering furniture to homes. I called a different delivery team. We met the first team and transferred four furniture delivery’s worth of inventory from one truck to the other. We successfully delivered to each of the homes. Different versions of a new challenge pop up all the time. It’s not a surprise – it’s Tuesday. We problem solve through it and furnish homes.”
Director of Strategic Partnerships, the first Bridging staff member to meet Andrew, describes how his leadership has a ripple effect in the organization:
“Andrew is a terrific co-worker! I have truly enjoyed working with him over the last 12 years. I appreciate how he positively approaches each day, is interested in solving challenges, and taps into his strategic strengths. He has been a consistent force for good in the Bloomington warehouse!”
Andrew is committed to Bridging because he believes in the service model.
“We’re a furniture bank. People who have furniture they no longer need, donate it to people who need it — and keep stuff out of the landfill. A positive change is that we’re Serving More. Better Together. We’re expanding to meet the community need.”
Over the years, he has noticed changes in Bridging’s operations that have enhanced efficiency, quality standards, and safety.
“When I started, Bridging used to take most anything like 8’ tall by 6’ foot buffet made of marble and sleeper sofas,” he chuckles, “but no more! It’s not practical to bring furniture that large and heavy into people’s homes. The delivery team could get hurt moving it and the furniture won’t fit in hallways and smaller spaces. We’re saving time and effort. We clearly define the furnishings we take and have high quality standards. We want to ensure dignity for people who furnish their homes at Bridging.”
When Andrew reflects on his time at Bridging he fondly remembers Bridging’s founder Fran Heitzman, his vision, his kindness, and his love and trust of everyone around him.
“He was the heart and soul of this place. It’s hard to describe the care he had and how he projected this. He had faith in us, the staff and volunteers at Bridging. He talked to everyone around him and met everyone where they were at: A child who was three-years old, he talked to them on their terms. Someone with special needs, he asked what works for them. Young, old, different races, different countries and backgrounds, he let each person explain their story, and then just listened. He met them where they’re at. He modeled this.”
Andrew describes how he has developed faith in others during his journey at Bridging. “I’ve learned to depend on others. We all have our realms. I appreciate what others like and are willing to do. We can do it together.”
Andrew’s care for the Bridging team and the mission is appreciated by Bridging staff and volunteers.
Bloomington warehouse team members John Dorscher and Ambrocio Gomez have worked with Andrew for more than a decade. They know Andrew well and have seen his true nature year after year.
“Andrew genuinely cares about the team’s well-being. He is very thorough about anything he does and a good communicator. He is very approachable and easy to get along with – a great advocate for our clients and staff. He brings a different perspective about things. Very dedicated and a great person to work with,” says John, assistant warehouse manager.
Andrew’s trust in others, presence, and guidance have strengthened and mobilized the Bridging team, taken it to new levels of growth, and helped create a place that feels like family.
“Andrew has a passion, love, respect and care for everybody at Bridging: clients, volunteers, coworkers, and donors,” says Ambrocio. “He has always been positive, and I see how much he cares for our clients at Bridging. He also speaks and understands Espanol. I always told him, anytime you have a question, I am here to help you! The time we have worked together has inspired me to do better.”
Thank you, Andrew, for your incredible dedication to Bridging for 12 years and counting! We appreciate you!
