Reynolds Lake Oconee is pleased to announce the recipients of its First Employee Awards for 2025. Catherine Lehrman, ESSĒ Restaurant Manager, has been named Leader of the Quarter. Logan Bryant, Rooms Coordinator for Guest Services, and Chris Reece, Forklift Operator at Great Waters Marina, have been named Employees of the Quarter.
Catherine, Restaurant Manager at ESSĒ, has been named the Leader of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2025. This honor is a testament to her outstanding contributions to the team and her role in upholding the high standards of service that define the Reynolds Lake Oconee experience.
Lehrman's journey to this recognition is a story of expertise and a passion for her craft. Before joining Reynolds over two years ago, she spent seven years honing her skills managing a sports bar. This experience, combined with her passion for the food and beverage industry, has been a driving force in her success.
Since her transfer to ESSĒ, the signature restaurant of The Landing community, Catherine has been instrumental in a new era for the venue. The restaurant, which was recently renovated, is a sophisticated space that celebrates food and gathering as the "essence of good living." With its airy, vaulted ceilings, a stunning central bar, and a veranda offering beautiful views of The Landing golf course, ESSĒ provides a relaxed yet refined dining experience. Catherine's leadership at this vibrant restaurant, which has already earned accolades like a Golden Fork Award, has been part of its success.
Catherine's colleagues praise her professionalism and her collaborative nature, with one noting that she is the "kind of leader others aspire to become." This reputation is earned through her consistent demonstration of the company’s Service Excellence standards and her willingness to lend a hand across different departments, reinforcing the idea that "teamwork makes the dream work." She finds inspiration in the culture of food and beverage at Reynolds, a place where her team's efforts are not just expected but genuinely valued and appreciated.
Beyond her work at ESSĒ, Catherine has diverse passions. She is a Level 1 Sommelier, and she plans to continue her education with hopes of being at level 2 soon. Catherine loves reading, growing her knowledge of wine and spirits through books, which reflects her skill in the beverage industry. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Alex, their son, Sean, and their Great Pyrenees, Quinn. Staying active is also a priority, as she frequents the gym and enjoys walking her dog.
Logan Bryant has been an integral part of the Reynolds Lake Oconee team for over a year, and in that relatively short time, she has made a big impact. When asked what she loves most about working at Reynolds, Logan shared, "What I love most about Reynolds is the relationships I’ve built—with both my coworkers and the members. There’s something special about being part of our guests’ favorite time of year when they visit, and I’m grateful to play a role in creating those lasting memories." Her genuine appreciation for these connections truly resonates, highlighting the welcoming and communal atmosphere she helps cultivate.
Logan's enthusiasm for her role is equally evident in her daily work. "I love how no day is ever quite the same," she stated. "The changing tasks keep me motivated and always learning." This adaptable and proactive approach ensures that every challenge is met with a positive outlook and a desire to excel, making her an invaluable asset in our dynamic environment.
Before joining Reynolds, Logan brought her diverse skill set from a different industry, having worked as an assistant project manager for a local roofing company. This background has equipped her with a robust foundation in organization, problem-solving, and attention to detail, all of which she now applies with great success in her current role.
Her journey into property management, where she plays a crucial role in our short-term rental program, was inspired by a mentorship. "I was extremely fortunate to be taken under the wing of Kaylee MacNeal in 2021, who introduced me to the wonderful career path of property management," Logan explained. "Through working with her, I discovered my passion for this career path. I'm incredibly grateful to be able to grow that passion here at Reynolds Lake Oconee." This dedication to continuous learning and her passion for her chosen field are inspiring and shine through in her excellent performance.
Outside of her professional life, Logan cherishes time with her loved ones. Her hobbies reflect a vibrant and active lifestyle, including fishing, thrilling rides on side-by-sides, enjoying home-cooked meals, and engaging in card games with her family and boyfriend. Coming from a large family, these gatherings are a cherished part of her life, providing a strong sense of community and joy. Her household is also brightened by her "two perfect dogs," Harley and Chunk, who are always ready for an adventure, whether it's a car ride or a boat excursion on the lake.
Logan truly embodies the spirit of excellence and commitment that defines Reynolds Lake Oconee. Her exceptional dedication, warm interpersonal skills, and proactive attitude not only elevate our operational standards but also enrich the lives of everyone she interacts with.
Chris Reece’s unwavering dedication and exceptional contributions have made a significant impact on the Great Waters marina operations and the overall member experience. Having over four years of experience, he is consistently going above and beyond in his role as a forklift operator. His commitment to excellence shines through in every aspect of his work.
Chris has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of the marina’s operations. He takes on additional responsibilities in inventory management, meticulously reconciling records and significantly improving operational flow. His attention to detail and initiative are truly commendable and have made a tangible difference to the team.
Beyond his impressive operational contributions, Chris is a master of building relationships. He’s known for developing outstanding rapport with both marina members and guests, creating a welcoming and positive environment that elevates Reynolds’ reputation and boosts customer satisfaction. His genuine interpersonal skills turn every interaction into a pleasant experience.
When he’s not expertly maneuvering boats or streamlining inventory, Chris enjoys the very essence of what makes Reynolds Lake Oconee special: being out on the lake and meeting new people. He loves sharing fishing stories and tips with members and, of course, the thrill of driving boats. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoys fishing and spending time outside with his kids, Dominic and Axle, and his girlfriend, Bobbie.
Chris’s desire for Reynolds to have a lasting career speaks volumes about his commitment to the organization and his dedication to its future. We are fortunate to have such a committed and talented individual like Chris Reece on our team.
