HWI is proud to announce Kathy Kropf, Customer Account Specialist, as the recipient of the 2026 Judy Pehle Award.
Presented annually, the Judy Pehle Award recognizes a Customer Service team member who demonstrates exceptional dedication to HWI, a commitment to helping colleagues and an unwavering focus on delivering outstanding service to customers.
The award honors the legacy of Judy Pehle, a former HWI employee who exemplified these values throughout her career. Judy was known for her dedication to customers and her willingness to share her knowledge, training and experience with countless Customer Service, Distribution Center and Sales team members.
This year’s recipient carries that same spirit of service.
46 Years of Experience Customers Can Count On
Kathy has dedicated an incredible 46 years to HWI, building deep knowledge of our products, systems and processes along the way. Throughout her career, she has become a trusted resource for both customers and colleagues—particularly when urgent or complex customer requirements arise.
Working on the Thermal side of the business often means responding quickly to changing customer needs. Kathy has consistently demonstrated the determination and expertise needed to find solutions and keep products moving to where they are needed.
Her extensive knowledge of HWI’s products and internal capabilities, combined with her commitment to solving problems, has made her a trusted partner to customers for decades.
That trust is reflected in the feedback she has received throughout her career. More than one customer has expressed the sentiment: “Whatever you do, don’t ever lose Kathy.”
Sharing Knowledge and Supporting Others
Kathy’s contributions extend beyond customer service. She has continually supported the people around her, volunteering her time and expertise whenever help is needed.
Whether helping implement a new system, supporting process improvements or training a new team member, Kathy is someone her colleagues know they can rely on. Her willingness to share her knowledge has helped strengthen the teams and processes she has been part of throughout her career.
Her commitment to customers, her colleagues and HWI embodies the values represented by the Judy Pehle Award.
Continuing a Legacy of Service
The recognition is particularly meaningful because Kathy’s career reflects many of the qualities that made Judy Pehle such an important part of HWI’s history.
Both women demonstrated that exceptional customer service is about more than solving a problem. It is about building trust, sharing knowledge, supporting your teammates and being there when customers need you most.
Congratulations to Kathy Kropf on receiving the 2026 Judy Pehle Award—and thank you for 46 years of outstanding service to HWI and our customers.
We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and the lasting impact Kathy has made throughout her career.
About HWI, A member of Calderys
HWI is one of the leading suppliers of refractory products and services in the United States, with a history that spans 160 years. It is part of Calderys and is the brand for the Americas region of the Group. HWI operates an extensive network of manufacturing sites and distribution centers across the Americas, along with the largest refractory industry research facility in North America. Serving virtually every major industry that requires refractory solutions to enhance production and protect assets, HWI is consistently recognized for its talented experts, industry firsts, and intensely driven excellence.
For more information, visit https://thinkhwi.com