Today we hosted a special breakfast at our Head Office to celebrate a truly remarkable milestone. After more than 40 years with the company, Johnny, one of our longest standing team members, is officially heading into retirement.
Johnny has been with us since the very beginning. For over four decades he has been a constant in our lab, delivering quality work with the kind of loyalty, commitment and dedication that is rare to find. Simply put, Johnny has been part of the backbone of this company for longer than some of our team members have been alive.
During the breakfast, our director Mr Kerstien Gabarretta shared a few words that captured the moment perfectly. As he reminded everyone, "Johnny has been with this company for over 40 years. That is not just a number. That is four plus decades of commitment, loyalty and quiet strength." He also reflected on the kind of person Johnny has always been within the company, describing him as "steady, dependable and principled", someone whose presence has been a constant even as the world and the company changed around him.
One of the most meaningful lines of the speech summed up Johnny’s character perfectly: "Johnny is the definition of hard work. He never looked for recognition, never asked for praise, and yet he earned the respect of everyone around him." Mr Gabarretta also highlighted a powerful lesson Johnny has shown through his years with the company: "He showed us that you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room to make the greatest impact." A simple but powerful reminder of how integrity, dedication and consistency often speak louder than words.
The morning had a bit of everything. Coffee, cake, gifts, laughter and yes, a few tears as well. The team came prepared with Johnny masks, which made for some very entertaining photos and ensured that, for at least one morning, Jonny was everywhere in the building. Of course, no farewell would be complete without the right retirement gear. Jonny received some top notch new fishing equipment, perfectly suited for his favourite hobby. We suspect the fish around Malta might want to start watching their backs. Mr Gabarretta also reminded us that Johnny’s influence goes far beyond the lab: "Your years here have helped shape this company into what it is today. Your fingerprints are on its growth, its culture and its success."
While the month of March marks the end of Johnny’s daily routine with us, we have a feeling this is not really goodbye. Knowing Jonny, we are sure we will keep bumping into him around the island. Whether it is by the coast testing out that new fishing gear, or popping by the office for a chat and a coffee.
After so many years, places become part of your life. And we are quite certain that while we will miss Johnny, he might just miss us a little too. Johnny, thank you for everything you have given to this company and to the people around you. Your work ethic, your loyalty and your calm way of always being there for others have set an example for all of us. As Mr Gabarretta concluded in his speech, "You will always be part of this company’s family."
Enjoy this next chapter, keep being awesome, and most importantly...
Happy retirement, Johnny.
